Krell

Peter, in my experience with mods I can indeed hear differences in power supply caps. This has been true with caps like Black Gate and some of the newer ones from Mundorf. My wife must also be golden eared and blessed like me for hearing a difference. Power cords of good quality sound quite different indeed.

Granny,

First thanks for keeping this a civil discussion of opinions unlike others that have chimed in on this thread.

I took a look at your earlier posts and reviews and it appears that you favor tubed equipment where in some cases the power supply caps are the only "regulation" in the power supply, and I'll agree that capacitors can sound different in this case.

In my own designs which are all solid state with heavy regulation in the power supplies - just like the original poster's case with the Krell Amplifier - I sincerely doubt that there will be any sonic difference if similar spec capacitors from two different manufactures are used.

As far as power cords are concerned I have not experienced much difference as long as the cords are of proper gauge and are terminated with quality connectors, and before spending serious $ on power cords I'd make sure that whats in front of the cord is taken care of first. Dedicated lines, etc. In most cases this will cost less than many of the high $ power cords and it will have a much greater positive effect than the last 5 feet of wire feeding the equipment.

As always, Good listening

Peter

We agree on the importance of dedicated lines as I also have two 20 amp dedicated lines into my music room. This should be first and aftermarket cords second. I was stunned at the difference power cords make as I tried various ones in my system. Each of them highly regarded, but changing the overall sound in some cases. I have settled on heavy gauge, solid core copper on all my wire. Multiple runs of heavy gauge! solid core is very stiff and a pain to deal with, but sounds right to me.

Well, I have changed out out power supply caps in a past Sunfire Signature SS amp and had them upgraded in an old Hafler amp and both realized nice improvements. You have much more knowledge on technical matters then I do, so what you say may be true in many cases.

Granny,

When you replaced the capacitors on your two solid-state pieces, did you use a equivalent capacitor or a better one. If equivalent, and an improvement in sound - then you replaced a older dried out one with one that was up to spec and therefore got better sound. I you used a better one - high temperature - lower ripple - higher capacitance etc. in combination with replacing a old dried up one no longer to spec - well then of course you get better sound.

The OP was "disappointed" that he had a mixture of blue and black capacitors- what I have been trying to communicate that if the blue cap and the black cap have the same specs but are from different manufactures there will be no difference in sound.

As always - good listening.

Peter