capacitor dielectric bias

Its already being done -JBL does this in their Everest - so your too late with that patent filing :-)

ATB

Peter

Vandersteen, among others, also uses a DC bias on some of his crossover filter caps.

Here's a pic of the 5A crossover with its 27V. stack of 9-Volts.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/jeffreybehr/0%20Vandersteen%205as/Boardtop1_1280w.jpg
.

Biasing of electrolytics is even more critical than that of film. If not biased, they will distort. This has led to a bad reputation for electrolytics, one not deserved if they are actually treated properly.

I have only seen this phenomina with high capacity ceramic capacitors, not in electrolytics.

Liguy, it is very well known in electrolytics. If an electrolytic is used as a coupling cap, the cap must be biased with a DC voltage that is larger than the AC signal it is being used to couple. Electrolytics *really* don't like being reverse-biased, which would happen on part of the waveform if the first part of this statement is not realized.

Now in crossovers, 'non-polar' electrolytics have been used for years, but that technique produces distortion because of this bias issue. If they are to be used successfully in a crossover, the caps have to be biased with a battery. When this is done they easily operate with the performance of film caps.

Say what dude.

I don't understand the answer, either.
I'd like to see a sketch-o-matic with the dielectric bias clearly noted.

I was thinking along what may be a different line. I guess I'll draw what I want to do and 'think it thru'.

Magfan,

Have you experience with dc biased spkr cables as mentioned? I'm curious as I know Audioquest sell some but not found many others. I built biased interconnects, the improvement is significant. Also use a biased line between crossovers and panel/bass driver on ML Spire, again an improvement.
Re biased caps, it's an interesting thought though manufacture could be tricky and costly?
Regards
Ps

Yes, the AudioCrust cables are what gave me the idea. If it's good enough for cables, it's good enough for...........?

No experience with 'em, though, OR the biased speaker cables.

I'm thinking AC bias, but even at high frequencies, it could interact (modulate?) audio frequencies. DC bias strikes me as asymmetric. Unless you could work out a push/pull biwire situation.

Magfan,

Have you experience with dc biased spkr cables as mentioned? I'm curious as I know Audioquest sell some but not found many others. I built biased interconnects, the improvement is significant. Also use a biased line between crossovers and panel/bass driver on ML Spire, again an improvement.
Re biased caps, it's an interesting thought though manufacture could be tricky and costly?
Regards
Ps

Is there an echo in here??