• Re: Super E cap - Kit1 11:21:33 04/05/06 (8)
  In Reply to: Super E cap posted by beto1 on April 5, 2006 at 06:53:23:

  Wherever possible, use N, NH, or NX non-polar BG's in super-e for ALL CBP positions. Use 1/2 normal value x 2 caps i.e. 47Uf cap = 2 x 22Uf in super E cap config. Do not forget to wire caps long lead to short lead, and vise versa.
  Thay afford an open, airy, presentation free of grain and distortion. Be aware, these caps take a looooong time to break in - even longer in Super e cap configuration. Figure on HUNDREDS of hours. Don't give up on them before you've logged at least 500 hours and you will be amply rewarded!

  Best
  
  

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  • Re: Super E cap - beto1 19:42:03 04/05/06 (7)
    In Reply to: Re: Super E cap posted by Kit1 on April 5, 2006 at 11:21:33:

    Hi Kit 1,
    thanks again for your interest in sharing your expertise on the topic.
    Now I have the picture clear about super e-cap config.
    Do you believe that this kind of upgrade can improve the kit sound much more than the coupling caps for example and the tantalum resistors? I ask you because it will be an expensive improve.
    By the way, your friend has lots of BG on the filament board, but I can't believe that this are in super e-cap config, also he has some large can BG's on the rectifier section, can you tell me what's the purpose? Is something like the GTCharlie description?
    Thanks in advance.
    Regards,
    Beto
    P.S.I did not worry about the hundred of break in hours, because I know that it worth the patience.
    
    

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    • Re: Super E cap - Kit1 06:08:44 04/06/06 (6)
      In Reply to: Re: Super E cap posted by beto1 on April 5, 2006 at 19:42:03:

      Hello Beto,

      Basically, every electrolytic capacitor in the stock Kit-1 was replaced with BG's in the following configuration: (there were no substitutions of values nor modifications to the original circuit)

      Power supply: all WKZ type
      6SN7, 5687, & 300B Cathode bypass: N, NX, NH type non-polar BG type in super E cap
      Filament: Shottky rectified and non-polar BG's in super E cap

      The amplifier is open, dynamic yet subtle, delicate, sweet and tonaly correct. The amp sounds subjectively more powerful than a friends 845 based 22 watt amp.

      I attribute most of the above to the BG caps as in my experience they provide a very open and dynamic sound while retaining delicacy and tone. They also provide a velvet black backround to the musical performance.

      
      
      
      

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      • Shottky rectifier on filament - beto1 17:43:11 04/06/06 (4)
        In Reply to: Re: Super E cap posted by Kit1 on April 6, 2006 at 06:08:44:

        Hi Kit 1,
        I forget to ask you about the filament recifier: what's wrong with bridge rectifier kind? why did you say that will be an improvement with a Shottky? Wich one, by the way?
        Thanks in advance.
        Beto
        
        
        

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        • Re: Shottky rectifier on filament - Kit1 04:45:33 04/07/06 (3)
          In Reply to: Shottky rectifier on filament posted by beto1 on April 6, 2006 at 17:43:11:

          Schottky rectifiers never "turn off" so therefore eliminate the "ringing" (read: noise) found in ordinary rectifier diodes (bridges included)
          
          

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          • Re: Shottky rectifier on filament - beto1 07:15:36 04/07/06 (2)
            In Reply to: Re: Shottky rectifier on filament posted by Kit1 on April 7, 2006 at 04:45:33:

            Hi Kit 1,
            I have do some research, but I find that there are lots of shottky rectifiers on the marcket with many differents prices, can you recommend one?
            By the way, you did all your friend upgrades on your Kit 1 or are in the process?
            Regards,
            Beto
            
            
            

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            • Re: Shottky rectifier on filament - Kit1 07:48:44 04/07/06 (1)
              In Reply to: Re: Shottky rectifier on filament posted by beto1 on April 7, 2006 at 07:15:36:

              Be sure the Schottky diode can handle the forward voltage (5 volts) at the amperage specified for the filament supply (3 amps, I believe), and the rest is just shopping for the best price. Try Parts Connexion for price and availability:

              http://www.partsconnexion.com/catalog/semiconductors.html

              You can over-specify the voltage and amperage rating, but be sure to choose a diode that can handle the minimum requirement of the circuit. Configure the 4 seperate diodes into a rectifier bridge and install in place of the stock bridge. Be sure to observe polarity and diode orientation.

              If you're using the stock circuit board, you may have to install the four diodes on a small sub-board and hardwire in place of the stock bridge.
              
              

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              • Re: Shottky rectifier on filament - beto1 09:31:26 04/07/06 (0)
                In Reply to: Re: Shottky rectifier on filament posted by Kit1 on April 7, 2006 at 07:48:44:

                Hi Kit 1,
                thanks again. Maybe this must be an official upgrade, since you believe that will improve the sound in to a more open, etc, etc. It is just a matter to find the best relation cost/quality shottky and then offer to the Kit owners.
                I wonder if some of the expensive AN finished amps use the Super E-cap technique on their BG electrolitycs and the Shottky diode,because seems to be a really improve of the sound. A japanese tube amp designer,that I know,yesterday also advise me about to change the bridge rectifier with a shottky but he didn't tell me how.
                Regards,
                Beto
                P.S. Partsconn was the first source for me and I star my search yesterday there,but, hificollective offer a lot better prices on the diode section. Maybe I can find some in the local RS shop.
                
                

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      • Re: Super E cap - beto1 11:06:30 04/06/06 (0)
        In Reply to: Re: Super E cap posted by Kit1 on April 6, 2006 at 06:08:44:

        Hi Kit 1,
        thanks again for your explanation. Since I'm not a technician or I've never did some academic course about it, I didn't know things that maybe will be basics, so I apreciate a lot your kindness.
        I believe if I decide to upgrade with BG in Super E-cap config. will be stage by stage, due to the large increase in cost (normal BG upgrade is around US$120, the same but with all bypass cathode in Super E-cap is around US$223, but with the filament and PS in normal arrange, etc, etc). I think, first the 300B cathode, then the others cathode, then the filament and finally the PS, I don't know, maybe just a combo.There will be lots of etc's.
        Thanks again.
        Regards,
        Beto
        
        
        

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