Hmmm - some thought provoking information coming out. I knew you wouldn't let me down!
Salectric - power supply filter? I really think you may be right. I believe the Nichicon 470µF caps are NOT the coupling caps.
This player - Meridian 800 VAX V4 - is designed like a PC ie many modular parts all connecting into a motherboard. I have two analogue output cards - one just for my main speakers(left/right) and the other for the surround speakers & subwoofer.
There should be one coupling cap per channel - there are two nichicons 470µF caps on each of the analogue cards. Earlier today I could have sworn there were two on the stereo and three on the surround. I was wrong and I mislead my technician by giving him the information that I had three on the surround card.
Ok - now I have to apologise. I incorrectly observed the facts. Sorry folks.
I think it's time I had this unit on a bench in front of this technician and he made a firm assessment. At this early stage I can say that there are two 100µF caps on the stereo card and three 100µF caps in the same position of the surround card (perhaps indicating they are the output coupling caps?!) but I won't swear to anything being anything until I get some expert advice my end. Sorry again folks!
Grannyring - if I have any doubts about my attempt on this I'll just get this audio technician to do the cap installation. My unit is hand built and not too hard to work on. I am confident with my soldering but the trick with this install will be packing the caps neatly amongst all the hardware. I don't think it's too hard for me but you are 100% correct. I'll take no chances.
I should be able to get this player in front of my technician next Tuesday to determine where things are. I'll keep you guys posted.
Charles - my player (which cost someone, somewhere, around $40,000 retail in Australia new), in its day (around 8 years ago), was reputedly the best DVD and DVD-Audio player in the world. Which is definitely not to say Meridian didn't take short cuts. I only just replaced the switch mode power supply in it with a linear one a few months ago with great results! It does amaze me where a manufacturer will try and save money.
In the case of my output coupling caps, I am thinking that my unit will be old enough that the caps we have all been talking about simply didn't exist when this unit was designed/built and that that's the main reason they will make an improvement now. However, Salectric, I've heard and respect everything you say. Thank you.
You guys are an incredible. Thank you for being out there. One of these days, we should try and organise a "convention" or meet up. I'd love to listen to music and eat and drink for an unreasonable amount of time! lol
Take care, Tas