Our Capacitor Standards

At Arcade Supply Co., we don’t throw random capacitors into a kit and call it a day.

Capacitors are one of the most important components in any vintage console repair — and they’re also one of the most debated topics in the retro community.

So here’s exactly what we use — and why.

The Brands We Trust

Panasonic

Panasonic is one of the most respected electronic component manufacturers in the world. Their FR, FC, and FM series capacitors are:

  • Low ESR

  • High ripple current rated

  • Long lifetime (often 5,000–10,000 hours at 105°C)

  • Extremely consistent in quality

Panasonic caps are widely used in professional electronics manufacturing and are a gold standard for repair work.

We use them extensively because:

  • They are readily available through authorized distributors

  • They cover a wide range of capacitance and voltage values

  • They are consistent from batch to batch

KEMET

KEMET is another major global manufacturer known for high-reliability components used in industrial and commercial electronics.

Their electrolytic series are:

  • 105°C rated

  • Designed for high endurance

  • Low impedance where required

  • Excellent for power regulation circuits

KEMET gives us reliable coverage when specific Panasonic values are unavailable — without sacrificing quality.

Our Sourcing Standards

We do not use:

  • Unbranded bulk capacitors

  • Unknown marketplace components

  • Questionable “too good to be true” surplus stock

We source from authorized distributors to ensure:

  • Authentic parts

  • Proper storage

  • Fresh manufacturing dates

  • Consistent performance

When a specific brand or series is temporarily out of stock, we substitute only with equivalent tier-1 components that meet or exceed the required specifications.

Depending on availability, that may include trusted manufacturers such as Rubycon or Nichicon — both long-established Japanese brands known for high-reliability electrolytic capacitors.

We never substitute with lower-grade or unverified components.

No downgrades. Ever.

The Bottom Line

A well-designed repair kit isn’t about chasing hype brands or repeating forum talking points.

It’s about engineering.

It’s about selecting components that are:

  • Properly specified for the circuit

  • Rated for the correct voltage and ripple current

  • Designed for long service life at 105°C

  • Sourced from authorized distributors

  • Fresh, authentic, and consistent

When you recap a console, you’re restoring power stability, audio clarity, and long-term reliability. The capacitor you install today should last decades — not just long enough to pass a quick power-on test.

That’s why we focus on specification, sourcing, and consistency over brand mythology.

When you install one of our kits, you’re getting the same components we would install in our own consoles.

No mystery parts.
No bulk-bin shortcuts.
No guesswork.

Just thoughtfully selected, high-quality components designed to bring your hardware back to life — and keep it that way.