Preamp cap change?

markC · « **on:** 28 May 2003, 10:06 pm »

Thinking about swapping out the wima .47 uf output coupling caps in my tubed Decware pre. Looking for a more "in the room" presentation especially on female vocals & brass. Any suggestions? Or should I just leave well enough alone?

audioengr · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 May 2003, 06:57 pm »

I would try Theta, Hovland or Auricaps.

markC · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Jun 2003, 05:42 pm »

Thanks for the reply;I ordered a pair of Auricaps this morning. When I pulled the lid off my pre, I dicovered that the caps were actually .1 uf? rather than the .47 stated in the manual. I bought it 2nd hand, but it doesn't look as if the caps have been replaced, (unless whoever did so was very good at it). So, I ordered .1's. I like the sound of these caps far better than the other choice of 4 uf,(there's a switch to choose between the 2 values). While poking around inside, I noticed a whitish grey granular substance on the ends of one of the electrolytic caps in the power circuit-this can't be good. So, I ordered a pair of Blackgates to replace the 2 electrolytics. Hope it was the correct choice. The originals are Sprague Atom 20uf 250 vdc. I ordered Blackgate vk 22uf 350v to replace them. What do you think?

markC · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Jun 2003, 08:01 pm »

Just a quick up-date on the cap swap. In a word- awesome! After about 10 hours of playing time the sound smoothed out and really bloomed. Don't know for sure if it was the Auri caps, (I suspect so), or the Blackgates or a combination of both, but it was well woth the minimal effort. The sound is much more intiment and lush than before with better detail as well.