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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Last updated: February 2010
Introduction and Warning | Legal Disclaimer | Tube Preamplifiers | Tube Power Amps | Speakers | Polk Speaker Cable | Reference Parts | Experienced Modifiers | The Limits of Modifications | Readers Letters
Introduction
I (High-end Audio) have performed, literally, thousands of modifications in my audio career. The first was around 1979*, when I changed an amplifier, with the help of a friend, from pentode into triode. Then in 1981, when an (then new) audiophile friend encouraged me to change the coupling capacitors in that same power amplifier (the Dynaco Mk. VI). The improvements I heard, at such a modest cost, permanently changed my audio life.
I feel that modifications, more than anything else besides speaker/room optimization and system matching, are the key to creating a "great" sound system, instead of accepting just "good" or even "impressive". In fact, I've never heard a truly great system that was NOT modified in some manner.
Even for those audiophiles who have more modest goals, such as simple "satisfaction" and/or the "best audio bang for the buck", I know of no other method to improve your existing system to as great a degree, for as little money. In short, modifications are the best and most economical audio investment you will ever experience.
This file will focus on modifications; simple and easy, and difficult and complex. I will give the reader the fullest extent possible of the experiences I, and others, have had over the last 30 years and more.
Caveat- I only recommend modifying equipment when:
1. It is in full, proper working condition.
2. You are already satisfied with its performance.Modifications are not "repairs", and modifications will not turn an unsatisfactory component (to your ear) into a component you enjoy and love. Modifications "enhance" what you have. I've never experienced a modification which can transform what the listener does not like. That overly optimistic goal is most likely impossible with only a modification.
*Actually, in 1974, I added an outboard capacitor bank to a CM Labs 911 power amplifier, with the help of a more technically skilled friend. Maybe that was "my first modification". That mod was inaudible both to me, and my equally disappointed friend, so my career in modifications didn't exactly begin on a successful note.
Legal Disclaimer
Health and Safety Warning
Electronic components, especially tube audio equipment, operate at lethal voltages. The information provided on the following pages is intended for educational purposes only and are written for electronics hobbyists who understand the safety precautions that must be observed when working with high voltage circuits. Do not attempt to modify any electronic components unless you are competent to use this information safely. You, alone, are responsible for taking every available safety precaution. Arthur Salvatore, and High-End Audio, specifically disclaim any liability whatsoever for any injury suffered, directly or indirectly, as a consequence of the use of the information provided on this website, including, without limitation, the following WebPages(s).
Compatibility and Applicability Warning
The information provided on this website reflects the perspective of the author, Arthur Salvatore, based on personal listening preferences. Music appreciation is subjective, and your preferences may differ from those of the author. The author offers no assurance whatsoever that the information (including the specific modifications detailed herein) will be satisfactory to you. Moreover, the author makes no representation or warranty whatsoever that the modifications detailed on the following WebPages(s) will operate properly in your electronic components. Finally, there is a high probability that modifying an electronic component will void the manufacturer's warranty.
You are only entitled to read and/or use the information provided on the following WebPages(s) if you first agree to the waivers of liability and the disclaimers of any representations and warranties detailed in the forgoing sections titled "Health and Safety Warning" and "Compatibility and Applicability Warning." Any reading or use of the following information shall be deemed de facto evidence of your acceptance of these terms.
Tube Preamplifiers
I will describe the extensive modifications that were made on the Jadis JP-80 preamplifier, which I have used as a reference since 1989. These modifications, in part or in whole, can also be performed on most other tube preamplifiers.
Basic Modification
Every tube preamplifier has coupling capacitors (the caps actually in the signal path to block DC), and these caps must be at least "excellent" in quality to optimize that preamp's inherent sonic potential. Improving these capacitors is the most elementary and important modification that can be made. It is also, obviously, the most easily heard and appreciated.
The second part of the "basic" modification is the "shunting" (or "bypassing") of the decoupling capacitors. These caps are the local power supply (not signal path) capacitors that both filter and store the DC energy which the "plate" of the tube requires to actually amplify the signal.
They can be either "electrolytic" (+ or -) or "film" in type. Film are preferable because they're "faster", and are now commonly used with most preamplifier designs, even the less expensive models. Unfortunately, most decoupling caps don't have an extra, tiny (.1uf or .01uf) cap to provide instantaneous energy, so adding these tiny caps is also a must. This part of the modification will be more subtle than the above, but still quite noticeable and vital for total optimization.
The details:
Part 1- Replacing the Coupling Capacitors
CAVEAT-First make certain (with a voltmeter) that there is no DC voltage still stored in the Preamplifier
The JP-80 is a straightforward preamplifier, with 6 tubes, all of them 12AX7 types; Three in the phono stage and three in the linestage. The circuit is very similar to the Marantz 7C. The newer MC version of the JP-80 has more tubes in its head-amp circuit, which we will ignore.
The phono stage has two capacitors in the signal path. The first cap is between the first and second tubes. These are the tubes that provide the RIAA equalization and amplification. The second cap is the phono stage's output coupling cap. The third tube, the cathode follower, which does not actually amplify the signal, sends the transformed signal through this cap to the selector control.
The first coupling cap is .47uf at 1000 Volts and was made in Europe. While it was "full-bodied", nothing else about it was exceptional. In particular, it was slow and veiled. There's approximately 400 volts on the plate of the first tube, so I would look for a 600 volt cap to replace it, 1000 volts is overkill. The .47uf size should be adhered to, unless you will accept a slight roll-off in the deepest bass (or are willing to make a minor change in the R/C circuit).
The big decision is what to replace the .47 cap with! There are a number of choices, which I will get into more detail later. Here's a short list for now:
1. REL caps, polypropylene or polystyrene film and foil, or even Teflon
2. Infini Signature caps, or their more recent advanced models the "DynamiCaps"
3. Hovland Music caps
4. Auricaps
5. MIT caps, polypropylene and polystyrene film and foil, metallized (and the Teflon "Exotica", which I haven't been able to find anywhere on the web)
6. PAS caps (if they are still made)
7. Others I've temporarily forgottenA .01uf 600V cap, of the same type, should be used in parallel with the .47uf, which will speed it up just a touch. Some people don't like the results, but the listener should make up his/her own mind on this. I prefer using the .01uf myself.
