Coupling Cap Types and Voodoo Parts?

[makinrose]

Hi Guys,

I've a question about obtaining 270pF polyester caps rated for 400V. I'm sourcing parts for the Tot Reverb Project.

One of the coupling caps is stated as being the value previously stated. I'm in Australia and have no intention of sourcing a single cap from overseas - I would if I knew I'd need a lot, but in this case, I doubt I would in the future. I cannot find a polyester cap of this value at the specified rating. What alternatives do I have? I see mica caps at this value, which I assume would be fine for stopping AC (not AC, DC... duh). However, they may add more distortion to the reverb signal (if so, is it significant???).

Another issue is that I see lots of Cornell Dubilier caps and I know they bought out Illinois Capacitors. I buy from DigiKey and DK seem to be labelling caps made out of the IC factory as CD capacitors. So, now I have an aversion to purchasing any caps branded as CD. Did Cornell make decent caps before they bought IC and if so, how do I differentiate when DK does not? Are all CD capacitors made in the IC factory? 

Generally speaking Silver Mica or Ceramic Disc Caps are used for the small values like 270 pf.  Silver Mica is very hifi and the value is low enough that ceramic is fine too...I would only worry about the quality of the IC's electrolytics. I've never had any trouble with their film caps or ceramic caps in the multitude of amps I've serviced. The electrolytics are another story: those really are junk.