swapped my first tube today :)

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rosconey

swapped my first tube today :)
« on: 19 Jul 2004, 05:31 pm »
took a day off today and my tubes showed up for my shengya cd player-i bought a pair but only needed one :lol:  well i very nervously did the swap- and it still plays -yee ha :mrgreen:
had philips green lable, now a hp white label gold pin(supposed to be made by amperex)does sound better :!:

David Ellis

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Congradulations!
« Reply #1 on: 19 Jul 2004, 05:35 pm »
Yes, Amperex makes a very good tube.

Did you happen to see what kind of coupling capacitor was placed adacent that tube?  Swapping that capacitor for a better unit - oh my!

Jon L

Re: swapped my first tube today :)
« Reply #2 on: 19 Jul 2004, 05:38 pm »
Quote from: rosconey
took a day off today and my tubes showed up for my shengya cd player-i bought a pair but only needed one :lol:  well i very nervously did the swap- and it still plays -yee ha :mrgreen:
had philips green lable, now a hp white label gold pin(supposed to be made by amperex)does sound better :!:


Now we've got you... Welcome to the Dark Side of tube rolling.  You see, once you step over to THIS side, there is no going back.  You'll be searching high and low for a good deal on that "magic" tube, and prettty soon, you'll notice boxes and  boxes of tubes on your floor.  What's worse, this experience will make you obtain more tubed components, with different tube types, which will result in more and more tubes.  They will hatch more and more; and you may find yourself more in love with certain tubes than your significant other.  Then you will find your bank account is getting proportionately lighter and lighter.  And then, and then...

Oops.  I ended up writing my own story.  I'm sure YOU won't be so foolish :jester:

ohenry

swapped my first tube today :)
« Reply #3 on: 19 Jul 2004, 05:55 pm »
And if you change caps, resisters, etc., some of your least favorite tubes may shine!  Choices are bad.  :cry:

rosconey

swapped my first tube today :)
« Reply #4 on: 19 Jul 2004, 06:32 pm »
all the caps are -SOLEN Metallized Polypropylene Film, MKP

wont be getting any other tube gear-have all new odyssey stuff and am very very happy.

JoshK

swapped my first tube today :)
« Reply #5 on: 19 Jul 2004, 07:31 pm »
definitely room for improvement over the solen, esp since the coupling cap has such a dramactic effect on the sound.  Auricap, Soniccap, TRT, etc, etc

David Ellis

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Solen!
« Reply #6 on: 19 Jul 2004, 10:27 pm »
This will be easy.  The Solen is a fair capacitor and was the industry standard about 20 years ago.  During the past 20 years other capacitor manufacturers have improved dramatically.  I haven't tried the TRT, but have tried the AuriCap and Sonicap.  Both Auricap and Sonicap are much better than the Solen, and about equal sonically.  Either better capacitor would be a darn smart improvement over your Solen Capacitors.  

I suggest you use the same method I used when swapping capacitors in my CD player.  While this is not the most scientific, it's very practical.  Find all the Solen Capacitors and replace them with better capacitors ( I used Sonicaps).  The reason for my method is simple.

The source gear manufacturer chose Solen capacitors in the critical locations and cheaper elecrolytics in lesser locations.  Following the manufacturer's thinking will work just fine.  Those manufacturers don't waste any $ on parts.

A more scientific method is to find the coupling capacitors and swap only these.  This is simply because they are the most critical.  If finding these capacitors isn't possible (true for most folks), then resort to the non scientific method.  Replace all the Solen capacitors with equal value & voltage better capacitors.

markC

swapped my first tube today :)
« Reply #7 on: 21 Jul 2004, 02:30 am »
Have to agree 100%. Even swapping out other well known brands for Auri's and Soinic's have made a signifigant improvment in my system. Sonic's in the speaks and Auri's in the Pre...