SoZo Amplification

SoZo Capacitors Product Guide

A capacitor is the arrangement of two
conductors separated by an electric insulator called the dielectric. An electric charge is deposited on one of the conductors inducing an equal charge of the opposite polarity on the other conductor; as a result an electric field exists between the conductor surfaces. The quantity of charge stored on each of these conductors is proportional to their surface areas and the distance between the surfaces, usually resulting from the thickness of the dielectric. The dielectric can be vacuum, air, paper/oil, glass, ceramic, ceramic corrosion layers on metal (electrolytic capacitors) and plastic films.

Each material will interact differently with the conductors because of their dielectric constant (a measure of the extent to which the insulating material's surface interacts with the electric field set up between the charged plates). These factors and elements were considered in the building of this capacitor however, as in the original, Polyester film was chosen because of its deeper tonal qualities and the performance exceeded our objective. On a typical film capacitor the conductors are usually a metalized material bonded to the dielectric by means of vacuum impregnation. Better quality capacitors incorporate metal foils such as aluminum, tin, copper or even silver.

The conducting material influences how the capacitor responds due to each metal’s resistive properties. Different metals were considered in the construction of this capacitor. The intention was to exactly recreate the capacitor’s original sound and performance; therefore aluminum foil was chosen. Other variables in building the capacitors which do not affect the measurable capacitive value, but influenced the behavior of the capacitor are the lead wires and the dimensional proportions of the cap.

The leads on our capacitor are a superior tin coated pure copper lead style, which aid in replicating the sound we strove to reproduce. They are not the cheaper copper clad steel which deliver only 30% of pure coppers conductivity. We found the length of the capacitor in reference to the diameter participates in the behavior of the frequencies and current delivery rate of the capacitor (called its slew rate). Keeping the same dimensions dramatically changed the sound and the capacitor was again made true to the original. The result is the audio signal leaves the capacitor at the same rate as the original retaining its performance. It will take up to 100 hours of break in for the capacitor to operate to its full potential. The dielectric will polarize and develop a pattern creating a clearer, full frequency sound.

How does this translate into sound? We are of the opinion that this is a successful recreation of the original and a superbly built and sounding capacitor. When one considers the audio signal passes through as many as ten capacitors before exiting the amplifier, you can see how these components play an extremely large role in the tone of the amplifier. We here at SoZo Amplification are entirely satisfied with the product and sincerely hope you will be also. As a Safety Precaution; Due to the dangerously high voltage in tube amplifiers, please have a qualified technician install these parts. This will ensure not only your safety but full performance of your amplifier.

All capacitors meet MIL-STD. 202 C, Method 103 B.

All capacitors ± 5% tolerance

Some Vintage Neve and Marshall Boards using original Mustards.

Disclaimer, SoZo Amplification is not affiliated with Neve™,Mullard™,Vox™, Iskra™, Marshall™, Epoxy™, HiWatt™, or the EPA! Please allow several weeks for delivery with regular ground shipping and current demand. SoZo Amplification reserves the right to decline orders based on misrepresentation or mishandling of the product. SoZo Amplification is not responsible for any damage resulting from unqualified usage of the product.