Parafeed Capacitor Size

Different folks have there own favorite methods for determining the value of the parafeed capacitor. I have not seen a procedure that works well in all cases. I would guess that things vary a lot with different iron and glass. There are several formulae to calculate the value for the parafeed capacitor but they give different results by as much as an order of magnitude so I
don't trust any of them. The only way I have found is to determine the value empirically. That is, measure different values.

 I have had good experiences with a combination of measuring the frequency response and listening. The good news is that there seems to be some correlation between what sounds good and what looks reasonable from a measurement standpoint.

If the capacitor is too small the bass will roll off and not be as deep as otherwise. If the capacitor is too large there will be a hump in the low frequency and the bass will not be as tight as otherwise.

 Measuring is easy – just measure the frequency response below 20Hz. You want extended bass with a smooth roll off. If the capacitor is too small, the response will roll off early, like starting at 40 or 50 Hz. As the size of the capacitor is increased, the start of the roll off will lower in frequency perhaps starting at 20Hz. As you further increase the size of the capacitor a hump
will appear below 10 Hz. This hump will increase in amplitude as the size of the capacitor is increased. It may be at a very low frequency, like 3Hz so you have to measure all the way down.  The correct value to use is just when the hump just starts to develop.

 The test doesn't have to be expensive – use generic film and foil caps for your measurement and then when you determine the correct value buy an expensive cap of your choice. The brand of capacitor absolutely affects the sound but there is no "best," only what you like best. By the way, I like Kimber Kaps, which are relatively inexpensive, so I would suggest including them in your list of candidates. AuriCaps are a little better and a little more expensive. My current favorite is the Cardas, which are even more expensive.