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RE: Electrolytic listening test

Posted by beppe61 (A) on July 15, 2014 at 09:58:29

In Reply to: Electrolytic listening test posted by 1973shovel on July 15, 2014 at 08:41:20:

Hi and thanks a lot for the kind and valuable reply.
I will try to reply between the lines ...

" 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. "

Thanks a lot for the very interesting link. Silmic seem really a notch above the others.
I see them on ebay. First thing i will list values and sizes of the ones to be replaced.
I guess Silmic could be a little bigger. Also Panasonic FC series seems a good 2nd choice.

" 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. "

The diodes seem all IN4007. Is there a Schottky equivalents ? or a better part in general ?
Unfortunately no schematic available.
I think that Electrocompaniet are quite secret on their units.
I must list every parts not to make orrendous mistake during the replacement.

" 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. "

Unfortunately i cannot place precisely in time this unit ... maybe in the late 90s ?
So i think the caps have about 15 years.
Good new caps should lower maybe the noise a little more ?

" 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! "

I am sure that the PS quality is decisive. I do not see LM317 or similar.
Without schema i think i have no hope to understand the various parts function.
I will stick with caps i think.

" 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. "

I have already bought some Mundorf Mcap ... they should be better.
I read an article against squared caps ... cylindrical are recommended. I do not know if this is true or what.
Mundorf is a good brand i think. Mine are the entry level PP.

" 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 "

I think this is more tricky. I think that at least for now i will stick with caps.
I have to practice also with the tools. If the outcome will be decent i could try other mods.

" 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. "

I listend to it and the sound was nice but not completely clean and a little soft in the bass.
I do not think it will change a lot with the new caps.
Unfortunately without a schematic the risk to damage the unit is high, especially for me.
Anyway i will let you know about the outcome.
It will take me some weeks because i have ordered solder wire and i still have to order caps
But i will do it for sure ... i am curious

Thanks a lot again

Kind regards,
bg

Edits: 07/15/14 07/15/14

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