Preamp Output Capacitor: Mundorf Supreme vs. Supreme Silver Oil

[quote]The sound character of the particular output capacitor will have a much greater effect than the different measured cutoff frequency with a 100K load (23 vs 8 Hz).
For example, a Mundorf Silver/Gold/Oil sounds “thin” regardless of cutoff frequency; an older InfiniCap would sound even more thin and lightweight. On the other hand, a .68uf Copper V-Cap with a 100K load will have deep, powerful, full-bodied bass despite the measured response being down 3db at 23 Hz.[/quote]

They both affect the sonics to a great degree. If one is taking a full sounding capacitor to produce bass, the mids and highs will also be negatively affected. A capacitor does not somehow alter its sonic character above bass.

One has to perform specialized, sophisticated listening tests to determine which capacitors are accurate in absolute terms and which are not. One must perform testing in a variety of conditions in the lab.

As just One reference test in the lab, we place a resistor across a full range driver and vary the resistance to determine what is perceivable. It has been clearly demonstrated that altering that resistors resistance by less than a millionth of an ohm affects the tonal balance and thus what one perceives. The tonal balanced has been altered. Other methods verifies our findings.

We are talking razor thin tonal balance changes across octaves. Close enough doesn’t make it. In either case of slight bass heavy or too thin, the voices/instruments will not be live sounding.
And is not that what many are searching for.

As such, it is not surprising why individuals perceive differences between components when the specs state a "loose" +/- 0,1db from 20-20khz. The so called rule of thumb with capacitors is anything but an accurate rule of thumb.

If a 0,68uf copper capacitor (100k load) has deep, powerful, full bodied bass then that capacitor is artificially flavoring the sound.
A truly accurate capacitor of that value will sound thin, not full bodied.
Unfortunately, Peter made several capacitors, including at least two Infini Capacitors with different covering colors. One is so accurate that we could not discern any difference, and the other is not.

[quote] You’re right! That should teach me to do math in my head. I dropped a digit.

Of course that makes the issue of the value of the cap even less significant sonically. With tube gear where the input impedance is typically 100K or more, a 0.68uf coupling cap is fine.[/quote]

One of the first things I look at in a component is what size is the coupling capacitors and the following grid (load) resistor.

Oh, it is still significant if one wishes to have the most accurate, natural, live sound possible in their living room. Of course, the rest of the design has to be just as good. No covering mistakes in the design here. Cheers

ag

ps. A couple of Mundorf capacitors I have checked are pretty darn accurate, and not super expensive.

Could someone explain why adding a 0.01uF capacitor in parallel/bypass with a 2.2uF capacitor improves sound quality?

Experience and try for yourself.  This is the only way to know for you .