2. amps-preamps
  3. 189109-12156

Preamp power supply capacitor upgrade

I recently purchased a used Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.3 preamplifier. Although it sounds excellent, I’m on a quest to get it to sound as close to the Backert Labs Rhythm as I can on the cheap. I’ve already sent it back for the 1.4 circuit upgrade and I upgraded the coupling caps to V-Cap ODAM’s. I’ve also upgraded the tubes to Amperex 7316’s from several recommendations here. For reference, my amplifier is Coincident Frankenstein 300B MkII and speakers are Reference 3A Reflectors.

The Rhythm power supply uses four 0.33uf V-Cap CuTF caps which gets rather costly at $218 each. However, the TFTF caps are discounted at $104 each.

My question is, since these would be used in the power supply, would the price differential justify going with the CuTF vs the TFTF?

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Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,869 posts
 

PS - When I do buy film caps I start at Parts Connexion, they often run seasonal discounts on film caps.

erik_squires
15,869 posts
 

I just went over to DIYaudio to read about this power supply and the patent.  I can't say I would not absolutely use a great big cap right around the outputs and solve all my problems!! 🤣

So, I'm stepping back from this discussion as I'm not only not familiar with the thinking behind it but also have a number of questions that I don't have time for.

erik_squires
15,869 posts
 

I would have a very difficult time justifying a high-end bypass cap there.  My suggestion is to get a Cornell-Dubilier of that value and see if you hear any difference at all.  CD makes excellent bypass caps by the way, so if you like them, leave them in and send me the difference.  :D

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