Output coupling capacitors

[3602]

I was wondering, if I replace 220 µF couplers with 470 µF or even 1000 µF caps, what is going to happen to the sound? If I am correct, bass depth will improve when using low-impedance headphones, right? But what will happen to the rest of the sound? Will treble response decrease? Will there be transient currents when powering on/off due to the increased capacity?

Thank you all!

[CrowdAds]

[saratoga]

Depends on the specific design of your device, but generally too small output coupling capacitors can at as a high pass filter. I wouldn't bother though unless you've already established that they're a problem.

[3602]

Output capacitors are a problem due to the decreased bass depth. You don't even need to listen, just graph a FR spec loaded at 8, 16 and 32 ohms.

As I can't exact swap the S-Master chip for an MAX9722, at least I can augment the capacity of the couplers. But what adverse effects will this cause...

[saratoga]

Originally Posted by 3602

Output capacitors are a problem due to the decreased bass depth.

No, they can be. If they actually are depends on the circuit they're used in. As I said, this is not something worth considering until you've established that they are.

Originally Posted by 3602

As I can't exact swap the S-Master chip for an MAX9722, at least I can augment the capacity of the couplers. But what adverse effects will this cause...

What are you talking about?

[The DarkSide]

Sounds like he plans on modding a Sony mp3 player,...

[3602]

Originally Posted by saratoga

No, they can be. If they actually are depends on the circuit they're used in. As I said, this is not something worth considering until you've established that they are.

Ladies and gentlemen: Problem.
(Source: Maxim-IC)
Output capacitors cause bass roll-off when driving light impedances. Pure and simple.
http://rmaa.elektrokrishna.com/Compa...2016%20Ohm.htm

[saratoga]

Which of those cowon players are you trying to modify?

[3602]

I'm not trying to modify anything yet. I just wanted to know what bad things would happen if I am to replace 220 µF couplers with 1000 µF ones. I even have a pair of 4700 µF power reservoirs. If nothing bad would happen (I am anticipating treble roll-off and large amounts of transient currents upon shut-down) then I can start swapping caps.

[saratoga]

Originally Posted by 3602

I'm not trying to modify anything yet. I just wanted to know what bad things would happen if I am to replace 220 µF couplers with 1000 µF ones.

Since you still haven't said what you're trying to modify, I don't see how you can expect an answer to that question

[3602]

Marantz PCD520. Ring a bell? Don't think so.

EDIT: You know, I've seen $800 players with 100 µF coupling caps. Which is incredible, really, since the cheap Clip+ is directly coupled.

Again I pose this question: Will increasing coupling capacitor size (capacity) bring adverse effects to sound? Will increasing coupling capacitor size (capacity) cause large transient currents (released from these caps) upon shut-down? This is not player-dependent as I have seen others replace 100 µF caps with 4700 µF ones on sound-cards.

EDIT II:You know what? Thank you for your help. I am now directing this question to experts.

[saratoga]

Originally Posted by 3602

Again I pose this question: Will increasing coupling capacitor size (capacity) bring adverse effects to sound?

It depends on the specific device. If its literally just a coupling capacitor, I think most likely it won't do anything, unless the device wasn't well designed, in which case it might help. If its not just a coupling capacitor, and you swap it, you're on your own

Originally Posted by 3602

Will increasing coupling capacitor size (capacity) cause large transient currents (released from these caps) upon shut-down?

No, when power is disconnected, they're slowly discharge through whatever resistance is present in the circuit.

Originally Posted by 3602

This is not player-dependent as I have seen others replace 100 µF caps with 4700 µF ones on sound-cards.

Yes it is! Not all players even have coupling capacitors. Not all loads will roll off (since they have reactance of their own). That is why you need to actually measure the roll off and see if its a problem before blindly pulling parts out of a sound card.

[The DarkSide]

A "vintage" portable cd player,...how sweet,...

[sszorin]

Originally Posted by 3602

I was wondering, if I replace 220 µF couplers with 470 µF or even 1000 µF caps, what is going to happen to the sound? If I am correct, bass depth will improve when using low-impedance headphones, right? But what will happen to the rest of the sound? Will treble response decrease? Will there be transient currents when powering on/off due to the increased capacity?

Thank you all!

Don't ! I hope you did not swap capacitors. As far as I know the bigger value mF [no greek letters on keyboard] would give this vintage player a less dynamic , slower sound. If you did the swap, what was the result to your ears ?
Are you planning to keep this Marantz PCD-520 ?