2. amps-preamps
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What do you hear with a better/bigger power supply and output capacitors in same amp?

Start by assuming a good stereo power amp with a proper-sized toroidal transformer and a good supply of output storage (good capacitors).  One option might be to merely enlarge both toroidal transformer and cap supply. What do you hear?

Another option is taking that amp and bridging to mono (I’m not knowledgeable; but I have ears) and using two as mono power amps. For all practical purposes each channel has twice the toroidal watt capacity and output cap capacity as before. (Another question, unrelated; what improvements can be claimed from using both L&R sides of the signal path board together?)

Typically more watts claim more headroom on transients and long loud passages. But what else do you get from this? I changed amps and my ‘new to me’ amp (avoiding names) sounds audibly better in at least five distinct ways from my prior (and decent) power amplifier (admittedly on rather good speakers).  I hear more bloom/air, tonal texture, detail, micro-dynamics, and low bass ‘growl’ than before. If I move to mono-blocks will I get something more, or not? How audible?

musicaddict
erik_squires
15,788 posts
 

, including the number of output stages

 

Sorry, I meant to write: "... number of output devices" not stages.

erik_squires
15,788 posts
 

It may help a little to understand that the power supply has to provide DC voltages.  Say + and - 50 VDC.

That voltage will drop, or sag, as the current needed by the amp stages increases.

The larger the power supply, the less sag in the voltage.  That is, the voltage will remain + and - 50 Volts, allowing the amplifier circuits to perform optimally.  this is what we call a "stiff" supply, because the power supply's output is constant despite the demand on it. 

musicaddict OP
370 posts
 

No throwing components in DIY; certainly not qualified to. I'm talking upgrading to the mfr's mono version of a good stereo amp.

E.G. a 'Mark L' 200wpc stereo w/one large toroid and lots of capacitance.  Say you converted that to bridged mono (and added one more amp). Would that new additional output capacitance (double the caps from before) and the same transformer to power only one channel, would one hear anything?  I'd hope on extended dynamic passages it would help?  Might there be more air/bloom/body/detail, etc?

If the stereo version is all you're (me) gonna get, why monos? My speakers are small inefficient (85?) D2 towers (raidho) and seem to like power...

 

erik_squires
15,788 posts
 

See the very first sentence in my first reply.

bigkidz
3,324 posts
 

Typically more watts claim more headroom on transients and long loud passages.

No, not really.  Our Class A 40wpc mono blocks outperform large mega watt amps.  In general terms, when you upgrade the parts in the power supply with better parts like Nichicon, Audio Note and Amtrans capacitors, you usually get improvements in bass like deeper, faster, more defined and definition.  You should also hear more openness and separation, more details.  Highs and mids can have better separation and notes can seem to float.  Sound stage can open up wider and deeper.  For starters, replace the large power supply capacitors with Nichicon superthroughs.  You can get them at Parts Connexion now called Audio Connexion.  You can go up a size but just make sure they will fit in the chassis.  They are not that expensive and you can see for yourself if you hear a difference.  Form there if you like what you hear, send it out to a qualified tech to upgrade the other parts.  We typically begin there and achieve excellent results.

Happy Listening.

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