Question About Capacitor Upgrade in Tube Amp

@calieng 

Some people believe that a capacitor with a certain capacitance value must sound the same as another with the same capacitance value regardless of the type of construction. That goes against common sense for anyone with a basic understanding of science or materials.

Goes against common sense.+1.

Charles 

The expectation that the sonic effect in one device will translate to all others is pure fantasy

Yet experienced listeners who try better regarded capacitors report consistently of improved sound quality. I don’t believe that this is coincidence. Upgrading coupling capacitors will far more often than not improve sonic performance. I believe what they say they hear.

Charles

And while the Willsenton at around $900 plus shipping might seem to be a cheap amp compared to other equipment discussed on here I do have to say that it sounds on a completely higher level than my Luxman or Naim soild state amps when paired with the Forte IV speakers. Like sitting in the front row of a jazz club. The music surrounds you and you can pick out the location of all the instruments.

I don’t doubt this observation at all. SET if properly implemented will connect you with the core of the music. Exceptional naturalness and realism  in my listening experience.

Charles

@eworkflow 

Agreed. 
Completely unnecessary obnoxious and immature forum behavior.

Charles

@calieng 

Congratulations with your positive outcome. It seems that the stock coupling capacitors were a sonic bottleneck. I’d say that was 100 USD well spent.

Charles

But to be honest I do not take any comments personally. Unfortunately there is always some character lurking around a forum who is unhappy and wants to share that negativity with others. I see it more as a cry for help than a personal attack.

Good points and I see more clearly your perspective. You have received some very good insight on this thread. I look forward to your listening outcomes.

Charles

@calieng 

I don’t see the need to excuse rude and obnoxious behavior. I appreciate that we view this differently and that’s fine.

Charles

@calieng But I take your point that often the expectation of an improvement colors our impression of whether or not an upgrade has really made a difference.

I am glad that you see his point. I do not. He makes smug and arrogant assumptions about people he doesn’t even know. He has no awareness of the background and experience of contributing posters here (Who’ve provided insight and information).  Audiophools? Who are they? Again an ignorant and dismissive assumption.
A useless and unhelpful post in my opinion.

Charles

@calieng

You certainly have quite the amplifier stash. I wrote earlier that the Bottlehead tube products were although inexpensive they are well thought out engineered components. A price point is targeted and so the best quality parts can not be utilized.

Well, it seems that this principle is applicable to the Muzishare and Willsenton amplifiers. Good solid design with decent but not the best quality parts due to cost restraints. So very good candidates for upgrading part quality to achieve better sound. I believe that your project will turn out fine.

Charles

@lemonhaze 

👍

Good insightful comments.

Charles

@perkri 

Depending on how long you plan on keeping the amp, buy the best capacitors you can justify putting into it. They will make a difference.

Yes! 👍

Charles 

Yes, much will depend on available interior space for capacitors and cost. If those are not limitations I’d choose Duelund for this project. Expensive but worth it based on my usage. How ever good this particular amplifier currently sounds, better quality coupling capacitors will take it further up the sound quality scale.

Charles

Bottlehead is a good example for illustration. They are inexpensive and thus a low barrier of entry for budget buyers. Although low cost, they are consistently well designed and engineered. They are good candidates for upgrading to better quality parts due to their solid engineered foundation. They will definitely respond to higher quality capacitors/resistors/transformers/tubes etc.

Charles 

@calieng 

I am going to respectfully disagree with the above comment that disparages upgrading your amplifier’s coupling capacitors. Tube amplifiers in general and particularly SET amplifiers have very straightforward/simple circuit layouts. With regard to the SET amplifier there is a lower part count.

Essentially one could argue that because of this, each part individually takes on more importance particularly in the audio signal path. I believe that changing to a higher quality coupling capacitor is a very good idea and money well spent. 
 

if you take the time to research and do further reading/investigation you will find a better capacitor that will contribute to improved sound quality. I’ve had splendid success with the Duelund CAST copper foils. Considerations are available space for a given capacitor and the cost. No doubt there are other excellent choices available.

I suggest that you reach out to @grannyring via site email. He is most definitely a knowledgeable and helpful resource.

Charles