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Upgrading coupling caps - which ones first?

I have been experimenting with different coupling caps on the output of my amp.  I now want to try some more expensive caps (Vcap, etc), but cannot afford to replace every coupling capacitor in my system.  Therefore I want to place the best capacitors where they will make the most difference.

For each channel of my amp, I have one coupling cap between the driver and phase splitter stages, and a pair between the phase splitter and output tubes.  There are also output coupling caps on my DAC that feeds the amp which I am thinking about upgrading as well.  Which ones benefit the most from an upgrade that should be targeted first?
solman989

Showing 1 response by charles1dad

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charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
I support the concept of  beginning at the upstream  position  (source) and then progressively moving  down the audio signal pathway. Replacing the  output  coupling capacitors in my DAC yielded more impact than changing the  input  coupling  caps in my amplifier. Now I'll admit that changing the  single tweeter cap in my speaker's crossover was a very noticeable  upgrade without question. I used Duelund CAST in the DAC and speaker and Jupiter copper foil in my amplifier. I can recommend  either brand enthusiastically.
Charles,
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