newbie question on cap change

[bunch62]

when changing caps what is the advantage of using a higher rated capacity replacement

[wooferdog]

I think you just answered your question,you always want the best quality low resistance cap. Higher rating, the more reserve the cap has. Just don't go overboard they still have to fit the space in the amp.

[bunch62]

thanks wooferdog, im not an electronics person so i was hoping to find out an explanation of what they are used for and the advantage of using higher capacity, like when you say more reserve, reserve to do what and how.

[wooferdog]

The reserve is like the capacity it has to store more useable power. I'm sure you are familiar with the big stiffening caps that come in farads. The bigger the more watts they can keep up with for a short burst of power to keep the amp output from sagging from low voltage. A lot of small caps is usually better to keep the internal resistance on the low side. Just an example here - you could take 1 big 1 farad cap and then take a bag load of small caps that add up to 1 farad and the small caps with the low internal resistance will out perform the big single cap.

[bunch62]

thanks again its good to know why things are done