Alternatives to Discontinued Elna and Nichicon Capacitors

With many of the familiar Elna and Nichicon audio-grade electrolytics now discontinued, finding suitable replacements has become increasingly difficult. Audio Note’s three ranges are worth considering, with options covering both low- and high-voltage applications.

Audio Note Standard are the straightforward starting point, particularly for power-supply and general replacement work. Seiryu offer a wider choice of polar and non-polar values at a sensible price, making them a useful alternative for many of the positions previously filled by Elna and Nichicon parts.

At the top of the range are Audio Note Kaisei. They use copper connecting tags and are intended for more demanding applications where component quality is a priority.

They are not automatic drop-in replacements, so capacitance, voltage, polarity, dimensions and lead spacing should always be checked. However, between the Standard, Seiryu and Kaisei ranges, Audio Note now covers many of the values needed for amplifier repairs, upgrades and new builds.