The output (coupling) capacitor is very different from the (interstage) coupling capacitor. Jadis did something here I've never seen before or since. They put eleven (11) capacitors in parallel! This was, apparently, to avoid using one large capacitor, which they felt would have too much of a high-frequency roll-off (or inductance). The total capacitance of all 11 caps combined is around 6.5 uf. Unfortunately, the use of 11 caps causes its own problems; a lack of cohesion and focus and mediocre bass, so they must be replaced.
The best solution to this problem is to find one capacitor as close as possible to 6.5 uf (and preferably larger) and add a .01 uf cap as a shunt ("tweeter" cap). This is what I did myself. I used a large MIT metallized cap (20 uf if I remember correctly) and shunted it with another MIT cap, a .01uf 630 volt polystyrene. (I don't use these caps today, but that will be discussed in the "Extreme Modification" section.) Fortunately, the output cap only has to handle around 200 volts, so 300 or 400 volt capacitors are fine.
*There are inital voltage surges greater than the final static voltage, so owners of other preamplifiers should measure the surge voltages before choosing the voltage value of the capacitor they are going to use.
The line-stage of the JP-80 has the exact same interstage cap, but the output "cap" is 5 caps in parallel this time instead of 11, and the total capacitance is around 5.2 uf. The modification for the line stage is almost exactly the same, except the replacement output caps can be slightly smaller, but the use of a .01uf shunt cap is still advised (400 volt caps in this position are fine). There is one other difference though...
The JP-80 has an INPUT cap (1 uf) at the beginning of the line-stage circuit. This means that the signal from all the line sources, including the signal from the phono stage, must pass through this cap. The owner/user has a choice here, either replace this 1 uf cap with something better (and adding a .01 uf shunt), or removing the capacitor altogether. At this time, I advise simply replacing the input cap with a better cap. (I actually prefer removing the cap, but this will be done at a later time, specifically during the "Advanced" modification).
This finishes the coupling capacitor part of the modification. I highly recommend changing only one capacitor at a time (both channels at once though). By changing the caps in stages, you will hear each improvement separately, and, if there is a problem, there will be no guess work as to the exact source of the problem. In most cases, the change of coupling caps will be the largest improvement of any modification advised in this file. In some instances, where the stock coupling caps are really bad, the preamplifier will even sound transformed, with much greater transparency, immediacy, purity and dynamic qualities. More extended highs and bass are also common. This is why I recommend modifying something you already like and enjoy before making an expensive move "up", because it may not be necessary.
Part Two-Shunting (bypassing) the De-coupling capacitors
The JP-80, and other tube preamplifiers, will have electrolytic capacitors storing DC energy near the tubes. They will be connected to the plates of the tubes, though not directly. There will be a large resistor between the capacitor and the plate of the tube. These caps will not be replaced this time. Instead, there will be "shunt" capacitors soldered in parallel with (usually on top of) them. Depending on the amount of space there is, a .1 uf can be used, or, with plenty of space, a 1 uf cap, with a smaller .01 uf shunt cap, can be used together. The shunt caps must have a voltage rating at least as high as the caps that are already there. They must be soldered strictly in parallel with the existing electrolytic, meaning on their side of the resistor (and not on the tube's side).
More modern preamplifiers may already have shunts on their electrolytics, or have even eliminated the electrolytics and already used only film capacitors. In these cases, the user must decide whether these more advanced de-coupling caps can still be improved with even better brands. If so, the advice above still holds. Also, the larger the film cap shunt, assuming a .01 uf is used with it, the better, everything being equal, but the new, larger cap must be positioned tightly and safely, and never loosely.
Once again, I recommend doing only one stage, though on both channels, at a time, and then listening. In the case of the JP-80, this means 6 separate stages, since it has a separate de-coupling capacitor for each (double) plate on the 6 tubes.
The sonics effects are less noticeable than the changing of the coupling caps, but are still important. These shunt caps will allow more space, air, decays and harmonics to be heard. The soundstage should sound larger, and more focused. There could also be a slightly greater sense of speed and purity, though not as dramatic as a signal path cap change.
Conclusion
This finishes the "basic" modification. This modification should be performed on all older preamplifiers, and many modern preamps that don't use the finest available capacitors in their signal paths, or are budget models which don't include shunts on their local de-coupling caps. Also, some designers still don't believe that caps make a sonic difference and that shunts are a waste of money. This means that even their expensive models can be easily improved for a modest cost.
For most readers, this basic modification will be both the beginning and the end of the line for them, since it focuses on the fundamental execution of the existing design, but does not change that design. The next level of modification begins to change the circuit itself, though subtly. The differences will not be as dramatic, but will still be noticeable and well appreciated.
(Preview of Future Modifications, but WAIT for the details, Please!)
Advanced Modification
Remove Line Stage Input Capacitor
Change the RIAA Equalization Curve (to Dr. Stanley Lipschitz's- the most accurate I'm aware of at this time)*
Remove the Tape Relay from the Circuit
Remove the resistor and the RFI capacitors at the phono inputTo Come- When?, I'm not certain at this time.
*The signal goes from the output (plate) of the second RIAA tube to the cathode of the first RIAA tube:
1. Soldered to the second RIAA tube plate: a 1.21m ohm resistor and a 2,640 pf cap in parallel, this signal goes (soldered) to a;
2. 100k ohm resistor and 750pf cap, also in parallel;
3. the output of this goes (is soldered) to the cathode of first RIAA tube.Extreme Modification
Remove the Entire Line Stage from the Signal Path
Replace all the relevant Electrolytic capacitors in the Power Supply with Film Types and Bypasses
Replace all the De-coupling Electrolytics in the Preamplifier with Film Types and Bypasses"Kamikaze" Modification
Remove the Mute Switch from the Circuit
Remove the Cathode Follower Tube at the output of the Phono Stage
Remove the Volume Control from the Direct Signal PathTube Power Amplifiers
I will eventually describe, in detail and with pictures, the extensive modifications that were made on the Golden Tube 300B mono power amplifiers that I still use in my current system. This modification, in part or in whole, can also be used on most other tube power amplifiers.
