Capacitors for speaker crossovers

[mylesparlee1]

I am building simple crossovers for the speaker system I’m putting together and the speaker maker recommended 0.5 uF capacitors. I have no technical knowledge so I am trying to determine the exact specs. besides the uF size.

[Karl_1696]

Hello, take a look at this link. This will be a good starting point.

General Capacitor Specification

Voltage Ratings A capacitor’s voltage rating is an indication of the maximum voltage that should be applied to the device. The context of the rating is significant; in some instances it may indicate a maximum safe working voltage, in others it may be more akin to a semiconductor’s “absolute maximum” rating, to which an appropriate de-rating factor should be applied. Tolerance A capacitor’s tolerance describes the limits of deviation from nominal capacitance value that a device should be expec…

[mylesparlee1]

Thank you Karl. Much appreciated!

Myles

[mylesparlee1]

Karl, would it be safe to assume that since these capacitors will be used for speaker crossovers (i.e. low voltage & other minimum service limitations) that I should have a lot of flexibility in what I choose?

[David_1768]

mylesparlee1,
Different types of capacitors will have different effects in the crossover circuit. Best is to find some design examples, and use that as a plan, of the capacitors to use. As mentioned earlier, you will have to know what max voltage you will be dealing with, with your power ratings, and purchase capacitors rated at a higher voltage. Maybe one of the engineers on the TechForum can add to this post.

[mylesparlee1]

Thank you David.

[Ryan_2724]

Hi @mylesparlee1 ,

Thanks for your inquiry. Film might be a good choice.

Click here for another great resource regarding Capacitors.

Below are some capacitor options that might be what you need, please review datasheet specifications:
Click here for 338-3441-ND | P12250-ND | 399-F43MN3500ZA01K-ND

Non-polarized/bipolar electrolytics are far more rare, and these would need to be on the pre-amp side (not at the speaker) since they have very low current rating. Click here for 493-10845-1-ND | 493-12708-1-ND | 493-12735-1-ND | 493-14986-ND

[mylesparlee1]

Thank you Ryan.

[mylesparlee1]

Good afternoon David. I am hoping you can help with this. I am not able to source out .6 mH crossover coils on Digi-Key. Is it possible they aren’t available?

Thanks,
Myles