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Power supply upgrades

I'm looking to upgrade the power supply in my Cayin Phono-One pre. Initially planning on upgrading caps, presently have Nichicon LU 100uf 450v, Nichicon VR 22uf 450v, some other Nichicon 3300 UK25u HO527. These are all radial lead. Bypass with film caps, replace with higher grade electrolytics, replace with film caps? What are the sonic benefits or downsides to using higher capacitance than stock? Best resistors, most likely need axial lead due to fitment issues?

Trying to attain greater dynamics, slam, and more resolution.

Also, looking for these sonic attributes after already having changed out stock caps for V-Caps and Jantzen Z-Superior. Planning on changing out stock resistors in signal section. Power supply upgrades would be last upgrade. I want to max out this preamp just for kicks.
sns

Showing 5 responses by sns

sns OP
3,953 posts
 
Elizabeth, have you heard equipment with power supply upgrades? I only ask because I have heard of folks who did power supply upgrades and claim to have heard positive changes. I suspect this to be truthful as some manufacturers and modders offer upgrades to power supplies that contain premium parts.
sns OP
3,953 posts
 
Thanks guys, think I'll go with film bypass caps on ps caps. Rodman, thanks for the specific replacements for the bridge rectifiers, something I've been searching for!
sns OP
3,953 posts
 
Thanks Al, the film bypass caps have been my first inclination from the start. What value bypass caps should those electrolytics be bypassed with? I've heard various percentages discussed in various forums, or is simply bypassing with .1uf caps good enough?

Also, any suggestions as to best axial resistors for the signal path in the Cayin? The Vishays and Texas Instuments are impossible to fit here.

Thanks again, Scott
sns OP
3,953 posts
 
Rodman, my problem in replacing caps with Black Gates is firstly their size, the size of the circuit board is seriously limited. My old Cary monoblocks were all point to point wiring, much easier to swap out ps caps. Secondly, Black Gates are mostly lower voltage, 160v highest for 100uf, 350v for .22uf (I suspect enough here). Is the 160v rating high enough in this application?

I have investigated swapping out rectifiers, the problem is severe space limitations. I have two bridge rectifiers, RS804 and BR310, building my own from FREDs looks impossible to fit.

Caddocks are on my list of possible resistor upgrades.

Al, I'm willing to try premium electrolytics, at this point I'm leaning towards trying the bypass solution to begin with, if that works, fine, if not, try the upgrade electrolytics route. At the very least it would be an interesting experiment. What do you think about the 160v rating on 22uf caps, enough?
sns OP
3,953 posts
 
I've been doing a bit of investigating on the new Takman 'ultra premium' resistors. Sound very promising considering the few who have tried them. These would go in the signal path. Anyone have experience with these?
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