VH Audio Vcaps

Mingles, I've evaluated in various components, the Auricaps, Hovland MusiCaps, Multicap PPMFX, Black Gate Rubycon, and various other cheaper caps. Will soon be evaluating Mundorf Silver/Oils in my DAC.

At this point the V-cap is noticeably superior to the others, price be damned. I don't think the law of diminishing returns holds here. The Mundorfs are supposedly strong competitors to the Vcaps, we shall see.

I have not heard the Russian caps, hear a lot of good things about them, perhaps some day I'll try.

Some interesting info for prospective modders can be found at http://www.high-endaudio.com/ This has some perspective on the why's of modding equipment, also much other valuable information.

My Art Audio Carissa Sig. uses the Cardas Golden Ratio coupling caps. Reportedly, these have a wonderful midrange, rolled on top. When I first got this amp I did notice a bit of roll-off, with time and insertion of silver cables in various locations, this became less noticeable. Now I'm wondering whether I've just gotten used to the sound, or am I still rolling highs?

The caps would be a big hassle to change in this amp, would have to dismantle much to get to them. I'm inclined to stay put as I'm enjoying the sound.

Any thoughts on roll-off of highs with these caps?

By the way, just installed the Mundorf Silver/Oils as coupling caps in DAC today. Tonight's listening session should be interesting.

Reb 1208, wow, I don't hear those failings. Still, until I do a direct comparison (swap out) I won't really know. I'm considering the RTX as a replacement for the PPFMX currently in my Joule pre.

Vett93, the caps have over 100 hours on them in the Cayin. If these caps are horrible now, I guess I have a lot to look forward to! I would say there is a certain lack of refinement, that may be due to the Dynavector 20xl (will be moving up to Dynavector XX-2) or cartridge alignment (soon to be recified by MintLP tractor). It could also be the caps need further break in. I also have to replace the 4 .1uf coupling caps, so it could be the remaining stock caps. Lots of suspects here.

Magfan, I'm not using a shotgun approach, I am only changing one thing at a time. This is the very reason I still have the remaining stock caps, original cartridge, cartridge alignment. I started with what I thought the weakest link, the .47uf coupling caps, the next move will be cartridge alignment, then .1uf coupling caps.

Thus far, I would say my original suspicions are absolutely correct, the .47 caps improved things immensely. Having gained so much here, my next primary suspect becomes the .1 caps. Cartridge alignment is next simply because the MintLP tractor is arriving in the next few days. I already have a handle on the sound of the vcaps in this location, further listening sessions will illuminate the attributes of proper cartridge alignment. Once I get a handle on these two things, the .1 caps will go in.

While it would be nice to have only one issue at any one time, sometimes multiple issues raise their heads. Having recently added the analog setup to my system has created multiple issues. I expect much better than I'm getting, I know I have much work ahead of me in order to get there.

I also need to make clear I've been doing mods and tweaks since I can't remember. Perhaps I'm not making myself clear, there is a plan. If you look at my virtual system, that plan may become more clear.

The digital upgrades I'm concurently undertaking are quite seperate from the analog side of things. Speaking of such, the Mundorf Silver/Oils are going to take much more breaking in. 6 hours in and things are not so good. Lack of harmonic development, forward sound, overly warm bass are the downers. Nicely improved dynamics are the upside. I am concerned about the overly warm bass, hoping break in will help in articulation. Really much too soon to say anything definitive.

For those curious about sonic merits of various caps there is a very informative discussion at [url]http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=54218.0[/url]

An interesting video giving possible explanation for sonic differences in capacitors. http://www.sonicstate.com/news/shownews.cfm?newsid=6667

Willster, duh, I totally forgot about that. I've previously burned in caps using that method, still only good for higher voltage rated caps. Duelunds don't need burn in, sound totally natural from the get go, I can't imagine a better cap.

My experience with Chris is that he is often slow in answering email, this seems to be a one man operation. I've often wished for more speedy replies and a phone number. Still, he has quality products which are worth the small delays.