Capacitors

BobM · January 08, 2013, 07:21:41 PM

OK, so the system is soundiung hard and overly bright on both CD and vinyl. So I pulled the Relcap RT bupasses on the OIMP's and now things are back to normal. Open, musical, spacious, etc. Just confirmed what I think of the RT's despite that nice review of them. Also confirmed what I like about the OIMP cap.

Now for the Obbligato's in the phono stage. They have opened up but don't really sound like anything special. Overall the Multicap PPFX caps are nicer. These are the better Multicaps and are supposedly some kind of teflon. I'll give them some more time, but I doubt that they will stay.

WireNut · January 08, 2013, 10:52:19 PM

So it sounds like you really do like the OIMP's and they are to stay in your preamp.

If you did a search for "Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 photos" you will see 4 large caps in the center. They are 3.0 UF Multicap PPFX's.

Those are the four caps I'm planing on replacing with the OIMP's. I don't have a semantic so I'm thinking those are input/signal coupling locations and not outputs cap locations.

An engineer at Sonic Frontiers did say that replacing those 4 caps with OIMP's will take the SFL-2 into the 21st century.
Meaning he considers the multicaps out dated.

WireNut · January 08, 2013, 10:58:38 PM

I can't find any other Oil caps or PIO caps that will fit that small space. Only the V-cap OIMP's.

BobM · January 09, 2013, 06:19:58 AM

Found this set of reviews, but they are all in relation to crossovers and not as coupling caps.

http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html

Yeah, the OIMP's are very nice to my ears.

Face · January 09, 2013, 07:42:39 AM

Quote from: BobM on January 09, 2013, 06:19:58 AM
Found this set of reviews, but they are all in relation to crossovers and not as coupling caps.

Correct, which really doesn't help much if you're curious how any of these would sound in your amp or preamp.

rollo · January 10, 2013, 08:37:36 AM

Quote from: BobM on January 08, 2013, 07:21:41 PM
OK, so the system is sounding hard and overly bright on both CD and vinyl. So I pulled the Relcap RT bypasses on the OIMP's and now things are back to normal. Open, musical, spacious, etc. Just confirmed what I think of the RT's despite that nice review of them. Also confirmed what I like about the OIMP cap.

Now for the Obbligato's in the phono stage. They have opened up but don't really sound like anything special. Overall the Multicap PPFX caps are nicer. These are the better Multicaps and are supposedly some kind of teflon. I'll give them some more time, but I doubt that they will stay.

Those Obbligatos are not the Cats meow. For your phono stage using the Dynavector I would recco a neutral or Mundorf S/O. The Deulund alexandra as well. Bob as you know the Apogees are on the warm side of neutral. The street word is to use Poly caps when possible. Have fun.

charles
For years the designer showed the speakers with a cool sounding amp. Spectral that is.

BobM · January 10, 2013, 12:01:25 PM

I have very real size constraints in the phono stage. Mundorfs are too big. Duelands are out of the question. So far the teflon multi caps are the best I fouond that fit, but that doesn't mean I will stop searching.

WireNut · January 10, 2013, 06:40:10 PM

Quote from: BobM on January 10, 2013, 12:01:25 PM
I have very real size constraints in the phono stage. Mundorfs are too big. So far the teflon multi caps are the best I fouond that fit.

You are in the same situation I am with my Line Stage.
Check out the AudioCap Theta's on Sonic Craft's Site.

I just set up my TT after pulling it out of my closet after 15 years. Now I need a phono stage for approx $100.00 to $750.00
My equipment is Sonic Frontiers, audio research, cambridge.
I'm looking into Jolida JD9 or Hagerman DIY kit. Could really use some advise on any others. I'm back from the grinds of digital after 20 years.

Steve

BobM · January 11, 2013, 06:23:08 AM

The Hagerman Coronet II kit is very good, but is MM only. There are several mods that I would consider "essential" if you are going to build it yourself. These are documented in various Hagerman threads at AC.

Then there is the used market, where you might be able to get someting pretty nice. But first you have to decide "SS or tubes". Tubes will be more expensive and you are less likely to find a MC phono stage that way. You would need a step up or a head amp (I recommend the Hagerman Piccolo for an inexpensive yet excellent solution).

On another note, Partsconnexion is running a sale on Dueland Cast coupling caps. A 1.0uF is now $223/ea instead of the usual $600/ea. Such a deal!

rollo · January 11, 2013, 08:12:54 AM

Quote from: WireNut on January 10, 2013, 06:40:10 PM
Quote from: BobM on January 10, 2013, 12:01:25 PM
I have very real size constraints in the phono stage. Mundorfs are too big. So far the teflon multi caps are the best I fouond that fit.

You are in the same situation I am with my Line Stage.
Check out the AudioCap Theta's on Sonic Craft's Site.

I just set up my TT after pulling it out of my closet after 15 years. Now I need a phono stage for approx $100.00 to $750.00
My equipment is Sonic Frontiers, audio research, cambridge.
I'm looking into Jolida JD9 or Hagerman DIY kit. Could really use some advise on any others. I'm back from the grinds of digital after 20 years.

Steve

Steve, VISTA SS phono stage. Kaboom for the buck. Another to consider with your preamp is the older PS audio if you can find one used. The SF phono stage as well again if you can find one. Have fun.

charles

topround · January 11, 2013, 03:34:37 PM

Also soundsmith makes excellent SS phono pres for not a lot of money.
I have the vista, which i love, but the soundsmith phono pre just destroyed it!

WireNut · January 11, 2013, 04:11:30 PM

Quote from: topround on January 11, 2013, 03:34:37 PM
Also soundsmith makes excellent SS phono pres for not a lot of money.
I have the vista, which i love, but the soundsmith phono pre just destroyed it!

Well I was getting ready to purchase the Vista but ran across a
soundsmith MMP3 for $250.00. The price is right.
Should I go for it?

rpf · January 11, 2013, 06:49:35 PM

Has anyone heard anything about the new Mundorf Evo line?

Especially the Evo Silver/Gold/Oil?

http://www.hificollective.co.uk/components/mcap_evo_sgo.html

They are a bit taller but a lot shorter than many other similarly rated caps. Supposedly the next step down from the Supreme line but significantly less expensive.

topround · January 11, 2013, 07:31:39 PM

Yes go for the soundsmith, I have had both in my system and I am friends with Boris of Vista.
Boris is agreat guy but the Soundsmith is better by a large degree.
When you want to move to moving coil call me, that pre with a good stepup(like Slagle) will be killer, trust me

rollo · January 12, 2013, 08:55:51 AM

Quote from: topround on January 11, 2013, 07:31:39 PM
Yes go for the soundsmith, I have had both in my system and I am friends with Boris of Vista.
Boris is agreat guy but the Soundsmith is better by a large degree.
When you want to move to moving coil call me, that pre with a good stepup(like Slagle) will be killer, trust me

Mikey knows his stuff in this matter. If he says the Soundsmith is better it is. For $250 jump in.

charles