Paul' capacitor FAQ

[Tom May]

Paul Schreiber <synth1 at airmail.net> writes:

> OK, here is the first stab at a capacitor FAQ.

Yes!

[...]

> AUDIO COUPLING CAPS
> 
> Used to AC couple an audio input. Use 0.47mfd metallized polyester

[...]

> Q: What about Mylar?
> A: Mylar, also called polyester, is to be AVOIDED!! Mylar is popular
> for ONE REASON: PRICE. They are not suitable for serious audio work.

Is that correct, "metallized polyester" is ok but "polyester" (aka
"mylar") is not?  Or is it a mistake?  And is "metallized
polypropylene" different from plain "polypropylene"?

A few more things that somebody who knows what they're talking about
might add to the FAQ: dissipation factor, ESR, electrolytic ripple
current rating, dielectric absorption, the various ceramic disc types
(NPO, Z4V, etc.).  And do teflon caps really exist?

Tom.