2. speakers
  3. 178988-125055

B&W 802 D2 Capacitors Worth Upgrading?

After just getting a pair of 802D2’s in mint condition, after having to replace a blown tweeter, and succeeding (I know not a big deal), I started wondering about replacing the crossovers.  The speakers could be up to 12 years old so the capacitors in the crossovers should have another 12 years of life before they go out of spec.  I thought of just replacing the crossovers with new ones available on B&W’s site, now, just to reset the ~25y clock on the capacitor’s lifespan.  But then I watched a few YouTube’s of guys upgrading to crazy high-end caps.  Supposedly doing this can improve the speed or reduce the latency of the crossover.

I’ve not dug into this yet, but just wondering if anyone has any experience with this?  Questions:

-Is this worth doing?

-Why type of capacitors do I need?  And which brand/models are “the best”.

-Where do I get them?

-Any special tips when soldering for HiFi?  I know how to solder but have zero experience soldering for HiFi and wondering if I should be using a certain type of solder for Audiophile applications.  What am I thinking, of course there is such a thing as Audiophile solder, and it forms micro ultra low capacitance conductors, applies power correction and noise cancelation, improves the dialectics and it costs $5,000 a spool….  Ok got carried away there.

Also thinking about upgrading the internal crap wiring to something high end.

Thoughts, from anyone with experience doing these things?
 


 

 

 

 

nyev

Showing 2 responses by allenf1963

allenf1963
272 posts
 

Erik,

 

Fantastic job taking the time and patience to explain your answers to Nyev's original and follow-up questions, and doing so without an INKLING of bravado, elitism, or any air of superiority.  Sadly, this consideration of using basic skills of humanity is a lost art on Social Media -- especially this site at times.  Thanks for the audio lesson.

 

Now my turn.  Maybe it is just the ads, audio sites, or Audiophile setups that I tend to notice, but why do the majority of gear setups utilizing separates tend to have a Tube Preamp paired with Solid State Amps?  To me, it seems that if you are wanting the "Tube Sound and Experience", you would utilize tubes both in your Preamp and your Amp (along with your Phono Preamp).  What am I missing or not understanding?  If you can make it as easy to understand as your response to Nyev, I should be golden!

 

Thanks.  Allen

 

allenf1963
272 posts
 

@erik_squires and ​​​​@mofojo,

 

Thanks for the input.  I acquired a beautiful pair of Klipsch Forte II with Crites Crossover upgrades a couple of years ago, and I'm trying to find a Vintage Preamp / Amp setup to hit the sweet spot.  I want a Tube Preamp (I've heard nothing but praise regarding Audio Research Company Tube Preamps, just trying to find the right one at a good price).  This will be a turntable only system for a 3rd listening room I'm putting together -- so I'm trying to be budget friendly on the Preamp and Amp. 

 

Any other Tube Preamps I should look at other than ARC, and any suggestions on an Amp to pair with it?  One route I have in my pocket already -- I bought two of the Nelson Pass Amp Camp kits a couple of years ago that are just waiting on me to build them.  I had thought about running them as Monoblocks with the Preamp.  Again, any thoughts?

 

Thanks, as always.

More to discover