Cornell Dubilier vs. SoZo Silver Mica Comparison Clips

[Winder]

In thread discussing the SoZo Silver Mica caps, Mark suggested an A/B comparison. Here's an attempted "A/B" of sorts between a 500pF CDE/CDM Silver Mica Treble tone cap and a 500pF/1000V SoZo Silver Mica Treble tone cap. These were not recorded with the exact/identicle setup as the mics had moved and I didn't take notes on the clean setting on the guitar. Tried to get the mics close, though it sounds like they may have been just a touch further from the grill for the SoZos. The CDEs were recorded two or three weeks ago and the SoZo's today. That said, it may provide some insight.

Les Paul into TW Express and a circa 1980 Marshall slant with original G12-65 speakers. All knobs on the Express at 12:00 ... volume maybe just a hair past 12:00. Bright switch to 500pF. Dry - No effects.

The mic levels are the same for the clean and distorted tones, so the clean could have a bit more pop/punch if I increased the pre input. I'm no sound engineer for sure. For the cleans it's the neck pickup with the volume in the 3 to 5 range and the tone about the same. For the distorted tones, just flip to the bridge with the volume backed off a tad (just about 9.6) and the tone full open.

After doing this, I'm not sure I don't like the original a little better ... but, I think the articulation with the SoZo is there and it might just be a tweak of the treble knob or slightly longer cord to bring it in line.

Wreck Clean 500V/500pF CDE/CDM Treble Tone Cap
Wreck Clean 1000V/500pF SoZo Treble Tone Cap
Wreck Dirty 500V/500pF CDE/CDM Treble Tone Cap
Wreck Dirty 1000V/500pF SoZo Treble Tone Cap

[RockinRocket]

Cool thanks for the demo and taking the time from are busy lives to do this.

I head a difference and is what I would expect from a higher voltage rated cap. Cleaner and clearer.

Would have been nice if the clips were the same, especially a recorded track into the front end for both to capture the same nuances in the hand.

Cleans sounded cleaner I thought and sounded nicer. However I liked the grittiness of the 500v cap better on the dirty.

[Winder]

Thanks. Difference is subtle, I think. So you feel it's more the rating ... and I assume thereby the build/dimensions of the cap that make the difference? Was thinking it must have some impact.

[Roe]

Thanks for the clips. I still got your pickups in my SG

[Winder]

You're welcome, Roe. Glad to hear the pickups are still in place.

[Roe]

yes, they sound real good.

[Mark]

Yes, thanks for taking time to make the audio clips, I appreciate that.

The Mallory cap sounded brighter to me, the SoZo cap was less bright and sounded quite nice. The more I listen to the recordings the more I think the tones are subjective.

It makes me wonder what the SoZo 500pF cap would sound like is a Rocket as it can be quite bright sounding.

I wonder if Ken would have used these mica caps if we're alive today?

[Winder]

The 500pF SoZo are HUGE. I bought more CDE caps last week, this time focusing on the larger size (CD19) and non-ROHS compliant since I don't think ROHS was a thing back then. I'm wondering if size does make a difference (badump bump). The CDE/CD19 500pF is substantially bigger than the CD18, but not as big as the SoZo. The CD19 seems to resemble those in the Francesca and other pictures. I can't believe I'm actually getting this far into the weeds, but it's become sort of an obsession trying to squeeze the last bit of blood out of the rock.

I do agree though that it's subjective. I like a fair amount of top end and cut ... not harsh (to my ears at least), but I want some edge on the wound strings and the Express delivers. Others might call it "ice picky" or too bright/harsh. Difficult to truly question what others hear as good or bad.

[Mark]

That is all good work, I think you find yourself looking at the little things once all the big stuff has been done.

I'll have to check the 500pF cap in my Rocket clone.

[Ang3lus]

i really hoped the sozos woulden't sound better to me, but they do

what positions are they most recommended for ? bright cap and tone stack ?

[Mark]

I'd imagine the tone stack and across the 470K resistor.

[RockinRocket]

The CDE/CD19 500pF is substantially bigger than the CD18, but not as big as the SoZo. The CD19 seems to resemble those in the Francesca and other pictures.

What color CD19 did you get? you think you got it bad!
Yellow, black, maroon?

[Winder]

The CDE/CD19 500pF is substantially bigger than the CD18, but not as big as the SoZo. The CD19 seems to resemble those in the Francesca and other pictures.

What color CD19 did you get? you think you got it bad!
Yellow, black, maroon?

Maroon ... and yes, I do wonder if there's a difference.

BTW, that was CD15 (not CD18). I have the CD19 in the tone stack right now. I'd say closer to the SoZo than the CD15. Maybe size is a factor?

[Mark]

Has anyone tried the silver mica cap with the higher voltage rating versus the SoZo cap?

I haven't seen the higher voltage SilverMica caps for sale, does anyone have a link to them?

[martin manning]

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Co ... p%252bI%3d