2. amps-preamps
  3. 1170369408

Has anyone upgraded their preamp with V-caps?

I am interested in hearing about anyone's experience with upgrading their preamps with V-caps (in the output circuit). They are very expensive, i.e. 600.00 for two 2.0uF. I have heard that they are amazing caps and make a huge audio improvement, particularly in the bass and midrange.
jppenn
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,039 posts
 
Sherod, the output of the MP-1 is direct-coupled; the pair of 0.1uf caps (the unit is also differential) are between the voltage amplifier and the vacuum-tube output buffer.
sherod
1,690 posts
 
Thank you Mr. Atmasphere. I have asked this next question in other threads and haven't received any answers yet: How does the Sonicap Platinum cap compare in sound to the V-Cap TFTF. I realize that the V-cap is almost twice the price, but is it twice as good? I am debating between the two for the outputs in my preamp which require 1uf or so. I have tried the V-cap OIMP and although it sounds very nice, it has a little too much warmth and roundness to the sound for my tastes in the preamp outputs.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Sherod;

You are getting into the age-old debate of diminishing returns. The first upgrade has better returns than investment, the next might, or might not provide the linear equilivant return from investment.

Now, you are asking, "is twice the price, 'worth it?'"

Yes, and no. You won't get twice the benefits.

Will you pay twice for, maybe....50% improvement?
sherod
1,690 posts
 
I don't know Unclejeff. That is why I'm asking the question. You are answering my question with another question.
dgarretson
2,608 posts
 
Unclejeff,

I've been surprised that the more I upgrade my system, the more audible becomes even very small changes. Small incremental changes can make large perceived differences in a high calibre system. Perhaps the Law of Diminishing Returns needs adjustment.

Another approach is to ask the hard question, does an audio system make the music sound real? However good a system, the answer will always be no. When making an upgrade the question becomes, how much closer does this upgrade take the system toward realism? If the system is already at 9/10s, a movement of .5 (or 50% of the remaining gap) is significant. I see the problem more in terms of Zeno's Paradox than the Law of Diminishing returns. And I bet this psychological need for unobtainium is at the root of most high-end buying. The psyche registers percentage improvement as percentage of remaining gap to be closed.
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