Upgrade to the Dodd battery tube buffer

Dracule1 · « **on:** 11 Aug 2011, 04:50 am »

I'm evaluating the Dodd buffer, and I like it A LOT

. It has the 6H30 tube instead of the 6DJ8 tube and Sonicap bypassed with the teflon Sonicap Platinum. Has anyone experimented with other brands of tubes, coupling caps, RCA connectors, etc to improve the sound? I'm thinking of having 1 input with 2 outputs, so I can get rid of the switch for input selector. I think this will improve a little more. I'm considering Mundorf silver/oil or silver/gold/oil or even the Dueland VSF cap. I have used Vcap in other components, but I get the impression it may be too detailed. I'm looking for a smooth, detailed sound with excellent timbre/tone and large soundstage with holographic imaging. The Dodd has most of what I am looking for. But I just was wondering if anyone was able to improve the sound further.

usp1 · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 12:04 pm »

The 6h30p-DR, the so called super tube, is a big improvement over the standard 6h30.

S Clark · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 03:03 pm »

Just find Trung's post or send him a PM. I wouldn't be surprised if he knows the tweaks even better than Gary. He was the leader of the 6H30P-DR movement.

Dracule1 · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 10:26 pm »

Actually, I have Trung's Dodd buffer for evaluation. He likes the Mundorf silver oil cap, but I'm not sure if he tried it on the Dodd. He hasn't told me about other upgrades besides what he has in his Dodd buffer. I search for Trung's posts. Thanks.

TrungT · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 10:32 pm »

I have not replace the Sonicap on mine Dodd buffer yet, but I did on a friend, I really like the sound of Mundorf Silver & Oil.
Very smooth sounding.
No by-pass cap needed.

Dracule1 · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 10:43 pm »

Hi Trung, does the Mundorf silver/oil give better soundstage/imaging than sonicap bypassed with sonicap platinum? What about bass, microdetail at low volume, and vocals? I forgot to ask you about this last time we talked. I know your prefer the silver/oil over the silver/gold/oil.

Jerrin · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Aug 2011, 12:04 am »

I can't speak to the Mundorf, but I upgraded my buffer and I've never regretted the extra cost. I upgraded the posts, used silver solder, got the 6H30-DR, and used Duelund Copper VSF caps. When I listened at first I was impressed. After letting things burn in and do much more listening, I am still amazed at the clarity, extra details, and tonal shift of the buffer. It's smooth, but very very refined. I played the trumpet and french horn for several years and brass finally sounds real on my system.

The only way I could be happier is to get a fully balanced version with HT bypass.

Dracule1 · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Aug 2011, 03:03 am »

Thanks Jerrin for your input. How much did you pay for the VSF copper? The electronic version (400 VDC) is very expensive. Partsconnexion has 2.2 microF for $310 each, so I can imagine 3.3 microF being around $360 each. What kind of RCA post did you upgrade to? I have some pure copper Vampire RCA posts I was thinking of using.

TrungT · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 Aug 2011, 03:20 am »

I have not hear the Silver/Gold/Oil, but I hear Duelund Copper, it did sound very mooth (Caps had not break in)
Silver & Oil more like personal taste and it does fit my budget better when 20% @ Partsconnexion

To me Mundorf bring the Dodd buffer up to another level with my latest 6H30DR.

usp1 · « **Reply #9 on:** 12 Aug 2011, 03:24 am »

Trung,

So the mundorf are better than the sonicaps with the platinum bypass? Which mundorf are these?

TrungT · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Aug 2011, 03:27 am »

^^^^^
Sonicap does sound good for the money.
I like the Mumdorf Silver & Oil (for my budget)

morganc · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 Aug 2011, 06:49 am »

Hi Trung....how hard is it to change out the caps? The silver in mundorf would then match my speakers. Where is it best to order?

TrungT · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Aug 2011, 12:49 pm »

^^^^^
Change out the caps is not too hard, just remove the RCA nuts, make room and extra careful with the hot iron.

I got mine at Partsconnexion 20% off sale couple weeks ago.

Dracule1 · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Aug 2011, 11:56 pm »

I am thinking of adding three different brands of output coupling caps, each selectable with the input switch

. I only need one input so this is possible.

Jerrin · « **Reply #14 on:** 15 Aug 2011, 05:58 pm »

If you do install 3 different caps, please let us know your impressions.

Dracule1 · « **Reply #15 on:** 16 Aug 2011, 11:24 am »

Depends on whether or not I decide to go with Duelands (either VSF Black or CAST). They are so expensive

, I wouldn't have money left over for other high quality caps, like Mundorf silver/gold/oil. If I don't get the Duelands, I can try out Mundorf, Clarity, Dynamicaps, Jupiter, etc.

Dracule1 · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 Aug 2011, 11:25 am »

I forgot about better quality pots instead of the standard Blue Velvet Alps pot. Thinking of TKD.

jtwrace · « **Reply #17 on:** 16 Aug 2011, 11:35 am »

I just don't think the buffer needs Duelands...if you do it, you're crazier then me.

HAL · « **Reply #18 on:** 16 Aug 2011, 11:49 am »

IIRC someone else did put Duelands in a buffer awhile ago. It was in the DIY Buffer thread if my memory is correct.

JohnR · « **Reply #19 on:** 16 Aug 2011, 11:58 am »

How much are they?

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