Cap upgrade?


What exactly is the point of increasing the capaciatnce of an amp? What does this do for an amp?

joew

Showing 1 response by audiokinesis

Joew -

I presume you're asking about a power-supply capacitance increase.

Think of the current coming from the wall as water from a garden hose, and the power supply capacitors as the bucket the hose is pouring into. The bigger the bucket, the more water you have stored up to pour out instantaneouly if you need to.

Increased power supply capacitance gives you greater dynamic headroom and better bass control and extension. It also tends to add an effortlessness to the sound that can improve the sense of ambience and realism. If the speakers that you're planning to drive are an easy load, then a power supply upgrade may not be very cost-effective. But if they're average or difficult, then it makes a lot of sense.

Much of the difference between mid-fi and true high-end amplifiers is in the power supply.

Duke