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Upgrading specific components in a tube amplifier

Hello everyone,

First of all, thank you for the warm welcome to these forums. It has already been an incredibly helpful place, and I’m learning more each day.

I’ve really enjoyed reading about different people’s journeys in HiFi, and I find the reflections along the way both insightful and inspiring.

Recently, I came across an article where someone, while introducing their system, described making minor upgrades to their amplifier—such as changing output capacitors, tube sockets, and resistors. I’m starting to understand the role of each component in an amplifier, but I’d love to hear from those with firsthand experience in upgrading these parts.

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?

Looking forward to your insights!

apollinaire
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jeffbij
86 posts
 

@apollinaire - just to continue the thought experiment....

resistors - I would think that would depend on what resistors are currently in the Yamamoto and which ones are in the signal path. Considering the price point you are at, the existing resistors are probably not trash.  Thus I would think only minimal improvement or difference.

capacitors - Probably the most likely to change the sound/voicing of the amp.  Again, depends what is in there now and where in the signal path.  Would it be better or worse? or just be different?

tube sockets - I would think it would be minimal change in sound, if any.  Changing them may be more about durability than sound quality, especially if you are swapping tubes a lot.  (At the price range the Yamamoto is in, I would think they are not using 25 cent, bulk purchased by the shipping container, sockets used in the $300 Chinese integrateds on eBay.  (No offence to the builders of said units.  We understand you have price points you have to meet.)

 

 

kmtang's avatar
kmtang
29 posts
 

I upgraded my 45, 2A3, 300B, and 845 SE amps cathode RC circuit with transistor/MOSFET shunt regulator circuit. I can now adjust the cathode bias voltage for the power tubes. 

The sound quality improves significant with superb clarity. Real cool.

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,041 posts
 

From pics I can find on line, the Yamamoto VT-52 amp has some impressive parts quality underneath compared to most.  Not saying nothing can be improved, or that you won't like the sound of some different parts better, but it already appears to be fairly evolved, and isn't exactly loaded with low hanging fruit.  

Have tried isolation feet under it?

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,150 posts
 

@hilde45 

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

I agree with the sentiment, for the exactly same reasons. Especially as the "improvements" become more subtle. 

I tend to live life the same way.

Make good life choices and you'll live a longer and happier life.

 

decooney
2,262 posts
 

Exclusive Audio of Japan says this about the Yamamoto VT-52,

"The capacitors and resistors used are carefully selected from all over the world with the best sound quality selected through auditioning"

 

Is this the insides of the amp you want to make cap changes to, and why again?

 

 

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