For now, here is what I did in general terms, but without any precise details and explanations. They will come, be patient. If you don't fully understand what is written below, don't even think about doing it yourself. If all this looks like "child's play", then I would still do only one step at a time, so if you do make a mistake, you'll know exactly the cause.
1. Coupling capacitor is changed to a V-Cap Teflon, either .22 or .47uf 600 volts
2. Entire power/filter supply (B+) are Solen metallized capacitors (two 100uf/630 volt cans per channel-on top of chassis)
3. Decoupling cap, near the input tube, is also a Solen metallized, 20uf, with two extra film and foil shunts on each
4. Each 100uf B+ cap also has two extra film and foil shunts inside the chassis
5. RCA female placed near input tube, on top of chassis, with a good grounding resistor and quality wire to input tube
6. Speaker binding posts placed near output transformer (on long side of chassis)
7. All electrolyic capacitors in the entire power supply are removed and replaced-See #1
8. 6SL7 and 6Z34 are both highest quality NOS, but the finest 300B is the contemporary KR300BXLS
9. Quality cable installed from 300B to output transformer primary
10. Decoupling caps, film and foil, added after choke directly to the output transformer
11. Herbie's tube dampers placed on all 3 tubes
12. Walker SSS treatment applied to all pin tubes
13. Coincident power cord
14. Each amplifier will have to be rebiased because of the change of output tube and B+ total capacitanceSpeakers
I had planned to describe the modifications I made on the Wilson Audio WATT. The principles and techniques discussed could also be used with many other speakers. Unfortunately, the passage of time has created a problem that may not be able to be solved. I was not able to post my modification on the Wilsons at an earlier time, because other people helped me, and I don’t know exactly what components they used. Now it’s possible that the modification I performed can longer be duplicated at this time, more than 12 years later.
Details- Both of the drivers and the crossover were changed. The drivers were updated models from the same respective companies that Wilson used. I’m not sure these replacement drivers are even made any more. The crossover was based on those replacement drivers, though it was an easy 1st order, so the speaker could be driven with a low powered amplifier. That’s all I can say at this time.
Polk Speaker Cables
I will describe, in detail, the method to build Polk Speaker Cable, the only "Class A" speaker cable I have heard. The necessary material requirement is around 96 feet of single Polk speaker cable.
For now, I now have digital pictures of the completed Polk cables to help anyone starting the project. I can forward them upon request. Also, there are general building instructions already posted in the Reference Speaker Cable File.
I will describe and recommend the various passive parts that must be sought out and purchased by the modifier. Below is the first passive part I have written about in-depth.
VH AUDIO (V-CAP) TEFLON CAPACITORS- According to the manufacturer, these caps require around 400 hours of break-in before they're totally optimized. I have now verified this observation. In my case, I decided to do the initial break-in within my tube tuner's output stage, so I wouldn't be prejudiced by a misleading first impression. I had around 200 hours of break-in when I initially put the caps in my amplifiers.
Initial Results
These are the finest capacitors I've ever heard. Period. They are noticeably superior to the REL Teflon (HI-REL TFS103K6A), the former "champion", which, in turn, has proven superior to every other capacitor that I, and my associates, have used in the last 10 years. The list of caps we've tried includes basically every audiophile capacitor available, with the one exception of the ultra-expensive Audio Notes, which cost over $ 1,000 each. I will describe the VH Teflons shortly, but there are two relevant points to make now;
1. The preliminary comparison consisted of a VH .01uf/600volt capacitor with its REL Teflon equivalent. No larger VH Teflon capacitor has been heard yet. The cap was exchanged in my SET 300B power amp, which uses a .01uf for both coupling and as a 80 Hz filter, since the amplifier doesn't have feedback. I couldn't create a more direct, ruthless and definitive comparison, even in my imagination.
The .01uf capacitor is traditionally the most accurate and revealing within a cap "family", though it passes reduced bass because of its small value. It's similar in function to a "tweeter" in a speaker system. The larger VH Teflon caps will eventually be placed in my preamplifier in early February (2005), one stage at a time. (There are two stages in my preamp.) I won't be able to break-in these larger VH caps because of the space restrictions inside my tuner.
2. I consider the V-Cap Teflon caps to be one of the most important developments in "High-End Audio" in the last decade. I say this from the perspective of an audiophile in general, and particularly as a hard-core modifier. The unprecedented capabilities of the V-Cap Teflon capacitor has inspired and focused my thoughts concerning the inevitable issue of when audiophiles should both purchase and later sell their electronics. The "rule" I've been using myself, for the last 20 years, is finally clear and distinct to me, and I share it below.
V-CAP TEFLON FINAL REPORT
As I promised in my initial entry on these capacitors, I have more to say about their unprecedented performance and advice concerning their purchase, plus my (now focused) perspective on modifications in general, and their important relationship with replacing and upgrading components. First, here's some relevant background information.
My Modification Background
In the last 25+ years, I've made literally thousands of distinct modifications, meaning modifying a component and then listening to the result. They were performed on a few hundred separate components, mainly tube preamplifiers and power amplifiers, but also speakers and some tuners and CD players with tube output stages.
My very first modification was on the Dynaco Mk. VI power amps, which I had originally built from a kit. The modification was "child's play" in comparison. The Dyna modification was in two stages; changing the coupling caps and then converting the amp into triode from pentode operation. Unfortunately, it wasn't a positive first experience, because I still didn't like the amplifiers even after the modifications improved its performance, but I persisted, due to both the high performance/cost ratio, and the feeling, at least at the time, that I was building something that was better than what was available in the market. This was "egotistical", but also very pragmatic in the long run.
My most recent modification was replacing the capacitors in my current preamplifier, the Jadis JP-80, which I've now owned for more than 16 years. This relatively lengthy ownership is critical, and is also consistent with my philosophy and advice below.
