c4 and c5 tantalums

[chriscavell]

First of four A12's went almost perfect...until i spotted one of these (C4/C5 tant caps) backwards prior to applying power. And now I'm one short for an A12 yet to be built.

My question is simply: is there anything wrong with using an electrolytic here (because i have a few of identical value laying around here)? Is it tantalum on the BoM b/c of the potential temperatures (especially if something's hooked up backwards)?

I don't really foresee the electrolytics here having any real impact on the sound, especially with the really excellent PS03 (wish my lunchboxes had psu's this nice!)...but if that's a concern please clue me in.

Thanks.

[tpryan]

The tantalums are specified because of their good high frequency characteristics. If you substitute an aluminum electrolytic and experience oscillation, add a ceramic in parallel with the electrolytic.

[chriscavell]

Thanks Tim. So far so good, no oscillations within the audible range...i'll have to scope it out to see if there's anything going on higher with large enough Vpp to warrant concern. If there is, i'm assuming a very small value cap in parallel will do the trick, like a 0.01uF or even smaller ceramic?

I think that value would put me beyond the highest frequencies any A/D could be called upon to reliably sample...but it's been a long time since I studied up on what never really became more than a hobby.