M1 Mini Mega - Ceramic versus Electrolytic Vote-off


01: Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse - Sound 04

Version "A" = Electrolytic 
Version "B" = Ceramic

Votes: 24 total, draw.

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02: Streets of Rage 2 - Track 02

Version "A" = Ceramic
Version "B" = Electrolytic


Votes: 16 total, Ceramic won with 81%.

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03: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Track 0B

Version "A" = Ceramic
Version "B" = Electrolytic


Votes: 15 total, Electrolytic won with 73%.

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04: Thunder Force IV - Stage 8

Version "A" = Electrolytic
Version "B" = Ceramic


Votes 15 total, Ceramic won with 60%.

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05: Gunstar Hereos - Track 86

Version "A" = Electrolytic
Version "B" = Ceramic


Votes 12 total, Electrolytic won with 58%.

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Conclusions:

It seemed the input ceramics had no negative impact on the quality of audio. The differences came in the form of the 47uf output caps, where the "UKZ" Nichicons performed with slightly better tonal quality, while the "UUX" Nichicons provided slightly more bass. These differences though, were barely perceptible.

The ultimate conclusion however, is using quality X7R ceramic input caps for the 1uf and 10uF locations does not introduce perceptible issues. It is therefore advantageous to use ceramics on the inputs to reduce mod board footprint size.