Presently, I wouldn't dream of NOT attempting to modify any appropriate component that came into my possession for personal use. I look at stock components strictly as "potential" components. It's only what these components can BECOME that matters to me. I advise this same perspective to any audiophile who is a true perfectionist and who's willing to go to even extreme measures to improve their system. That brings us to the V-Cap Teflons, which are a gift from Heaven to all serious audiophiles, and particularly those who believe modifications are a requirement to reach their goal of total sonic optimization.
V-Cap Teflon Performance
As I wrote above, these are the finest signal-path capacitors I've ever heard. This was an easy judgement to make, because they are superior in virtually every area of music reproduction:
1. They are the most neutral cap I've heard.
2. They are the fastest and most detailed cap I've heard.
3. They provide the most natural texture, space and low-level details.
4. They are the cleanest and purest cap I've heard.
5. They are the most immediate and transparent cap I've heard.
6. They are the most intensely* dynamic cap I've heard.
7. They provide the most separation and the least homogenization of any cap I've heard.
8. They provide the most intelligibility of any cap I've heard.
9. Their soundstage is the most focused that I've heard.
10. They have the tightest, cleanest, most natural and most impactful bass I've heard.
11. They have the most extended frequency extremes I've heard.
12. They have the lowest "sound-floor" of any cap I've heard.*Their dynamic force is more like a bullet than a shotgun, instead of just becoming "louder", which is why I used the preface "intensely".
For a simple audio analogy, they sound like a combination of the finest solid-state and tube electronics in one super component, with no downsides; possessing both precision and natural information. From a different, more practical, perspective, these capacitors turned previously random sounds and noises into "music".
This description is all based on my comparisons to the capacitors that have previously proved to be superior to every other cap that I, and my associates, have used in the last 10 years; the Rel Cap Teflons. I don't want to give the impression that the differences between these two Teflon capacitors are "dramatic" or "night and day", because that isn't true. The V-Cap Teflons are superior in basically every area, sometimes easily noticeable, and sometimes by the tiniest margin, but any advantage is always in their favor. On the other hand, the present performance gap I'm now hearing should actually increase over time, since the V-Caps in my system are still not totally broken in. Because of this, my final assessment may change.
One must also keep in mind that the Rel Cap Teflons themselves are still noticeably superior to all the other caps we've heard, which, accordingly, places the V-Cap Teflons far ahead of any other cap we are aware of at this time. This means replacing any capacitor with the V-Cap Teflons, other than the Rel Cap Teflons, should provide "dramatic" improvements, at least after they are fully broken-in.
Capacitor Placement Priorities
I have 3 amplifying stages in my system that require coupling capactiors; 2 in my preamplifier and 1 in my amplifier. They all now use the V-Cap Teflons, but the results (improvements) were not the same in each instance. This means "priorities", particularly if you are on a budget, and with the high costs of these caps, that is quite understandable.
The largest improvements I heard were in the "no-feedback" positions. This was in the power amplifier, a SET design with no feedback, and also on the output of the preamplifier. The third stage, between the first and second tubes of the preamplifier and within the RIAA feedback loop, offered the smallest improvement, even though it's the first capacitor in the signal path. So my advice is straight forward here; change the capacitors that are NOT in a feedback loop first, though all of them should be changed eventually.
My Present Perspective, Philosophy and Purchasing Advice
The arrival of the V-Cap Teflons has focused my thinking on both modifications in general and the more important issue of when audiophiles should change their components. These two subjects are now inseperable to me, and I want to explain my thinking, because this is what I've been doing for the last 20 years without even realizing it.
Like all serious audiophiles, there's nothing more exciting for me then finding a component that dramtically improves the performance of my system. It's that "excitement" and intense pleasure that makes us "audiophiles" in the first place, and is the reason why we are constantly on the look-out for something "better", regardless of whether it is new, used, cheap, expensive and difficult to find and set-up.
However, as our system improves, our personal priorities come into focus and the choices slowly narrow over time. Then the shrinking "degree" of potential improvement becomes, along with the increasing cost, the limiting factors effecting our never ending desire to "move up". How does one deal with the inevitability of "hitting the wall"; both technologically and financially? There is no one answer for everybody, but here is my own method, evolved over decades of constant upgrading, which successfully combines an unlimited quest with a limited and unpredictable budget.
"Going All the Way" (It's the only way for me)
I always "Go all the way" with what I have, thus creating my personal "Reference", and then try to improve on that standard. To "go all the way" means modifying your existing (reference) component as far as you reasonably can. This is what I've done with both the Jadis JP-80* preamplifier and the Golden Tube 300B* power amplifiers.
Let me be more step-by-step specific;
Once I found the electronics that I really liked ("stock"), I continually improved them with modifications. All during this time, now 16 years* with the Jadis and 9 years* with the Golden Tube, I've compared them to various "competitors", with almost all of them "stock", meaning the competitors were NOT modified in ANY way, let alone "all the way", like my two references. Though this would appear to be (and is!) blatantly "unfair" to the challengers (like using steroids<="+1">**), I made this decision (to cheat) for a very specific reason;
I wanted to be Absolutely Certain that the Challenger was Fundamentally Superior to my Reference, BEFORE I sold my Reference to purchase the Challenger.
By definition, only a component that is fundamentally superior (by its basic design and/or execution) can improve on the performance of my "artificially enhanced" reference component. Once this (highly desirable) event occurs, I'm in the highest state of ecstasy as an audiophile; I will have found a new reference that will eventually, and inevitably, be >FAR superior to my former reference. Why, when and how to get to that "far"? When the new reference itself* is modified "all the way".
*Personal History- The stock Jadis JP-80 had proved to be superior to my previous reference, the highly modified MFA Luminescence, while the (almost) stock Golden Tube 300B had proved to be superior to my previous reference, the highly modified Jadis JA-80.
**Crude Analogy- This is like a team owner trading his "juiced" star player only after finding a replacement who was superior in ability even without the use of any "enhancements".
