V-Cap ODAM Oil Damped Advanced Metalized Audio Capacitors
Oil Damped Advanced Metalized

Oil Damped Advanced Metalized (ODAM)
Audio Capacitors

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V-Cap ODAM audio capacitors

ANNOUNCING THE V-CAP ODAM SERIES

For years, audiophiles have faced a difficult choice between the grain-free, musical attributes of true film/foil capacitors, vs the smaller size and relative cost effectiveness of metallized film designs.

In 2005 VH Audio took that challenge head on, launching the V-Cap OIMP series: the ground-breaking Oil Impregnated Metallized Polypropylene film capacitor series we proudly refer to as "one of the most transparent and musical oil capacitors ever made". Offering transparency, reliability and unprecedented low noise; the V-Cap OIMP series found immediate, enthusiastic market acceptance.

Building on his experience, VH Audio founder Chris VenHaus leveraged more than twelve years of innovation in manufacturing, materials sciences and metallurgy to again advance the State-of-the-Art in cap design and manufacturing. The mission: To rival the performance of the very best film/foil capacitors on the market, with a lower cost and added versatility of smaller size. The result is the new V-Cap ODAM capacitor series, which sets a new standard for transparency, musicality and reliability... in a compact form factor.

The comments / reviews from users — a diverse group of modification professionals, OEMs and audiophiles... has been extraordinary.

Magical, forgiving, like the OIMP but with more texture and bloom... no loss of detail. Seductive in many ways.

The V-Cap ODAM capacitor series is available in 14 popular values, ranging from .1 uF 630VDC to 5.6 uF 400VDC. Larger values will eventually be added- please contact us for estimated schedule. OEM customers will be pleased to know that our new processes and increased efficiencies now make it possible for VH Audio to offer custom values, in quantities as low as 100 pcs — well below traditional industry minimums. > Contact us for more details <

The ODAM series has been a revelation. They are physically small and priced well below their performance level which is just icing on the cake!

SO… WHAT’S AN ODAM CAPACITOR?

ODAM stands for Oil Damped Advanced Metalized. Let’s take a look inside, because this unique design is very much the sum of its parts- each carefully chosen to maximize musicality, by minimizing internal vibration, optimizing electrical performance (i.e. DF and ESR) and improving reliability... all while greatly increasing part-to-part consistency.

MATERIALS

We began with a new, custom-manufactured amorphous, pinhole-free dielectric with smooth, consistent surface. This optimized surface offers superior application of, and fusion with the metallization layer. It also forms a critical barrier to corrosive elements like oxygen & moisture while greatly enhancing the capacitor’s long-term reliability, stability and self-healing properties:

  • Superior adhesion virtually eliminates metallization de-bonding with the dielectric, or the tendency for the metallization layer to crack/craze when under stresses from: winding operations, thermal cycling, plate micro-movements, etc…
  • Uniform, consistent metallization layer that is virtually free from erratic fractal growth commonly found in conventional metallized film. This optimized metallization yields far better consistency & density with more stable ohms/sq.
  • 'Vacuum tube friendly' maximum heat rating of 105 degrees C... a 20C advantage over most metallized capacitors, without need to de-rate for voltage.
  • Specifically engineered, hermetic glass seal ensures no fluid leakage, and long-term reliability.

These caps are going to shock a lot of people. So much texture and body, with the detail and resolution... everyone's dream combo.

The effects of mechanical damping in capacitors have long been understood. Here too, the V-Cap ODAM series breaks new ground.

  • The oil we selected maintains consistent electrical and hydraulic properties throughout the operating range.
  • The fluid impregnation & filling process has been perfected for complete winding penetration.
  • THE ODAM series is a ‘wet’ capacitor, meaning the entire winding is not only 'impregnated' with fluid, but also immersed & hermetically sealed in it... forever...
  • Our unique combination of advanced materials and construction processes yields all the positive attributes of mechanical damping… but without the dark, resolution-robbing colorations and inconsistent performance/reliability over time that are known to be the Achilles Heel of many oil caps.

They are certain to challenge any cap at any price for musical authenticity. Hearing is believing. My advice ...buyer beware...once heard, there is no going back

MANUFACTURING CONSIDERATIONS

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V-Cap ODAM audio capacitors

Meticulous attention to detail has long been a hallmark of the V-Cap line. Our research focused on finding ways to further push the boundaries of performance, leveraging a symbiotic relationship between engineering, modern robotics/materials, and dedicated American experience & craftsmanship.

  • Optimized electrical bonding of each winding section: When current is high, the electromechanical bond of capacitor windings can heat-up, resulting in permanent electrical degradations. We improved this critical bond for significantly better thermal stability. This results in higher current carrying capability, as well as more stable, and measurably lower ESR and ESL vs typical metalized capacitors.
  • Dynamic tension control: As each capacitor is being wound, a sensor monitors film tension, while a computer dynamically adjusts the machine tensions as the winding gets larger and the feeder coils get progressively smaller. This results in a more consistent winding, without more tension at a specific winding segment vs another. This also helps reduce sample/sample variations.
  • The new lead attachment process 'welds' the lead directly to the winding with a very consistent, specific placement. A precisely controlled high-heat burst eliminates the inconsistencies common with traditional lead attachment techniques, and greatly reduces sample-to-sample variation caused by inconsistent levels of lead attach resistance.  
  • Our lead material is cryogenically treated, 18 AWG solid core, tinned bare OFC copper (20 AWG for .1 uF).

