Boston Acoustics Capacitor Replacement Guide

Complete capacitor specifications and replacement parts list for popular Boston Acoustics speaker models

⚠️ Important Safety Notice

Always discharge capacitors before handling! Even when unplugged, speakers can store dangerous voltage. Use a multimeter to verify no voltage remains. If unsure, consult a professional technician.

Quick Reference: Capacitor Types

Film Capacitors (Polypropylene): Superior choice - More stable, lower ESR, longer lifespan. Recommended for all replacements.

Non-Polarized Electrolytics (NP): Budget option - Direct replacement, economical but may need replacement again in 10-15 years.

Always match: Capacitance (µF) exactly, Voltage (V) equal or higher, Type (NP or film).

A Series Capacitors

Models: A40, A60, A70, A100, A150, A200

Model Capacitor Values Type Notes
A40 (Series I) 8µF (tweeter)
12µF (woofer)
NP Electrolytic Original: 50V. Replace with 100V film caps for longevity.
A40 (Series II) 10µF (tweeter) NP Electrolytic Simple 1st order crossover. Single capacitor.
A60 6µF (tweeter)
12µF (woofer)
NP Electrolytic Often 50V rated. Upgrade to 250V film caps.
A70 4µF (tweeter)
8µF (mid)
20µF (woofer)
NP Electrolytic 3-way design. Take photos before disassembly.
A150 6µF (tweeter)
12µF + 20µF (parallel mid)
NP Electrolytic 32µF total for mid (parallel). May have 2 inductors.

HD Series Capacitors

Models: HD5, HD7, HD8, HD9, HD10

Model Capacitor Values Type Notes
HD5 15µF (tweeter) NP Electrolytic Simple crossover. Often 100V rated.
HD7 10µF (tweeter)
20µF (woofer)
NP Electrolytic Check for ferrofluid in tweeters too.
HD8 12µF (tweeter)
30µF (mid)
Film (some models) Later models used film caps. Check yours.
HD9 8µF + 2µF (tweeter)
50µF (woofer)
NP Electrolytic 10µF total for tweeter (parallel). Complex crossover.
HD10 6µF (tweeter)
30µF (mid)
60µF (woofer)
Film 3-way flagship. Already has film caps but may need replacement.

VR & Lynnfield Series

Models: VR10, VR12, VR20, VR30, VR40, Lynnfield 400L, 500L

Model Capacitor Values Type Notes
VR10 / VR12 8µF (tweeter)
15µF (woofer)
Film Already film caps but check for value drift.
VR20 10µF (tweeter)
25µF (mid)
40µF (woofer)
Film 3-way design. Ferrofluid refresh more critical.
VR30 / VR40 12µF (tweeter)
30µF (mid)
50µF (woofer)
Film High-end models. Capacitors usually last longer.
Lynnfield 400L 15µF (tweeter)
35µF (woofer)
Film Check for swollen caps. Replace if any doubt.

CR & Other Series

Models: CR6, CR7, CR8, CR9, CR10, VS, Subwoofers

Model Capacitor Values Type Notes
CR6 / CR7 10µF (tweeter)
20µF (woofer)
NP Electrolytic Common values. Easy to find replacements.
CR8 / CR9 12µF (tweeter)
30µF (woofer)
Film Better quality caps but may still need replacement.
CR10 15µF (tweeter)
40µF (woofer)
Film Flagship model. Consider premium film caps.
PV600 / 700 Subs 100µF - 470µF (power supply) Polarized Electrolytic ⚠️ These are POWER SUPPLY caps in active subs. Different replacement!

Recommended Capacitor Sources

Where to buy quality replacement capacitors:

  • Parts Express (Dayton Audio) Excellent for both NP electrolytics and film caps. Good prices, US-based.
  • Madisound Speaker Components High-end film caps (Jantzen, Mundorf, Solen). Premium quality.
  • Mouser Electronics Huge selection. Good for exact replacements and engineering-grade caps.
  • Digi-Key Electronics Professional components. Fast shipping, reliable quality.
  • Speaker Exchange Sometimes has complete crossover rebuild kits for Boston models.
  • eBay / Reverb Search for "Boston Acoustics capacitor kit" - some sellers make model-specific kits.

Required Tools for Recapping

  • Soldering Iron: 25-40W with fine tip
  • Desoldering Pump / Wick: To remove old solder
  • Multimeter: With capacitance measurement if possible
  • Wire Cutters / Strippers: For leads
  • Rosin Core Solder: 60/40 or lead-free
  • Needle-Nose Pliers: For handling components
  • Safety Glasses: When clipping leads

Important Installation Notes

1. Document Everything: Take clear photos of the crossover before removing any wires or components.

2. Observe Polarity: NP capacitors don't have polarity, but note wire colors and positions.

3. Secure New Caps: Use hot glue or cable ties to secure film caps (they're larger than originals).

4. Test Before Closing: After recapping, test speakers at low volume before reassembling cabinets.

5. Break-In Period: New film capacitors may need 20-50 hours of play to sound their best.

6. Consider Full Service: While you're recapping, clean potentiometers (if present) and resolder all connections.

Boston Acoustics Capacitor Replacement Guide

Values based on common crossover schematics and repair documentation. Always verify with your actual speakers as production variations may exist.

Last Updated: March 2024 | For educational and repair purposes

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