The "Modification Strategy" versus the Conventional Alternative
The conventional alternative to this "going all the way" strategy is continual "upgrading" (switching components). This is what the audio industry, including almost all of the audio magazines and 'reviewers', recommends to audiophiles, directly or indirectly. This alternative "strategy" is highly costly in money terms, and also in consuming valuable time and focus. Worst of all, most of these "upgrades" end up being small and insignificant improvements, or even "downgrades", in the long run, making them frustrating and spirit draining as well.
This can't happen with the "Modification and Upgrade Strategy". The small (fun) improvements, which are normally also small in cost, will occur naturally with the modifications. Any component change must provide a large audible improvement in the long run, since it will be the accumulation of both:
1. The original improvements heard during the comparison of the two components,
2. Plus all of the future improvements that will take place after it is modified itself.While it was a little lengthy to explain, the "modification and upgrade strategy" is easy to understand and even implement, especially if the audiophile is capable of performing most of their own modifications. If not, this is where a friend and/or a competent and local technician will, once again, come in handy. (All serious audiophiles need friends, and most need technicians.)
The keys to making this strategy work are finding (tube) components that you really enjoy to begin with. That's the start. Then they are slowly modified until you feel their full potential has been realized. Only then, and after you are familiar with them and feel you are ready to appreciate an improvement, can the search for a new component begin; looking for one that is stock, but still appears promising. Finances and system requirements are also obvious factors that must be taken into consideration during the hunt.
They bottom line benefits of this strategy are twofold:
1. It prevents the audiophile from investing in a new (electronic) component if and when it is premature and NOT necessary.
2. Any new component passing this difficult test will have to be a significant upgrade in the long run, making "buyer's regret" a thing of the past.V-Cap Teflon Caps and the Modification Strategy
Do the V-Cap Teflons have any effect on the overall strategy I've been discussing? Definitely yes, because their unprecedented performance has now "raised the bar" on the degree of improvement that can be gained with modifications. This will have an equal effect on "the degree of improvement" then required by the stock competitor to replace the modified reference component.
The resulting formula is quite simple-
The more the performance of the Modified Reference is improved, the more difficult (and longer) it will take to find its Stock Replacement.
Coming along for the ride is a second "rule"- When the "Stock Replacement" is finally found, its potential performance gap will also be increased by the same "degree of improvement" that the V-Cap Teflon earlier gave the Modified Reference.
In Effect- The V-Cap Teflons offer the user/modifiers two important advantages:
1. Superior performance and longer length of ownership of their current Modified Reference.
2. A greater degree of ultimate improvement after the Modified Reference is finally replaced with the Stock Replacement and it is modified itself.The Final Decision-Should You Invest in V-Cap Teflons, or Something Else?
As far as I'm concerned, the only serious decision facing a modifier is whether to purchase the V-Cap Teflons or a lower quality, and less expensive, alternative, because if the V-Caps were "cheap", using anything else would obviously make no sense.
My advice is that everyone should use the V-Caps if finanically possible, even delaying the modifications until the funds are saved up. I feel this way because the V-Caps are guaranteed to optimize a component's performance along with providing an easily noticeable improvement. This optimization will give the peace of mind that you've done all that you can do, allowing you to move on and focus on something else. However, since there will be a relatively large monetary investment for common "passive parts", an unavoidable question must also be addressed.
What about the V-Caps still in the modified component after you find its eventual replacement? In this instance, I would either remove the V-Caps before I put the older component up for sale, or offer the option of the modified component with them still inside, though only if you can recover most of the V-Cap's costs, which would allow you to repurchase more of them for the replacement component. Unless money is not a factor for you, literally giving away the V-Caps for essentially nothing is not a financially wise decision.
I personally view the V-Cap Teflons as a "long-term investment", and not just more discardable parts for the first component they happen to have been installed in. From this perspective, the initial cost, as with an actual component, is no longer viewed as just another "expense". Instead, they should be seen as an integral and vital strategic part of the unique system you are putting together. As long as they're "the best", the V-Cap Teflons will also be a "necessity" for everyone who is aiming towards perfection.
SOLEN TEFLON FEP FILM & FOIL CAPACITORS- I have now heard these newly developed capacitors, plus one of my <="+1">associates has extensively experimented with them. The Bottom Line- They are "outstanding", and actually competitive in performance with the finest caps we've heard; the V-Cap Teflons. The Solens have two advantages:
1. They cost* quite a bit less, though they are still expensive because of the use of Teflon.
2. They break-in** much faster than the V-Caps.In the past, I've only advised using Solen capacitors for tube (high-voltage) power supplies. Their metallized polypropylene*** capacitors are the best (and only) choice for those wanting to avoid the use of (dirty and noisy sounding) electrolytics, no matter what their cost and reputed "quality". As for signal-path caps, Solen has offered "decent" sound, and good value for the money, but that's it. These new Teflon caps are a complete change of direction for this company, because they are one of the finest caps available at any price; cheaper than their direct competition and noticeably superior to any capacitor we know that sells for less than them. The big question: Are they actually equal, or even better, than the V-Cap Teflons?
We don't know yet. There may be some sonic trade-offs, but they're close enough that it will take some strict and lengthy comparisons to come to a generally accepted conclusion on their relative merits. All we know, at this point, is that they're the two best we've heard, and we've heard everything possible, with the one exception of the hyper-expensive Audio Note caps. So what do I advise now...?
If you already have V-Caps installed, like I do, don't even think about changing them. If you can't afford, or justify the cost of, the V-Caps, but want something similar in performance, then I recommend the Solens as the next best choice, if they are affordable*. If you can afford the V-Caps, and you want to do something reasonably soon, I would still go with them, because they are the safe, time-proven and certain choice. If you have a longer time horizon, then I would simply wait until the Modifying and DIY communities make enough trustworthy comparisons to form some type of a consensus. I'll post any updates here as they become available to me. Accordingly, I would appreciate hearing from anyone who makes a relevant comparison between these two capacitors.
*Solen is located in Canada, so their prices are in Canadian Dollars, which are currently around par with U.S. Dollars.
**According to one of my associates, who "tracked" the break-in time of the Solens, it's around 100 hours, in contrast to the hundreds of hours for the V-Caps.
