Dampening Capacitors

[rollo]

  Well my little chickadees go get some TA 102 dampening material and a circle punch and put some on the top of ALL electrolytic caps. You will gain bloom, density of harmonic and timbre. You can use Dynamat or other materials however the TA- 102 or TA-32 from Japan works great. I got a sample from a dealer friend to try. You can find on Ebay if you like. You will be glad you did no downside. I am in 100%.

charles

[Folsom]

I've read about this. I just use capacitors that have anti-vibration technology

Although you can't get really large sizes, so there's always a place.

Do you think some would say it sounds too dead?

[rollo]

  When I damped power supply caps with Black Hole Pad no deadening at all. Actually sounded more alive and open. I remember hearing about removing the plastic covering to "naked" by a few exotic designers. Duelund uses the compressed paper surround.
Just tried a small dab of Mortite which is coming off very shortly due to its nature of drying sticking etc. I liked the result. Interesting and worth a try.


charles

[BobM]

try using the Moretite around the base of the cap where it joins to the board.

[jimbones]

Im thinking blu tack works better. i use it in my crossovers.

[Folsom]

Capacitors that get over 12v get excited physically. Under that nothing internally is causing it.

[rollo]

Capacitors that get over 12v get excited physically. Under that nothing internally is causing it.

  Good to know thank you.

charles

[P.I.]

try using the Moretite around the base of the cap where it joins to the board.

I use Aleen's Tacky Glue available at crafts stores like Hobby Lobby.  It always stays flexible and can be thickened into a putty with micro balloons from hobby shops. 

[rollo]

  BTW guys this tweak using the TA-102 material came from Joe Cohen of Prana Wire. CRAZY expensive wire which in my opinion is the best cable I EVER heard in my system, period end of story, I lust. Just too much money. I could not fathom the expense came real close though.


charles

[Response Audio]

This really depends on the capacitor. Be careful of caps from China as they will ofen have a smaller capacitor in a larger can.
Damping a capacitor is really just damping the can itself which is a good idea as the internals of the capacitor are not always touching the can. By placing some type of damping material on the can itself, you will prevent the can from ringing or vibrating.
If you doubt this technique,  you can easily test by using a stethoscope on the top of the can before and after applying damping material. Depending on the quality of the cap, you may or may not hear a difference..
I have a unique proprietary procedue that I have used in the past that I haven't used in a while due to the expense. 😉

[rollo]

This really depends on the capacitor. Be careful of caps from China as they will ofen have a smaller capacitor in a larger can.
Damping a capacitor is really just damping the can itself which is a good idea as the internals of the capacitor are not always touching the can. By placing some type of damping material on the can itself, you will prevent the can from ringing or vibrating.
If you doubt this technique,  you can easily test by using a stethoscope on the top of the can before and after applying damping material. Depending on the quality of the cap, you may or may not hear a difference..
I have a unique proprietary procedue that I have used in the past that I haven't used in a while due to the expense. 😉

   Informative response thank you Bill. I performed the tweak on my Lamm Ref preamp power supply. I was taken back by the result. More information in a more focused way. Next up the DAC , and music server. Guys this tweak is worth its weight in gold. Do it.

charles

[S Clark]

Has anyone used Plasticene?  I've used many pounds of the stuff in turntable plinths to good effects over the years?