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Coupling cap upgrade possibilities for VTL?

I have MB-185 Signature mono's, and the factory offers the cap upgrade to (I believe) Infinicaps or Auricaps for the princely sum of approx. $800 the pair, not including shipping of course (I think there are six caps per monoblock). If I try to do this work through a local tech instead, anybody have suggestions for the best possible caps to choose (don't know the value right now without looking inside)? Prefer answers based on personal experience, especially comparitive experience in tube circuits, although not necessarily with VTL gear (but that would be nice!). Thanks, Zaikes
zaikesman

Showing 3 responses by zaikesman

zaikesman OP
3,017 posts
 
Marakanetz, I don't believe VTL has a filter cap upgrade for amps of the 185's vintage. I have been told by some that the resistors could be improved...

Khaki8, I've not heard of this kind before, so thanks for the suggestion - but is "Sudio" the correct name, or did you mean to type "Studio"?...
zaikesman OP
3,017 posts
 
Yes, I worded that badly by saying "vintage" - the 185's are a current model, and no filter cap upgrade from the factory is possible or offered. What they offer right now are just the coupling caps, and the fuse arrangement is made more robust for ones like mine that were made in the late 90's. Also, one could opt to purchase the standalone 'soft-start' modules which are standard on Signature line now (with a price increase), but this seems like a clumsy arrangement to me.
zaikesman OP
3,017 posts
 
Thanks Jcbtubes, and Khaki8 for emailing, to let me know the caps are made by Audio Note UK. I am not thinking of doing the jobs DIY myself, but using a local tech instead of sending the amps off to VTL across the country. At the moment I'm thinking only of doing the coupling caps, and maybe some resistors. I'll see what advice I get from the techs I speak with, but just wanted to get some names of caps people have had the best results with.
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