***There is also a new metallized Teflon capacitor made by Solen, with larger values, but it is only advised for cost-no-object power supplies, speaker crossovers or if a truly large value is required in the signal path.
Experienced Modifiers
Tom Tutay
I visited Tutay in August and September 2005 for a variety of reasons, but the main one was to have my Altec 1570B (for my subwoofers) power amps looked at. These amplifiers are generally ultra-reliable, but they had recently been "acting up" for some unknown reason(s), so why not go to the one person who knew them best? (I'm really glad I did -see below*).
While I was there, I also checked out Tutay's audio system and the other projects he had worked on. Frankly, until then, I had no idea how versatile and thorough Tutay is. For those interested in Tom's audio system, all custom designed and/or modified, I can tell you that it was really "good", meaning it was quite a bit better than most of the systems I heard at the 2004 Las Vegas CES, including some that cost a small fortune. Tutay doesn't have an exceptional listening room. It's just average size, but it does have very few standing waves, mainly because of all the "clutter" Tom has lying around (various tubes, audio magazines, records, CDS and everything else audio related imaginable).
Tutay's custom designed and built speakers, which look "ordinary", sounded excellent; with a neutral perspective, natural (or "musical") tonal balance, good cohesiveness, wider than average frequency range, good low-level information and excellent imaging capabilities. As for his technical skills...
Tutay can design and build virtually anything for audio use. His one condition is that only TUBES, and not transistors or even transformers, are doing the "work". His projects have included pre-amplifers, RIAA gain/equalization, MC step-ups, electronic crossovers, power amps etc.
I was very impressed with the way Tutay goes about designing and building his custom made models. He designs the circuit first (schematic), then draws a life-sized version of the final layout. (It's something like a Dynaco kit diagram, for older readers with good memories.) This method allows him to build the model with minimum signal path length, including the internal wires. This is highly desirable and economical at the same time. It also means the unit can be duplicated, modified and/or repaired in the most minimal time possible.
I was also impressed with Tutay's minimalist approach and his build quality. Everything was "heavy-duty" and overbuilt, which means these models will be very reliable. This is important for one-of-a-kind units. While the aesthetics are "practical", and definitely not "elegant", the prices he charges are reasonable, especially considering these models are custom designed and built to satisfy an inpidual requirement. Of course, this also means these custom models can never be churned out in a few days or even weeks. To do his work properly, Tutay needs a few months or more to begin and finish a project that requires a unique circuit and hard to get parts. If the model is straight-forward, he may be able to finish it in far less time.
Since Tutay lives in a somewhat inaccessible part of Florida, doesn't travel very often, and has no website, I can understand how many audiophiles will be reluctant to ask a person they may never meet to build a complicated (and maybe expensive) component for them. All I can say is that Tutay has proven himself time and time again. This includes satisfying a number of my own (very demanding) associates, and now even me personally, since he has successfully repaired my own Altec power amps (that were butchered by an incompetent "technician" in Toronto*).
For those audiophiles who would like to contact Tutay, his telephone number is: 850-244-3041. (His Florida address is in the Links File. See below.) I can tell you that Tom is straight-forward, modest and easy going. If you are looking for "glamour" and the typical audiophile hype and "BS", I would look elsewhere.
*It turned out that my Altec 1570B amps had 450 volt caps in a 500 volt part of the circuit. It even had the wrong type of tube installed. It's amazing they lasted as long as they did without any problems, and even outperformed numerous other amplifiers at the same time, both full-range and in the bass. This demonstrates the basic strength of the circuit and overall build quality of these amplifiers.
To complete this story, I did not initially hear any audible improvement when I put the Altec amps back in my system, at least in the most easily noticeable areas of impact, weight and bass extension, despite the changes in caps and tubes. However, with extended listening, particularly of classical orchestras and chamber music, I definitely noticed improvements in tightness, detail, purity and control. The "new" amps also have lowered the "sound-floor", improved the sense of space and "volume", and even enhanced the cohesiveness of the satellites with the subwoofers. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the results.
Other Modifiers
Please check The External Links for more modifiers.
The Limits of Modifications
Since the day this website was born, back in 1999, I've made it clear how vitally important I feel modifications are to the serious audiophile. Not only for simple optimization, but for "moving up" at the least cost in both time and money. In fact, in some rare instances, a component can be improved to a degree where it can be accurately described as an "improvement in kind". However, in most cases, there are lower improvement limits, and I want to recount the experience that conclusively demonstrated those limits to me. This particular incident occurred in early 1989, in my former retail store, and with plenty of witnesses:
Back then, I was going through a modification frenzy, with a huge inventory of capactitors and resistors on hand. I had just received some very expensive (for 1989) Teflon capacitors, and I was confident I would shock my friends and customers with what I could do with them. So I announced a special "shoot-out" for one Saturday afternoon. The participants would be two preamplifiers I sold: The Counterpoint 5.1, unmodified, and the (much less expensive) Audible Illusions Modulas 2C, with the Teflon capacitors installed and broken-in.
My goal was to prove that these particular capacitors would improve the performance of the Modulas to even beyond the otherwise superior Counterpoint, and for a fraction of the price. I made sure that both preamplifiers would be heard at their best, using a front-end that was compatible with both, and with an excellent system (details now forgotten) which would thoroughly reveal the differences between them. After all the witnesses arrived, and an appropriate warmup period, I played the Counterpoint first. When everyone was familiar with it, and satisifed that it was sounding "good", I then replaced it with the modified Audible Illusions. We listened again, with most (or all) of us expecting* to hear an improvement...
But there was NO improvement! First we were confused, especially me, so we put the Counterpoint back in the system ahead of schedule. Well, there was no doubt about it, the Counterpoint was still better. For confirmation, we repeated the entire process, and once again heard the same results, though during the second comparison the Counterpoint's superiority was much easier to discern. At the time, I was really depressed about this entire incidient, much more than even those customers with equally high expectations. But I eventually realized that I had now learned, first hand, the limits of using superior passive parts. It also conclusively demonstrated the critical importance of the actual circuit, build quality and the power supply to the ultimate performance of the component.
