symphonic Line RG4 III vs RG4 IV?

Gregm,

I can share w/ you what this person told me over the phone re. modifying the RG4 Mk 3.

He told me that most of the work would go into the power supply mod. Swap out the present rectifier diodes for Fairchild HEXFRED diodes. These rectifier were "soft recovery" (that's what I remember, I think!). Replace the power supply electrolytic caps w/ computer grade Panasonic caps. He felt that the present p.s. caps had done their time w/ several on/off cycles. Then, he was going to change all the signal path caps w/ Blackgate caps, which he felt were the best. He said that he was not going to touch the power amp electronics as that was biased the way the designer intended. Neither was he going to touch the internal cabling.

So, w/ all these mods he felt that the amp would be more transparent, music would flow more easily & bass response would improve. However, he told me that this was a double-edged sword in that once I heard the "truth", it was possible that I "could not handle the truth!".

Tell me what your opinion is.

Overall, the mod sounds reasonable & careful.
As to changing the electrolytics -- of course: electrolytics *do* have a shelf life after all, and heat, etc, don't help them much... I've read good things about the Panasonics.

OTOH, b-gates in the signal path would/should alter the voicing somewhat; where I've used b-gates (cdp, tube amp) the sound is less "punchy" but very detailed at the same time. It's a matter of taste -- why not go for it (you can always get the modders to change to another brand if you like)!

I'd be KEENLY interested in your opinion of the sonic results -- if you go ahead!
Cheers

Gregm,

Thanks for your feedback.
Right now I'm dragging my feet on the mod, big time! I'm apprehensive that I might lose a good thing. I like the sound of the amp the way it is (it's not the be-all & end-all of amps but it's very, very good as-is). I have a feeling that a call to Klaus might be in order if I decide to go ahead w/ the modification.
I'll keep you posted.

Gregm:

Can you please tell me where did you hear the Magellans? Do you know a dealer who has them?
By the way, my friend, who owns Kraft 400 with Toshibas thinks that they are more musical then the newer ones with Sunkens .
Thanks,

George

Yes, the Toshibas are reputed to have a better midrange than the Sanken equivalents. I understand from a long-time & Symphonic Line experienced dealer that the RG 4 Mk 2 (used Toshibas) had a better midrange than the Mk 3. Oh well....