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Electrolytic listening test

Posted by 1973shovel (A) on July 15, 2014 at 08:41:20

In Reply to: Recapping a Electrocompaniet 4.5 preamp ... is it worthwhile ? posted by beppe61 on July 15, 2014 at 02:59:01:

Below is a link to a guy who did some experimenting with electrolytic caps in the power supply. I don't take it as the ultimate truth, but at least it gives you an idea of what each cap might sound like. He seems to really like the Elna Silmic caps, and so does Nelson Pass.

As for the diodes, Schottkys can make a nice improvement. If you can't locate a schematic, see if you can get the number on the diodes which are already in there. Their PIV voltage and current rating can then be used to choose the Schottky equivalents.

I agree with fmak that you should start with the electrolytics. Not necessarily because they'll give you the most improvement, but simply because of their age. But I do agree that the power supply is almost always the place to start for a quiet circuit. Speaking of which...

Another thing to consider is the voltage regulator(s) in the power supply. If it's built using generic regulators, consider changing them to something better. I have had great luck with the Belleson SuperPower regulator. It made a significant improvement [link to my Vinyl Asylum post] to my Graham Slee phono stage, and I was running that off batteries!

Then there's the Wima caps. Those could be changed out, but personally I happen to like the sound of the Wimas, especially when bypassed with a polystyrene cap.

It's difficult to tell from the picture, but it looks like there may be two op-amps behind the two Wima caps toward the center, close to the input / output jacks. Little eight legged spiders. If so, get the number off those and search the Asylum (and elsewhere) for upgrades. Just be aware that your power supply has to be able to supply the new op-amps with the voltage, current and noise free DC they may require.

Are these upgrades worthwhile? I've never heard an Electrocompaniet 4.5, so I'd say that's for you to decide.

Good luck with it.

• Comparing electrolytic capacitors - May 2008   (Open in New Window)

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Kimber Kable

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