Upgrading specific components in a tube amplifier

I have upgraded my Quicksilver Mono 60.

I have to admit -- it is VERY hard to compare how things sound after it’s been a while. Auditory memory is pretty bad. I think I hear differences but I have no control group to check. What I do know is that it's likely that I improved the sound.

That’s my approach to a lot in audio. Phrased as a motto:

Make improvements of a sufficient degree that I can have moderate confidence there is now better sound.

capacitors and resistors are generally easy.  focus on the signal path.  save the old components in case you don't like the new sound.  

tube sockets are a lot more work and probably get upgraded only when they become worn out.  Tube rolling, especially with old tubes with oxidized contacts, can degrade them.

Power supply upgrades generally require a better understanding of how it is designed so study and make sure you have an understanding of what you want to accoplish.

Jerry

Thank you for your replies. 

The audiophile gentleman I was talking about upgraded the capacitors to Arizona Capacitor Blue Cactus and resistors to Audio Note Silver Tantalum/Niobium 2 watt. Since this person is to specific I was wondering if the components had a significant and positive effect on the sound overall. 

I am still reflecting on purchasing the Yamamoto VT-52 amplifier and I have been told that they are absolutely astonishing but the tube sockets could be improved, that's why I also asked about those. 

In your experience, do such modifications lead to noticeable improvements in sound quality, or do they risk altering the original design in ways that might not be beneficial?

To answer the question.... It can, and It can.  Different components and manufacturers can have a different sound.  I've messed around with many different pieces of equipment over the years.

For example.  I have an older Dared MC-7P preamp that I picked up at a yard sale a few years ago.  This is a Chinese tube unit that sold for around $800 new 15 years ago.  It came with some crappy capacitors in it.  I replaced them with Mundorf and Clarity caps.  Oh, what a positive difference it made.  

Then I had a Classe Model 70 amp that sounded very nice.  Smooth, warm, good resolution, but a bit soft in the upper treble.  Someone recommended that I replace the several of the electrolytic caps with foil and teflon caps. As it was already showing it's age, I went ahead and recapped the amp.  It went to hell.  Bass got muddy and the treble went from soft to agonizingly bright.

So, the lesson I learned is that audio engineers sometimes make choices for specific reasons.  Sometimes it is for manufacturing issues or costs, sometimes for managing the sound or voice of the equipment. 

Do your research, ask questions,  take pictures and document your changes, in case you have to reverse what you did.  Don't be afraid of contacting the manufacturer and ask questions.  You will be suprised at what they may tell you to go ahead and do (or not do.)  Designer Nelson Pass is famous recommending upgrades to his older designs.  Same with Steve McCormack and the guys at Conrad Johnson.

And make sure you are making modifications for the right reasons. Are you doing it because you want to have fun and enjoy the hobby?  Are you making a repair and it is an opportunity to possibly improve a short coming? Are you dissatified with the piece of equipment?  [Would it be cheaper to sell the gear and invest the money (including what you might spend on parts and labor) into something better.  Can you afford to write off the investment in the equipment you are modifying?  (Somethimes it can be real hard to sell modified equipment.)]  

Just my 2 cents... wait, better make that a nickel since they want to stop making pennies, lol.

- Jeff

Different resistors and capacitors are popular for different applications.  Figure out which resistors and caps you're looking to upgrade, post the values and where they are in the circuit, and current brand, and you'll get some good recommendations.