If I had to make a General Rule about the importance of passive parts for a specific component, using my current perspective, I would state that the better everything else is within that component, the more of a difference the passive parts will eventually make. This only makes sense, since the other factors can only hold back the potential performance enhancements of the passive parts themselves. So, the old "weakest link in the chain" analogy, used so frequently by audiophiles when discussing and analyzing entire audio systems, also works just as well when directed at the inpidual components themselves. For example,...
A Typical Tube Amplifier = An Entire Audio System
The Input stage = The "Signal source",
The Power supply = The "Amplification",
The Output tube(s) (and Output transformer) = The "Speakers",
The Internal wiring and connections = The "Interconnects and speaker cables".In Conclusion- I believe that the concept, and practice, of viewing each inpidual component as a "System", in its own right, is an important step in the evolution and development of a serious audiophile.
(*This was one of the countless experiences I/we have had of "reality" overcoming "expectations", and we're obviously not unique. However, there are a number of audio sceptics who seriously claim that most components sound exactly the same, and that the only "differences" that audiophiles ever "hear" are what they "expect to hear". That means, in effect, that audiophiles can never be "surprised" when making component comparisons. That's totally absurd of course, and so is their arrogant "theory" of "only hearing your expectations" in real life.)
V-CAP TEFLON CAPACITORS- These are still the finest signal path capacitors that I, and all of my associates, have ever heard. However, they are not suitable for all applications; in particular, some high voltage amplifiers. Here is a letter from a reader who has such an unsuitable amplifier, with some minor editing (my bold):
"I talked to Kara Chaffee at deHavilland about the V-cap upgrade. She warned me that the voltage is too low for those caps to be used on the deHavilland. She recommends caps at least rated at 1000 volts. The V caps are only rated at 600 volts. She said she talked to the fellow who designed them, and he is supposed to design a V cap rated at 1000 volts. She also told me someone tried the V cap upgrade in one of her amps and the amp blew up."
Personal Notes- The moral/lesson here is clear. If you think your amplifier may use unusually high voltages, then check this out thoroughly before replacing the capacitors. The replacement caps should always be at least the same voltage, or higher, than the stock caps. A simple e-mail or phone call to V-Cap, or the original manufacturer, can straighten this out in no time.
This new 1000 volt V-Cap Teflon is really good news, and not only for those audiophiles who require the high voltage caps (like me). This is because it's possible that the 1000 volt cap will sound a little better than its 600 volt equivalent in many situations where the high voltage is not a requirement. The only unavoidable downside is that, everything else being equal, the 1000 volt capacitor will cost more to manufacture, and thus also cost more to the end user.
I would also like to add a short comment about deHavilland amplifiers. I haven't been able to "Recommend" a particular model because of financial conflicts. However, based on A/B/C comparisons, a couple of my associates felt that two of their models were as good, and probably superior, to an equivalent Audio Note amplifier, which sells for 10 times the price of the deHavilland models.
V-Cap Teflon Modification
Here's part of a letter from a veteran reader, and past contributor, who has modified his Audio Research SP-11, a high-gain preamplifier that we've advised for years (with some minor editing and my bold):
"I'm the guy that was modifying my SP-11 by replacing all 28 of the stock .01 uf bi-pass "Wonder Cap" capacitors with V-Caps Teflons. (I also bypassed the power supply caps with .10 uf V-Caps.) Here is the verdict:
Wow! This was well worth the $ 1,100.00 investment. The V-Cap mod transformed the venerable SP-11 into, possibly, a world class preamp. Inner detail is much improved, to a similar degree that I experienced when going from the ZYX Airy-2 to the UNIverse. The mod was so successful, that a friend of mine insisted that I perform the same mod on his SP-11 Mk-II. The Mk-II has even more caps to replace. Chris, at ARC, recommended against any such modification, saying that it would no longer be a true SP-11, and the resale value would be less. This, of course, may be true, but that's ok, I have no intention of selling this puppy any time soon, and in my opinion, it sounds worlds better than stock."The same reader later sent me instructions on how to speed-up the otherwise lengthy burn-in of the V-Caps:
"I pre-burned the Vcaps by wiring them into the x-overs of an old pair of speakers. I wired the speakers out of phase and put them face to face on the work bench. This canceled out most of the sound, then I connected them to a receiver and played music at a high level 24/7 for 700 hours. This shortened the break in time to around 25 hours. The Vcaps still needed the additional 25 hours snuggled into the circuit where they would spend the rest of their lives, in order to sound their best. It would have taken quite a while to put 400 + hours on them during normal listening."
Personal Notes- I'm not surprised with this reader's enviable results. There's a lot of capacitors in the signal part here, so there should be a major improvement. I also agree with this reader's "resale" perspective; Forget all that "resale" stuff when you're making a serious upgrade like this, which didn't even cost that much considering the final results. This is what I feel about "resale"...
Your one and ultimate goal is using and enjoying the component, not re-selling it. Example- I've owned, used and enjoyed my Jadis JP-80 for 18 years now. (In this reader's case, the old caps can always be reinstalled anyway for a "resale".) (12/06)
Another Interesting Teflon Capacitor
Here's a letter from a long-time reader with some information about a teflon capacitor that I never heard of before. His recent experiences with the best teflon capacitors, further confirm our many positive experiences with them, for more than 10 years now, and on a wide variety of equipment. There's only some minor editing, and my bold as usual:
"Over the course of the past couple years I have been doing modifications to my Aksa preamp, to try to improve performance, as well as once addicted to diy audio, modifying is part of the hobby. Anyway, I recently installed a pair of teflon capacitors, Sonic Cap Platinum’s, in two positions in the preamp; the input cap to gain stage, and the input cap to the tube grid. Both caps were full value caps, 1uf and .01uf respectively. I did the small cap first, followed a couple months later by the larger cap.
The first cap change produced a noticeable improvement, but not quite in the jaw dropping arena. However, the larger cap installation has been a jaw dropper! Everything is much as you have written in your articles on the V-cap TFTF.
