Having experimented with various high-end capacitors in my audio journey, I want to share my experience comparing Miflex Copper Foil Capacitors with Jupiter Copper Foil Capacitors. Previously, I upgraded the coupling capacitors in my Decware Torii IV amplifier from Jupiter HT to Jupiter Copper capacitors. The Jupiter Coppers impressed me with a more neutral sonic profile, a solid soundstage, and enhanced resolution. Compared to the HT series, the Copper version offered a deeper and more refined mid-bass. However, in my specific setup, I felt the lower frequencies of the Jupiter Coppers, while deep, were a touch less articulate and slightly thick.
Seeking to refine the sound further and address a minor tendency towards darkness or thickness, I decided to explore Miflex Copper Foil Capacitors. When ordering the Miflex, I also slightly adjusted the capacitor value from 0.10uF to 0.082uF, anticipating a potential improvement. This value reduction, combined with the capacitor change, proved to be a beneficial move for my system’s sonic characteristics. The Miflex Copper capacitors surprised me by exceeding my expectations in terms of transparency and neutrality.
To my ears, Miflex capacitors seemed to “disappear” more sonically compared to the Jupiters. They effectively addressed a slight veil or density I perceived with the Jupiter Coppers, resulting in a clearer and more spacious presentation. To ensure a fair comparison, I rigorously burned-in the Miflex capacitors using a FryBaby2 burn-in device. This process significantly helped mitigate the initial harshness often associated with new components, allowing for a more accurate sonic evaluation. While extended burn-in within the amplifier is always beneficial, the FryBaby expedited the process, enabling me to assess their characteristics more quickly.
Immediately, the Miflex capacitors showcased a balanced, free-flowing, and fresh sound that alleviated any concerns about sonic compromises compared to the Jupiters. The soundstage expanded, becoming more spacious, yet retained a rich and engaging musicality.
Initially, the Jupiter Copper capacitors might have given a stronger impression of high resolution. However, as I spent more time listening, the Miflex revealed a resolution that was not only comprehensive across the entire frequency spectrum but also sounded more natural and “real.” The Miflex capacitors excelled in creating a more open sonic space, filled with nuanced detail and a captivating immediacy. Crucially, they avoided the hardness that can sometimes accompany highly resolving capacitors.
In terms of sonic signature, the Miflex Copper capacitors seemed to strike a balance reminiscent of Audyn Copper Max and Jupiter Coppers. After extended listening and system integration, I began to question if they were truly less resolving than the Jupiter Coppers. It became apparent that they present resolution in a different manner. The Jupiter Coppers, with their warmer and fuller character, particularly in the lower frequencies, might create a more immediately noticeable sense of resolution, especially in the midrange and upper frequencies.
However, my personal preference leans towards intricate detail and sonic complexity. I’ve learned to leverage fine detail to enhance clarity without introducing unwanted harshness – a common trade-off when aiming for “forgiveness” in audio systems. With the Miflex capacitors in place, I find myself completely satisfied with the level of detail retrieval, without yearning for more.
Furthermore, I experimented with Miflex Copper capacitors in my tweeter circuit. I used 0.22uF Miflex Coppers to “bypass” (or rather, enhance) existing 3.3uF Jupiter VT capacitors. This combination proved to be a synergistic complement to the Jupiter VTs, further refining the high-frequency performance.
Beyond coupling applications, I’ve also utilized 0.10uF and 0.022uF Miflex Copper capacitors in bypass configurations throughout my amplifier and preamplifier. Intrigued by their performance, I also tested Miflex Polypropylene/Copper Foil capacitors. My initial impressions were positive enough to forgo extensive A/B testing, simply appreciating the improvement over the previous components. These poly/copper Miflex capacitors remained in place, contributing a rich, open complexity and a well-balanced sound without any harshness. I intend to conduct a more analytical comparison of these in the future.
Additionally, I have experience with Miflex Aluminum/Oil capacitors. While I found them to be good and useful in certain applications, they didn’t captivate me to the same extent as the copper foil versions. It has been a while since I directly compared them, and I can’t precisely recall the specific reasons for my preference at this moment.
In conclusion, I am genuinely enthusiastic about the arrival of Miflex capacitors in the audiophile component landscape.
Edit: It’s worth noting a minor issue I encountered initially. With my first batch of Miflex Copper Oil capacitors, I experienced occasional minor leaks due to the internal heat within the amplifier. However, I successfully resolved this by thoroughly cleaning the capacitors with alcohol and applying Weldbond glue to reseal them. Recently, noticing a significant sale at Soniccraft, I’ve been stocking up on Miflex Copper Oils, indicating that my positive experience far outweighs this minor initial issue!
