Mainstream Phono Stages Incorporating Premium Branded PCB Parts - Do They Exist?

Atmasphere use teflon film and foil capacitors to couple one stage to another where it is necessary to block DC. Typically they use the VCap brand, which at least for the hobbyist like me are among the most expensive. And coupling capacitors are the most critical in the signal path. In general, teflon film and foil capacitors are most expensive, made by VCap (or whoever makes them for "VCap"), Solens, and RELcap, so far as I know. There’s also Mundorf film and foil using various kinds of foil. Metallized film capacitors can sometimes be excellent although few of them are high in cost. Dynamicap, Auricap,etc., are good brands. REL are always decent. I also like polystyrene film and foil capacitors but they seem to be nearly out of production in high voltage ratings. REL makes them too. You can get them with 100V ratings and maybe a bit higher for solid state applications. Texas Instruments "nude" bulk foil resistors (TX2575) are very transparent and cost about $12 and up, each. Dueland resistors are even much more expensive but so large as to be useful mostly in speaker crossovers. Also excellent and cheaper than TX are Caddock TF020, sold by M Percy, and tantalum resistors, probably in that order of excellence. You want the best possible resistor in phono loading and at the interface between stages. These are brands to look for in tube gear. In SS gear, which is nearly always on a PCB, you will find SMDs (Surface Mount Devices). These are tiny resistors/capacitors, and their use minimizes inductance in the circuit, because there is practically no space between them. I’m sure I am missing some pointers here. In my experience, using good parts, that may or may not be "expensive", is more important than, for example, tube rolling. For one thing, tubes age and change inevitably over time.  A good film cap is nearly forever, unless it sees a voltage much higher than its rating, which only happens if some other part goes bad.  Resistors are less profound, except as phono load resistance.

@ lewm

Thanks for the thoughts, but it seems odd to me that you would jump to such conclusions with so little information.

To address each point:

1st - Yes, I do know exactly which Caps were installed.

2nd - Yes, I do.  The difference in SQ created by the new caps is profound, not subtle. (strike two)

3rd - The original caps were the standard caps for this Ayre Acoustics V-5xe (~ $5K Stereophile "Class A') amp.  This preamp was, and still is, very well regarded.  The new, higher-line caps only made it better.  So, again, it is not clear why you would suggest that they 'might have been 'very low grade' (strike three).  

If you want a photo of the new caps, just send a PM.

Returning to @Wescoman's original question, my answer remains that the original manufacturer may be a great source for identifying higher-line parts (often from that manufacturer's higher product-line), and thus, maintain the intended SQ qualities. 

Furthermore, because these 'higher-line' were originally evaluated by the manufacturer, in their topologies, they may actually sound better than other, random premium-branded parts.

. 

I did not come to any conclusion. I was speculating. Sorry to have offended you. Glad you’re happy.

I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who replied.  The myriad (and scope) of responses reflect a keen interest in the topic.  As a result, I'm better informed and acknowledge my naïveté regarding audio equipment design, product manufacturing, and quality control initiatives impacting signal quality.  The cost/benefit analysis and technical knowledge required to be successful in the business is substantial.  I learned much from the discussion.  Much appreciated!   

My Experience had and the one which produced a Phonostage that I was not only happy to support being built, but also extremely satisfied with owning. Took place when I rolled the dice on two components. 

I bought in a Copper Foil Cap' at a value the EE was extremely reluctant to use, and Z Foil Resistors that the EE was reluctant to use because of cost in relation to parts and discard from matching. 

The Copper Cap's produced the smile, usually seen when things liven up.

The addition of the Z Foils produced the Cheshire Cat Grin, that is the sign I am selling my soul to get this one. 

In my case the addition of a Particular Brands Design for a Resistor brought the End Sound to one I was not willing to be without. 

This Phon' has been demo'd to quite a few individuals who have been very vociferous with appraisal given. I would suggest the Subjective Evaluation is more of a Collective Evaluation, where findings are notable.