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Mundorf Cap (and other cap) Mavens Needed.....

Posted by Winston Smith on March 13, 2013 at 13:46:24:
Greetings!

I need advisement on Mundorf M-Cap Supreme selection, please. But I also welcome any and all opinions on any caps that would suit, as well.

(I posted a narrower version of this on "Amps/Preamps" asylum originally, but was kindly directed over here, to where the tube gurus reside.)

In a 6SN7 based Aikido preamp that employs only one 1.0uF output signal cap per channel (thus being extremely critical), what would be the best choice for very smooth, natural, very detailed, three-dimensional holographic sound: Mundorf silver/oil or the silver/gold/oil? Or something else completely?

A very slight midrange aggression and glare can cause the sound of my system to be a touch fatiguing at realistic volumes (i.e., transient peaks of 105-108 dB on solo classical piano such as "Nojima plays Liszt", or loud massed violins in symphonic fare), and I really want to avoid aggravating this. I would also like to add a touch of warmth and body to the instruments, without losing low level details, as I generally listen to acoustic stuff (mostly classical and some jazz.)

Both Mundorf caps have stellar reputations. But how do their sonic characteristics compare? I have read every review of caps I could find on the internet (e.g., Humble Home-made Hifi, Positive Feedback shoot-out, countless Audiogon posts, etc.), but felt that inquiring of the Asylum gang who have direct experience with both of the previously mentioned Mundorf varieties (and other caps as well) would provide excellent info to add to the decision making process. Of course, if other caps might be even more appropriate, I am definitely all ears.

I was leaning towards the silver/oil for its reported smoothness, dimensionality and musicality, but am not decided yet. My builder recommends the silver/gold/oil, which he believes provides better top end and more details, but admits that he never did a shoot out between the two, and also states that I'd likely be very happy with either. Other caps have been mentioned as even fitting the bill better. I am totally open to any and all suggestions based on experience.

The reviews I have seen that directly compare the two Mundorfs can be a little contradictory in findings, but generally it is reported that silver/oil is smoother and slightly more musical, while being superbly revealing and detailed, and the silver/gold/oil is more detailed and extended, and therefor possibly a wee bit more holographic, but also more prone to aggravate stridency and aggression in the mids and lower treble regions, which I would like to avoid. A well-regarded inmate whose opinion I trust has used both Mundorfs, and claims that the Mundorfs can be just a little shy in the bass (but very accurate tonally), and thus prefers the Intertechnik Audyn copper cap.

The price difference is really not a concern. (Except the best Duelunds. Insane!)

Any and all observations, advice, opinions, etc., are welcome.

Cheers,

WS