Subwoofer capacitors

[Cyber-Mav]

So opened up my old philips woox subwoofer to sort out a dodgey audio socket connector and managed to fix that but also noticed some gunk on top of one capacitor. Im guessing its leaked out the good stuff so may give issues in long term.

Was wondering if i should replace the one cap or also the one next to it which doesnt seem to have leaked yet.
Also need recommendations for what type of cap to replace it with and brand and where to get from too if someone knows.
Not sure if i need to get onto some specialist electronic repairs forum or if info from here will be enough.

 

[Vince]

Standard Electrolyric leak, its super acidic stuff so personally i would replace them both as well as any supporting caps (pic of the whole pcb would help) - get some Rubicon/Panasonic/Nichicon 4700uf 63v caps and go at it.

I've also used JB caps and they always stack up pretty well in terms of ESR etc on my tester.

I wouldn't think there is any need to go hunting on specialist electronics sites just look for audio grade caps of which most of this sort of voltage/capacitance would absolutely be.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Are the leaking caps part of the power stage or sound stage?

 

[Vince]

Are the leaking caps part of the power stage or sound stage?

I'd imagine they aren't running anywhere near 63v can't be 100% sure but at a guess they are on the sound side. A better pic of the whole pcb would help.

SK (Seika) - a chinese brand aren't exactly known for quality caps...

 

[Cyber-Mav]

This is only other pic i took while i was in there

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Also looking at caps price of 100v seem cheaper than 63v im guessing its ok to use higher voltage ones?
Is there any leeway with capacitance? Assuming i cant go lower than stock 4700uf but can i go higher?

 

[Vince]

Also looking at caps price of 100v seem cheaper than 63v im guessing its ok to use higher voltage ones?
Is there any leeway with capacitance? Assuming i cant go lower than stock 4700uf but can i go higher?

Try and match capacitance best as possible, Higher voltage is 100% fine. I do know that slight variation is generally OK with capacitance for example people supply 1000uf instead of 820uf for GameGear power boards and that's generally fine. Looking at that they are probably power related given the components close by.

 

[Rroff]

Panasonic FC if there is one in correct spec unless you want to spend a little more for a Nichicon audio capacitor. Cornell Dubilier are also a good choice.

I've not looked at the image in depth to see where it is in the circuit - if it is power filtering the Panasonic FM is a better choice but they are less ideal than the FC if near the signal path for some reason.

EDIT: I wouldn’t bother with an "audio" grade capacitor if it is in the power supply side of things.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Cool, looks like a pair of correct size rubycons from ebay will come to £2.50p delivered. Thats decent.

Are these likley to be through hole or snap in type?

 

[lord filbuster]

Cool, looks like a pair of correct size rubycons from ebay will come to £2.50p delivered. Thats decent.

Are these likley to be through hole or snap in type?

Through hole probably, shouldn't matter either way as long as the pin pitch is similar enough.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Never heard of Cornell-Dubilier, is that cheapo china brand?

 

[Rroff]

Never heard of Cornell-Dubilier, is that cheapo china brand?

No - AFAIK originally a US brand - they are similar quality to Panasonic.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Hmm found the caps on alixpress for 50p each thats much cheaper than ebay but longer wait time but delivery is free.

 

[lord filbuster]

Hmm found the caps on alixpress for 50p each thats much cheaper than ebay but longer wait time but delivery is free.

Likely fake or salvaged if they are branded ones at that price I'd have thought. No name caps are probably ok, but there's a reason that they have a reputation for failing early or leaking.
Not worth it to save £1.5.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Yep will avoid ali. May check out mouser or rs components. Im sure the ones they supply will be guaranteed genuine

 

[Rroff]

Yep will avoid ali. May check out mouser or rs components. Im sure the ones they supply will be guaranteed genuine

Places like Mouser or RS will likely have a minimum order quantity of at least 5, often 10 - and you need to order like 50 to get the best price per unit.

 

[hornetstinger]

Another option to save money on a capacitor is just buy a new subwoofer

JL Audio Gotham V2 - g213v2 - Home Audio Subwoofer

The JL Audio Gotham v2 - Home Audio Subwoofer combines a state-of-the-art JL Audio subwoofer driver and electronics/amplifier package within a highly optimized enclosure to deliver an exceptional listening experience in your Home Theater or Home Audio System.

studioincar.co.uk

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Another option to save money on a capacitor is just buy a new subwoofer

JL Audio Gotham V2 - g213v2 - Home Audio Subwoofer

The JL Audio Gotham v2 - Home Audio Subwoofer combines a state-of-the-art JL Audio subwoofer driver and electronics/amplifier package within a highly optimized enclosure to deliver an exceptional listening experience in your Home Theater or Home Audio System.

studioincar.co.uk

yea thats not gonna happen. nearly 19 grand of daylight robbery.

 

[AtaRo]

Looks like just a dried up glue, just like the glue on top of the small caps on your 2nd pic that has dried up.
The caps most like is on the power rail as it is beside a bridge rectifier, these caps can get hot and prolly slowly cook the glue on top of it.
The cap vent looks like intact and is not bulging so leaking is unlikely.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Ahh i didnt think it was glue since the cap next to it doesnt have any on top. And yea i dont seen any bulging of the cap so found it odd that it may have vented and still be flat. Will hold off on replacing it then. Thanks for the input.