Crossover capacitors

[will33]

Been trying to research this on my own but can't seem to (easily) find a simple answer.

Suppose your crossover calls for a capacitor value that isn't readily available as a single part. Should you split the value in half and use a pair of even spec caps or get close with the big one and use a small one to make up the difference? Or does it matter?

Example: Value needed is 7. Should you use a 6.8 + a .22 or a pair of 3.5's?

Thanks.

Edit: Or will getting within 3-5% be effective and not cause any other impedance or phase problems. A lot of these parts have a tolerance in that range anyway but there's really no way of knowing if that drift is going towards the needed value or further away from it.

[BassmanPaul]

As long as the voltages are suitable any route you go the get the correct value is valid.

Paul

[will33]

Cool, thanks.

[B-string]

Just be sure if you use electrolytics they are non polarized.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by will33

Or will getting within 3-5% be effective and not cause any other impedance or phase problems.

Within +/- 5% will suffice.