Amp/Preamp Asylum

RE: This is a very easy and reversable project that should yeild good results........

213.33.155.58

akolegov

In Reply to: RE: This is a very easy and reversable project that should yeild good results........ posted by viridian on March 28, 2014 at 08:31:02

Oh, the Russian PIO caps at the link have no leads...

Are the stock caps shown in the pics really Mundorfs? Are you familiar with them?

I have four pieces of .22uf/630V V-caps which I tried with Cary SLI-80 but then soldered the Jensens (they sound sweeter and have more air).

Follow Ups:

That is correct, no leads, but not a problem.......... - viridian 08:58:50 03/28/14 (6)
the same as with the Teflon Kommie Kaps, you just need to use some fine sandpaper on the little knobs at the ends and solder your wire directly to them.

Mundorf is a full line supplier so they make everything from the pedestrian MKPs to the Silver/Gold/Oil. Understand, no Mundorf cap is a PIO in the true sense; the higher end are just film caps in an oil bath. A different animal completely.
- RE: That is correct, no leads, but not a problem.......... - akolegov 09:01:39 03/28/14 (5)
  I am just making a search for Russian K-40s in the local market. Still, do the stock caps shown on my pics look like Mundorf? Even if they are, they are obviously cheap or even Mundorf replicas..
  - Yeah, those are generic knockoff caps - mulveling 10:09:13 03/28/14 (3)
    Wow, that is devious! From a 1st glance at your pic I too was fooled into thinking you'd already upgraded to Mundorf caps (and fine caps, they are). On closer inspection these are clearly knockoffs purposely made to look superficially similar to Mundorf Supreme caps. Genuine Mundorf caps use a completely different logo font (e.g. large, very angular "M" with no curves, the dash is a "serif" from the M rather than a separate dot, and "cap" is in cursive but looks much cleaner, unlike the fat-sharpie'd look seen here), much crisper label quality, and a "Made in Germany" very clearly below the logo.
    I have limited experience with Chinese tube amps, but my impression was definitely "that's too bright; something's up", and so I moved on. There is a certain threshold beyond which it's not worth attempting tweaks via tubes and/or caps. On a budget, I suggest the vintage (restored) route for a beautiful classic tube sound (e.g. Heathkit W5, various Eico models), or to Rogue Audio for a modern, clean and detailed (but not bright) tube sound. Chinese amps (excepting those backed by solid western distribution, e.g. Prima Luna) seem to be cause trouble for their owners at a much higher rate than usual.
    
    Edits: 03/28/14 03/28/14 03/28/14
    - RE: Yeah, those are generic knockoff caps - akolegov 21:45:42 03/28/14 (2)
      I received a letter from the manufacturer where he/she says that the stock CM-caps are "just so-so" and said I can use any caps including Solen caps which are not expensive. I think I will try Russian PIO caps when I find them.
      
      They also said that I may use caps within 400V-630V and not below 400V.
      - RE: Yeah, those are generic knockoff caps - ianm0 04:19:16 03/29/14 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Yeah, those are generic knockoff caps posted by akolegov on March 28, 2014 at 21:45:42
        
        If you shoot for the moon, V-caps are one of the best and you won't regret it. One less expensive option I have in my Cary monoblocks is Mundorf Silver in Oil. Very pleased too.
        
        But please bear in mind, one coupling cap does not make the amp - the output transformer does more. Don't forget the power supply, of course.
        
        RE: Yeah, those are generic knockoff caps - SETdude 05:43:06 03/30/14 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Yeah, those are generic knockoff caps posted by ianm0 on March 29, 2014 at 04:19:16
        
        V-Caps are not at all warm and there is no *best* cap. Just the one that sounds best in your system. ;-)
  - If you are only looking in the local market, why bother pointing out...... - viridian 09:41:05 03/28/14 (0)
    that the ebay caps have no leads; it wouldn't matter if they did have leads if you are only looking locally.

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Schiit Audio