The other day the Aksa preamp designer visited for a listen, was quite impressed, and is now redesigning parts of his preamp to be able to include affordable teflon caps in the unit.
I’ve read your article on the V-caps many times, as well as most everything else I could find. But V-caps are expensive! I came upon the Sonic Cap Platinum’s thru an audio acquaintance who know the Sonic Cap designer, Jeff Glowacky. Jeff runs a small diy supply house in Arkansas, and keeps such a low profile, that he is not well known at all. Bill Baker, of Response Audio, replied to an email question about comparing the V-cap to the Platinum, by writing that the Platinum was pure and precise, while the V-cap had body and texture. Bill uses both caps in his modification business.
And just today I discovered the Solen teflon caps, while browsing your site. They are a little less expensive than the Platinums. Perhaps this is due to Solen being a big manufacturer rather than a smallish business, I don’t know. Anyway, I just want to add my voice to the teflon cap converts! Just by adding that one 1uf cap to my preamp has literally transformed my whole audio listening experience. While the caps themselves seem expensive, the use of just a single pair has been the least expensive product/system upgrade imaginable!!!
I might add that for signal path applications one should use full value caps. My initial experience with teflon caps was in using a small value cap as a bypass cap on the output capacitor cap of my amplifier. This had no affect whatsoever, other than to break-in the cap. This was the same cap that I installed as input cap to the tube grid, and opened my eyes to the benefits of teflon caps. I’ve read many posts where users bypass caps with small value teflons and claim a benefit. My own experience does not bear that out and I remain sceptical. I know the high price of teflons makes one try the cheapest way possible, and bypassing is a cheap way to enter the game. But I think one has the pay the price in order to reap the benefits. And as stated above, when considered as a full product upgrade rather than a part cost, the price is really very small. Of course it also helps if you can do the work yourself.
These caps simply transform the music into something resembling actual music! And I write that as I just attended the symphony on Friday evening, and followed with 3 days of a lot of listening!
An additional note here is that Hugh Dean, Aspen Amplifers aka Aksa, is trying to enter the retail audio arena. It’s difficult to do this with a one-man business in Australia, with the primary market being the US. He is to exhibit at the 2007 RMAF in October. If all goes well, he will have his redesigned preamp complete with teflon caps and state of the art performance, all at a very affordable audio price. I say that last sentence because as I’ve browsed thru various audio things, I don’t find many audio units with teflon caps as standard. And the ones that do so are priced well above 10,000USD. One can always order the teflons as options on lesser-priced units, for additional price of course. Hopefully all the above will happen, and one or some of your audio associates/readers will hear the Aksa products.
I’ve attended all three RMAF’s, as when I am in the States I live within a half-day’s drive of Denver, and the show is easy to attend. It’s the only audio show I have ever attended and I find it to be a very good show. It seems to get better every year. It’s almost all only audio. And even if you get looked at a little funny for asking for classical music, it’s acceptable. There is enough variety of products and such that there is something there for anyone with an interest in audio.
You can read more about the Platinum caps at Jeff’s website: www.soniccraft.com* and link to capacitors, then Sonic Cap, then Platinum. It won’t say much however. In reading around, I’ve learned that the caps themselves are rolled at RTI Electronics in Los Angeles. They make many of the audiophile caps on the market."
Another Teflon Capacitor
A veteran reader has sent information about a new Teflon capacitor. Very little editing and my bold:
"There is a new teflon cap now out on the market, from Dan Wright at Modwright. You can look things up on his website, www.modwright.com. There are only 3 values of teflon caps at the moment. Pricing seems similar to the SonicCap Platinums. I believe he developed these caps in order to use them in his new preamp, which recently came out on the market. This new unit appears like it might be a very worthy unit of audition for you or your audio associates."
URL for Teflon Capacitors: http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=41592.0
Audience Aura Teflon Capacitors
A reader informed me about these caps, which have been available since last Fall. I don't know yet how they compare to the two Teflon caps I've highly advised using in the recent past; V-Cap and Solen. I also don't know the respective values, voltages and prices, but all Teflon caps must be relatively pricey, due to the material costs. A link to the Audience website is in the Links File. (1/08)
The Great Capacitor Shoot-out
A veteran reader recently informed me about an extensive capacitor shoot-out at Tempo Electric's website. I found it to be thorough, well executed and generally excellent. It is also very similar in results to my/our own experiences. Considering my strong belief on how important capacitor modifications can be when optimizing components, I feel this survey should be read (if not printed) by all audiophiles who feel the same as me. With a huge "Thanks" to Tempo, and their "gang", here's the URL:
http://www.tempoelectric.com/caps.htm
FURTHER NEWS ON GRID CHOKE MODIFICATIONS
The same reader who sent me his grid choke modification in April, which I posted above, has sent me his latest findings on this subject. Once again, I would like some confirmation, if possible, of his results from a different reader. Also, I only recommend that real experts try out this modification, since it's new and the instructions are from a non-English writer. Here they are, with some minor editing and my bold.
"Concerning my suggestion to use grid chokes as an easy replacement and cheap upgrade for tubed circuitry. Well, I found another supplier who provides a real 47k ohm grid choke at 2000Henry. The one I recommend previously, although intended for same use, is only rated at 670Henry (and checked 17.5k ohm). This betters the resistor, no matter how audiophile it is, but this newer one is dynamite! A strong bass and musicality is added to the sound. Not only that, but this 2000Henry/47k ohm is actually cheaper at $16.00 each!!!!!!!!
There is only one downside. The store is located in Taiwan, and the salesmen have poor and limited English. But believe me, follow their instructions through their Ebay store and you will receive iron gifts as some plate chokes, and cheap delivery costs too. I had one of his anode chokes (130Henry/8K2) replace a 10k ohm resistor on top of the first ECC83 tube on my phono preamp... wow! (Do a search on Ebay for "grid chokes" to find the supplier.) But you must arrange the purchase there first with an EMAIL (sigmadelta2001@yahoo.com). This way they put the price increase difference on the invoice field "mailing costs". Have some patience and you will be rewarded. They are in the process of expanding their product range and the long awaited catalog will soon be available." (8/09)
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