What brands of caps do you use? Panasonic and AVX no more.

[chi_boy]

When I started sourcing my own parts I researched and decided on Panasonic's for general circuits and AVX's for higher fidelity builds.  I never did comparisons, but was never disappointed with the results either.

Now both of those manufactures have discontinued the products I used.

I don't want to re-open any debates about materials or who or what is better.  I'm just looking for replacement brands for some good all-around caps.   Are any of the caps at Mouser really bad for pedal use, or are they all about the same?  Are any better than others for pedals?  I'm particularly curious about the Epcos caps.  It looks like they are a lot like the AVX's, from what I can read.

For the record, buying caps is the worst part of any order for me.  Too many choices and too many opinions.

Thanks,
George

[John Lyons]

Smallbear's topmay caps are VERY close to the red panasonics.
They don't have all the values now but most likely will since panasonic
caps are drying up.

[jasperoosthoek]

I use the ones I have at hand.

[jkokura]

I generally get the Topmay Box caps, but not for the reasons John suggested (although they're good reasons)

When you buy them in bulk from Smallbear they're cheaper than any others I've found. They start at 10 cents a piece and can get down to 8 cents a piece if you buy enough. Even the higher values can be 14 cents a piece. I haven't found any 1uF film caps anywhere for close to the 14 cents a piece you can get at smallbear. Haven't looked recently, but I also have a butt load of Topmay 1uF Film caps from smallbear so I haven't needed to...

Jacob

[chi_boy]

I generally get the Topmay Box caps, but not for the reasons John suggested (although they're good reasons)

When you buy them in bulk from Smallbear they're cheaper than any others I've found. They start at 10 cents a piece and can get down to 8 cents a piece if you buy enough. Even the higher values can be 14 cents a piece. I haven't found any 1uF film caps anywhere for close to the 14 cents a piece you can get at smallbear. Haven't looked recently, but I also have a butt load of Topmay 1uF Film caps from smallbear so I haven't needed to...

Jacob

Buying 100 of a single size is a big commitment for the casual builder.  I like to buy extra but usually 25 or so.

I've read that the Epcos at Mouser have a good reputation too and are comperable to Wima's for some people.  I'll probably just order some and try them.  They can be had for $0.07 for qty of 25.

[Taylor]

I have used Epcos, Wimas, AVX, Kemet, Topmay. Previously I didn't answer this topic because you said you didn't want to reopen the debate, but I'll just say that I don't hear a difference at all between film caps of the same actual value. Better tolerance is better, but IMO the only difference between brands is what color rectangles you like.  Just my opinion, as always.

[chi_boy]

I have used Epcos, Wimas, AVX, Kemet, Topmay. Previously I didn't answer this topic because you said you didn't want to reopen the debate, but I'll just say that I don't hear a difference at all between film caps of the same actual value. Better tolerance is better, but IMO the only difference between brands is what color rectangles you like.  Just my opinion, as always.

Yes, this is a really bad topic to post, but I haven't seen any debates about brands. Only materials.

I would rather have read through other posts, but I just haven't seen too much conversation about the fall of the Panasonic and AVX lines. 

[EATyourGuitar]

if you like panasonic, then just grab 100 of them now. the'll be around for a few months. if you know where to go and you buy in bulk, you can get them $0.03

[StereoKills]

I have used Epcos, Wimas, AVX, Kemet, Topmay. Previously I didn't answer this topic because you said you didn't want to reopen the debate, but I'll just say that I don't hear a difference at all between film caps of the same actual value. Better tolerance is better, but IMO the only difference between brands is what color rectangles you like.  Just my opinion, as always.

I have been very happy with Epcos and they are one of the better priced brands at Mouser.

[jcwillow777]

I generally get the Topmay Box caps, but not for the reasons John suggested (although they're good reasons)

When you buy them in bulk from Smallbear they're cheaper than any others I've found. They start at 10 cents a piece and can get down to 8 cents a piece if you buy enough. Even the higher values can be 14 cents a piece. I haven't found any 1uF film caps anywhere for close to the 14 cents a piece you can get at smallbear. Haven't looked recently, but I also have a butt load of Topmay 1uF Film caps from smallbear so I haven't needed to...

Jacob

I have a question on these. I like the Panasonic 1uF, I like the longer leads. I bought some from SB, don't remember the brand, but they were gray boxes and short leads. Do the Topmay have long leads like the Panasonic? I ask because sometimes I have had to bend leads to make them fit and the gray box ? 1uF caps I got from SM wouldn't work. The leads were just too short.

[jkokura]

The ones I have a grey boxes and they have long leads. Not the longest, but longer than any I've seen on a box cap.

Jacob