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cathode bypass cap in Ultrapath: ClarityCap TC or Sprague

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Posted on April 10, 2017 at 16:13:58
banpuku
Audiophile

Posts: 1008
Joined: January 19, 2006
 I currently have a 65uF ClarityCap TC (bypassed with a 2.2uF Russian K75 PIO) in the cathode bypass position (Ultrapath implementation) for my 2A3 output tubes. I was wonder what kind of sonic differences might be heard (if any) by replacing the ClarityCaps with some NOS Sprague caps (the big honkin grey things). Since the large cap is bypassed with a 2.2 Russian K75, would there be any difference at all, sonically? Also, the Ultrapath implementation is supposed to take the cathode bypass cap out of the signal path (if I understand it correctly). So, maybe I am chasing my rear on this one.

Thoughts?

 

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RE: cathode bypass cap in Ultrapath: ClarityCap TC or Sprague, posted on April 10, 2017 at 18:09:17
Tre'
Industry Professional

Posts: 17302
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: February 9, 2002

" Also, the Ultrapath implementation is supposed to take the cathode bypass cap out of the signal path (if I understand it correctly)."

The Ultrapath cap IS cathode bypass cap. (you did remove the cap between the cathode and ground?)

What a Ultrapath cap does is (effectively) remove the last cap in the power supply from the output tube's AC signal current path but the last cap in the power supply is now in the input (grid) signal path (along with the Ultrapath cap).

Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"

 

RE: cathode bypass cap in Ultrapath: ClarityCap TC or Sprague, posted on April 11, 2017 at 06:17:20
banpuku
Audiophile

Posts: 1008
Joined: January 19, 2006
 Tre - very helpful. I did remove the cap between cathode and ground.

 

RE: cathode bypass cap in Ultrapath: ClarityCap TC or Sprague, posted on April 12, 2017 at 12:09:51
rage
Audiophile

Posts: 793
Joined: December 17, 2010
 Tre',

Given higher gain with the input tube doesn't that make less of an issue of removing the final cap from the finals signal path? (since its in the signal path of the driver tube doesn't that somewhat null the benefits)

I suppose a high impedance CCS on the driver tube solves that issue?

what do you think about using the ultrapath/WE cap with push pull? advantages there?


Sean

 

RE: cathode bypass cap in Ultrapath: ClarityCap TC or Sprague, posted on April 12, 2017 at 14:23:54
Tre'
Industry Professional

Posts: 17302
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: February 9, 2002
 I don't know.

Getting the high current out of the cap might be better?


As for PP, see link.

Scroll down. Compare "Conventional PP" vs. Western Electric PP. It sure is a less complicated path(s).

Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"

 

RE: cathode bypass cap in Ultrapath: ClarityCap TC or Sprague, posted on April 13, 2017 at 07:46:46
rage
Audiophile

Posts: 793
Joined: December 17, 2010
 Thanks Tre'!

 

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