Output Couling Cap - V-Cap, Sonicap Plat, Duelund?

You might find THIS to be of some value.

I have only had experience with two cap changes, all in my mono amps. Originally there was only a single generic bypass cap. My builder, Henry Ho, sent some Theta caps, and instructed me to place them all around. With Thetas in place, the change was obvious. The mids opened up fore and aft. Separation improved. Strings became soulful, perhaps they could be characterized as "Frail." I found that rather touching.

Then, once again, at the behest of Henry Ho, I changed out the Thetas with V-Caps.

I think I should take a minute to explain something I learned over the last month. That is, different purposes require different caps. I had lengthy discussions with a fellow four thousand miles away (I love the internet for that) who, along with a number of compatriots, were trying all sorts of caps.

They chose Sonicap over others for the cross over, including the V-Cap, to retain their speaker's warm, harmonious nature. I should tell you all the internal wires, as well as speaker wires were changed to pure silver. From what I have gathered silver is rather ruthless. A lot of people don't like it. That may have influenced their decision to go to what may be a more colored cap array.

I was urged to try the Sonicaps (they used the Sonicap II), and to try mixing, or even doubling caps. Well, although I don't mind soldering caps, it's not what I call recreation.

I have determined, for my amps, and for my system, the V-Cap was the correct choice. The downside is the violinists lost their human frailty. The upside is they gained virtuosity. That, as much as frailty intrigues me, is what the artist wants me to hear. They are very good at what they do.

The same changes I noticed on one of my better discs, Ray Charles Likes Company. This disc is full of duets. On one particularly wonderful track, no. 8, Willie Nelson joins Ray. The Thetas made them sound very old, and...... frail. There's that sympathetic quality again. I thought I was hearing deeper into the recording. Once again, the V-Caps opens things rescucitating the duo. They sound the stars they are..... Still a little over the hill.

Now I am no longer feel sad when I hear Will and Ray, or the solo violinist. I now am it awe, as I should be.

In conclusion, the V-Caps brought my system closer still to being an uncolored realist when treating artists. That is good for me. I want to hear the Artist's intentions, and not my system's good fello coloring, no matter how emotionally satisfying.

The question may be asked if the V-Caps might be smearing irregular warbles of the violinists and singers, making them sound stronger. My answer is no, because the V-Caps have also reduced interference, increasing clarity. Faint background instruments sound more identifiable. Highs and lows, gaining strength, have nudged to in line with the mids. Solisists gain definition, and step forward into the spot-light. Oddly, some singers voices lightened while others gained low frequency richness. The V-Caps let through clues the Theta's just couldn't.

It all boils down to a personal choice. Where do you want to take your sound?

I found this comparison at Audiocircle. I don't have experience with the Sonicap Platinum or Duelund caps, however I'm using 2uf TFTF V-Caps as output couplers in my deHavilland UV with excellent results. Clearly better then OIMP V-Caps, Mundorf SIOs, or Auricaps. The Duelunds may not have a high enough voltage rating for this application.

Thanks for the responses.

Duelund now has a 200v signal cap as well as a 630v version...

Here is a link to the US importers site for the 200v signal cap page: http://www.electrumaudio.com/duelund-vsf-pio.html

They are cute little things. How much per cap?

The "cute little" thing for the 1.0uf is $210 per cap.

Approx size for one cap is 33/64" thick x 3 3/8" wide diameter... not so little.