Nichicon Capacitors — Audio, Industrial & Long-Life Electrolytic
Founded in 1950 in Kyoto, Japan, Nichicon is one of the world's largest capacitor manufacturers. Specap stocks current production Nichicon capacitors and sources discontinued legacy series for maintenance, upgrades, and production requirements.
Audio-Grade Specialists
Nichicon KG, KW, and MUSE series capacitors for high-fidelity audio amplifiers, DACs, and professional sound equipment.
Long-Life & High-Reliability
UHE, UHW, and UBY series rated for 105°C with 5,000–10,000 hour lifespans for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
Cross-Reference Support
Spec-based matching from discontinued Nichicon part numbers to current production equivalents or compatible alternatives.
Fast Shipping
Same-day shipment support on eligible in-stock items with expedited delivery options across North America and worldwide.
About Nichicon Corporation
Nichicon Corporation was founded in 1950 in Kyoto, Japan, and has grown into one of the global leaders in aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufacturing. With over seven decades of continuous operation, Nichicon generates more than 70% of its revenue from aluminum electrolytic capacitors — making it one of the most specialized and experienced manufacturers in this category.
The company operates production facilities across Japan, Malaysia, China, and Indonesia, and supplies capacitors to every major electronics sector including professional audio, automotive electronics, LED lighting, renewable energy inverters, medical devices, and industrial power systems. Nichicon is also a pioneer in EDLC supercapacitor technology through its EVerCAP product line, used in energy storage and regenerative braking systems.
While Nichicon continues to actively manufacture new capacitor series, many older product lines have been discontinued or replaced with updated versions. Specap can source both current production Nichicon capacitors and legacy discontinued series through our global supplier network — ensuring you get the exact part you need regardless of production status.
Popular Nichicon Capacitor Series
| Series | Type | Key Specifications | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| KG (Gold Tune) | Audio-Grade Electrolytic | Low impedance, low distortion | Hi-fi amplifiers, DACs, audio crossovers |
| UHE | Long-Life Electrolytic | 105°C, 5,000–10,000 hours | Industrial controls, power supplies, LED drivers |
| UPW | Low Impedance Electrolytic | Ultra-low ESR, high ripple current | Switch-mode power supplies, DC-DC converters |
| LGU | Snap-In Electrolytic | High capacitance, 85–105°C | Inverters, UPS systems, motor drives |
| GU / GY | Screw Terminal Electrolytic | High voltage, high capacitance | Industrial drives, renewable energy inverters |
| UVR / UVZ | General Purpose Electrolytic | Wide voltage range, compact size | Consumer electronics, general-purpose filtering |
| EVerCAP | EDLC Supercapacitor | High energy density, rapid charge/discharge | Energy storage, regenerative braking, backup power |
Nichicon Audio-Grade Capacitors
Nichicon has earned a devoted following in the audiophile and professional audio community. Their KG (Gold Tune) series is widely regarded as one of the finest audio-grade electrolytic capacitors available, designed with low impedance and minimal distortion characteristics that preserve signal integrity in amplifier circuits.
Beyond the KG series, Nichicon produces the KW (Fine Gold) series for audio coupling and decoupling, and the MUSE line of premium capacitors engineered specifically for high-fidelity audio applications. These capacitors are used by amplifier manufacturers, DIY audio enthusiasts, and professional sound engineers worldwide.
Whether you are building a new tube amplifier, upgrading the capacitors in a vintage receiver, or designing a professional audio mixing console, Specap can supply the exact Nichicon audio-grade capacitors your project requires — including older series that may no longer be in standard distribution.
Application Guide: Choosing the Right Nichicon Series
Nichicon manufactures capacitors for a wide range of demanding applications. Here is a guide to selecting the right series for your needs:
- Audio and hi-fi equipment — Use the KG (Gold Tune), KW (Fine Gold), or MUSE series for amplifier power supply filtering, signal coupling, and crossover networks where sonic quality is paramount.
- Automotive electronics — Nichicon's automotive-grade series (UBY, UBT) are designed for the extreme temperature ranges and vibration resistance required in engine compartment and infotainment systems.
- Industrial power systems — The GU and GY screw terminal series deliver high capacitance and voltage ratings needed for variable frequency drives, welding equipment, and industrial motor controllers.
- LED lighting and power supplies — UHE and UHW long-life series offer 105°C ratings with extended lifespans, reducing maintenance costs in LED drivers and enclosed power supply modules.
- Renewable energy — Solar inverters and wind turbine converters demand high ripple current handling and long operational life — Nichicon's snap-in and screw terminal series are engineered for these conditions.
- Medical devices — High-reliability Nichicon series with extended life ratings meet the stringent requirements of medical power supplies, imaging equipment, and patient monitoring systems.
Why Source Nichicon Capacitors from Specap?
With over 40 years in the capacitor business, Specap is an experienced capacitor supplier with direct access to Nichicon product lines and a global network for sourcing hard-to-find parts. When you need Nichicon capacitors, we can:
- Supply current production Nichicon series at competitive pricing
- Source discontinued and obsolete Nichicon parts through verified suppliers
- Cross-reference legacy Nichicon part numbers to current equivalents
- Provide technical guidance on selecting the right Nichicon series for your application
- Electrically test and inspect every capacitor before shipping
Every capacitor we ship is inspected and tested to ensure it meets original manufacturer specifications — no counterfeits, no relabeled parts, no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Nichicon capacitors?
Specap stocks a wide range of Nichicon aluminum electrolytic capacitors including current production series and discontinued legacy parts. Request a quote with your Nichicon part number or browse our electrolytic capacitor inventory for immediate availability.
What are Nichicon KG capacitors used for?
The Nichicon KG (Gold Tune) series is an audio-grade aluminum electrolytic capacitor designed for high-fidelity audio equipment. KG capacitors are prized by audiophiles and audio engineers for their low impedance, low distortion, and excellent sonic characteristics in amplifier circuits, DACs, and crossover networks.
Are Nichicon capacitors good quality?
Yes. Nichicon is one of the world's largest and most respected capacitor manufacturers, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan since 1950. Their capacitors are known for high reliability, long operational life, and tight tolerance specifications. Nichicon supplies the automotive, medical, industrial, and professional audio industries worldwide.
Does Specap stock discontinued Nichicon series?
Yes. While Nichicon is an active manufacturer, many older series have been discontinued or superseded. Specap maintains inventory of legacy Nichicon parts and can source discontinued series through our global supplier network. We also provide cross-reference matching to current Nichicon or equivalent replacement series.
Related Sourcing Paths
Use these pages to find replacements, request quotes, and source capacitors.