AR3a improved Xover capacitors

[Gary G]

Hi all

I am new to this forum,but not to AR speakers,however,I have done many foam surround replacements but never changed any caps.

I want to replace the caps in my 3a improved (I have 3 pairs)

reading this forum seams to recomend jensen caps.

I was wondering which type to use?they list 'copper foil/silver lead' or 'alluminium foil/tinned copper lead'

Also would there be any benefit in replacing the resistors?

any help much appreciated

Gary

[KlausDK]

Also would there be any benefit in replacing the resistors?

any help much appreciated

Gary

All components the signal passes through will influence sound, I would (and have on my own) replace R2 (1 Ohm) to a MOX (Metal OXide) type resistor, sounds much better to my ear, than the standard wire wound used by AR.

http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/IP.Boar...-1204644282.jpg

If you use the B posistion on the switch, I would replace R4 as well, but the A position sounds far better to my ears.

BRgds Klaus

[Gary G]

[Hi and thanks for the response

I have been looking at polypropylene caps

first of all I don't seem to be able to find anything in 150uf (c1)

secondly,finding a 6uf (c5) cap is difficult,I can find 5.8uf or 6.5uf. does this matter?

does anyone know where there is a bigger range?

is there a particular place I should be looking at?

I have looked at;cricklewood electronics,wilmslow audio,RS,maplin etc

Gary

[JKent]

I have been looking at polypropylene caps

first of all I don't seem to be able to find anything in 150uf (c1)

secondly,finding a 6uf (c5) cap is difficult,I can find 5.8uf or 6.5uf. does this matter?

does anyone know where there is a bigger range?

Welcome Gary!

Madisound has Solens in 150uF and 6uF

http://www.madisound.com/manufacturers/solen/fastcaps.php

5.8 and 6.5 are fine. A 10% difference in value is insignificant.

Based on where you are looking, I assume you are in the UK. Don't know where you can find them on your side of the pond but Solens are made in France so they should be available. A quick google search turned up this seller:

http://www.audioloudspeakers.co.uk/falcon_capacitors.shtml

If you can't find 150uF you can build an equivalent by wiring a 100 and a 50 (or 3 50s or whatever) in parallel.

Good luck!

Kent

[genek]

I've split the thread at the point where the discussion drifted from recommendations specific to the AR-3a to a more general exchange. This part remains open for anyone who wants to continue a discussion specific to recommendations for the AR-3a crossover. For the general discussion on speaker designs, go to The Kitchen.