These will make a very big splash. They can make a modest piece of equipment sound like something 4-5 times the price with a simple part change.

QUALITY CONTROL

Our continuous quality control process includes material quality assurance testing, work-in-progress protocols, and a rigorous series of precise measurements throughout the build process. A key outcome is to minimize sample-to-sample variations, because even small deviations between L & R stereo channels may affect stereo imaging and instrument placement/separation within the soundstage.

  • "White glove" handling: Special handling protocols minimize the potential for physical/electrical damage to the windings during production. This slows production down, but it also improves consistency from part to part.
  • We employ a high-current final ‘torture test’ to ensure superior performance, consistency, reliability, and a lifetime of enjoyment in your gear. In fact, V-Cap capacitors are manufactured to such high standards and precision, they are backed by a lifetime warranty, to the original purchaser (when purchased from authorized dealer or OEM).
  • Our burn-in protocol means that your ODAM V-Caps will sound great right away, yet will get even better from there, as the new install settles-in.
Very musical with substantially better timbre, natural, richer textures, greater focus with more air.

THE EARS HAVE IT

We have been testing the new V-Cap ODAM series since October, 2017 with a select group of Audiophile component modification professionals, equipment OEMs, and highly experienced audiophiles who’ve heard nearly everything else on the market. We asked them to test the ODAM caps in a wide range of applications, including speaker crossovers, inter-stage & output signal coupling in both vacuum tube and SS gear, as well as electrolytic power supply filter cap bypasses.

Sonic impressions submitted were (and continue to be), overwhelmingly positive. Regardless of the application, testers consistently highlighted attributes related to realistic timbre/textures, tremendous instrument separation, remarkable layering and imaging, accurate leading edges of instrument notes, incredible low-end slam/thrust, and the absence of any discernible sonic imprint.

A compelling combination of palpable performers, incredible resolution, and space galore. A big slice of the real thing...

It feels as if I can swim in the soundstage because it sounds so real and layered with the soundstage wrapped around me. My system is so exciting to listen to now.

The stage depth is crazy deep and instruments laid out very precise with air and space.

And perhaps the statements that we’re most proud of:

Actually hard to hear the cap sound. Each recording is so different now. The (ODAM) caps just leave so few clues to a sonic print..

The ability of these caps to disappear, and leave very little trace of their sonic print is a very big deal....

Just hard to give a sound to them. They are, what the recording is...

Musical textures and colors are abundant. A beautiful way of getting out of the music's path.

The ODAM capacitors are simply the most audibly transparent capacitors that I have ever experienced.

The new V-CAP ODAM series. Exceptional musical performance in a compact form factor, engineered and manufactured with dedicated American craftsmanship, for a lifetime of enjoyment. Available now for immediate application by modification professionals, DIY enthusiasts, and OEMs for the enjoyment of Audiophiles worldwide.

From VH Audio... to the Soul of the Music.

V-Cap ODAM Dimensions and Pricing

uF Value +/- 5%
Voltage (DC)
Dimensions (inches)
Qty 1
Qty 2 - 24
Qty 25+
0.10 
630V
.40 X 1.1
$71.38
57.10
51.39
0.15 
630V
.40 X 1.1
$75.58
60.46
54.42
0.22 
630V
.40 X 1.1
$80.83
64.66
58.20
0.33 
630V
.50 X 1.1
$85.03
68.02
61.22
0.47 
630V
.65 X 1.1
$89.23
71.38
64.24
1.0 
400V
.50 X 1.55
$96.58
77.26
69.54
1.0 
630V
.67 X 1.60
$120.73
96.58
86.92
1.5
400V
.67 X 1.58
$109.18
87.34
78.61
2.2
400V
.67 X 1.58
$111.28
89.02
80.12
2.2
630V
.75 X 1.90
$134.38
107.50
96.75
2.7
400V
.75 X 1.65
$115.48
92.38
83.14
3.3
400V
.75 X 1.65
$117.58
94.06
84.66
3.3
630V
1.0 X 1.90
$144.88
115.90
104.31
4.0
400V
1.0 X 1.65
$123.88
99.10
89.19
4.7
400V
1.0 X 1.65
$127.03
101.62
91.46
5.6
400V
1.0 X 1.65
$129.13
103.30
92.97
6.8
250V
.75 X 1.9"
$134.38
107.50
96.75
8.2
250V
.75 X 1.9"
$138.58
110.86
99,78
10.0
250V
1.0 X 2.0"
$140.68
112.54
101.29
12.0
250V
1.0 X 2.0"
$144.88
115.90
104.31
15.0
250V
1.0 X 2.0"
$146.68
117.58
105.82
18.0
250V
1.0 X 2.5"
$155.38
124.30
111.87
22.0
250V
1.25 X 2.5"
$209.98
167.98
151.18
33.0
250V
1.50 X 2.5"
$245.68
196.54
176.89
47.0
250V
1.50 X 2.5"
$266.68
213.34
192.01

ORDER NOW

Prices are in U.S. dollars, and based on total pieces of an individual value/voltage.

If you are an OEM or component modification professional, please contact us for pricing

"V-Cap", "CuTF", "TFTF", "OIMP", "ODAM", "Reference Grade", "Elite Reference" and "Variable Stage Quadrant Dielectric" are trademarks of VH Audio, Inc.