boutique polypropylene caps

[fergie232]

ive beeen looking over the Millet MAX amp for the whole afternoon
looking through details, BOM, tweaks etc
i think i want this to be my next project
i read on another thread that the MAX is on par with M3 and PPA, possibly better
(but everyone has their opinions)
Ive been reading about the capacitors required,
and wondering what were you recommendations for polypropylene capacitors
in positions CA8 and CA9
I want boutique caps in these positions, but don't know what manufacturer to go for
i already know i want either Blackgate N or Elna Silmic II RFS in CA2 and CA7
but on the MAX website, he said blackgates don't go well with film bypass caps
what are your opinions and personal experiences?
i would really apprecaite any help on this, im new to the whole idea of boutique caps
and i have no clue what polypropylene caps to go for

i also know that some of you think boutique caps dont make a difference at all

but to those of you that do care, what should i use?
i dont want to use rediculously expensive like Sonicap platinum or Mundorf silver oil
but like i said above, in the range of Elna Silmic II RFS and Blackgate N

 

[tomb]

This was recently discussed in the MAX thread:

Here
here
and here

Please don't count me in the comments about the MAX being better than the PPA and M3. In the same league? Yes, better on some accounts, but not better spec'd or tested overall. Specifically, I believe I stated that even the PIMETA will have a lower noise floor. Whether or not you can hear that difference is a different question.

That said, none of those come even close to the pure FUN of the MAX, IMHO.

To summarize once again:
* BG "N" electrolytics - for the MAX, it may be that the 0.47uF 50V BG NX-HiQ is the best choice for bypassing. Dsavitsk more or less recommended the Vitamin Q's because they tend to fairly neutral, but they are huge - as are most of the better film caps - and just won't fit on the MAX board (despite some rather large positions on the board).

Essentially, BGs = rich. So, if you add a film bypass that's also rich, then rich + rich = syrup. My understanding is that the tiny 0.47uF BG's are so fast that this may not be so. They're also cheap and small.

* Muse ES electrolytics - these are a perfect match for the Sonicap GEN II's, which are less than $4 and 1" long or less in the 0.22 - 0.47 sizes.

* Muse KZ electrolytics - these might be a good match for Auricaps, but that's a pure guess. I only mention the Auricaps because they're so well known, but at the same time - pretty small. We have at least one builder who is happy with this combo, I believe. If the Auricap is known for a midrange bloom and rolled off highs and lows, but the KZ's are hard and fast, it might make sense - but that's a pure guess.

* Elna RFS - don't have a good suggestion - maybe one of the above?

Of course, the WIMA MKP10's are no slouch and will result in a very listenable amp that can compete with the PPA and M3 on frequency response and musicality (and deep slam!)

If you look at those threads, you will note that an upgrade to one of the high-end Toshiba BJT pairs will have more effect. The 2SC2238 pairs perhaps have the best defined detail, including highs. The 2SC3422 rock and slam the best, and the 2SC3421 will add a lower partial octave to the bass, with a small reduction in clarity on the high end.

IMHO, and YMMV.

 

[pinkfloyd4ever]

somethins wrong with those links you gave tomb, they all go to the same post

I think the last 2 were supposed to be
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...78#post3248278
and
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...53#post3248453

it's def some good stuff, fergie

 

[tomb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkfloyd4ever /img/forum/go_quote.gif somethins wrong with those links you gave tomb, they all go to the same post I think the last 2 were supposed to be http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...78#post3248278 and http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...53#post3248453 it's def some good stuff, fergie

You are absolutely correct! Thanks for catching that! (I've edited it, now.)

 

[fergie232]

wow thanks so much for the uesful info guys
i guess i was just too lazy to scroll through some 50 pages of that MAX thread

and my internet is being rather slow atm
but thanks for the recommendations
i will definitely take your suggestions on board....
GET IT?! on board ?
haha i crack my self up sometimes

now, what headphones to get

Sennheiser HD650 or 600, or AKG 701, or Beyerdynamics...or maybe some sweet Grados
cant decided between the HD650 or 600, i hear the 650 has a sonic "veil" over it...or thats how some people have described it
your personal experiences and recommendations ?

 

[fergie232]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomb /img/forum/go_quote.gif Essentially, BGs = rich. So, if you add a film bypass that's also rich, then rich + rich = syrup.

lol
nice analogy

so what film bypass caps do you recommend? i would go with the Wima, but if there is something better, I just HAVE to have them lol.
possibly Sonicap Gen II
I will either use Blackgate N + super rich film bypass caps (not sure what yet tho)
or Nichicon Muse ES + super rich film bypass caps
i LOVE my bass
and it sounds like those deep slammin Muse ES sounds really good
and with a great film cap, could produce some amazingly detailed and dynamic, rich full bodied sound
*druel*
oh god the options! WHAT TO CHOOSE :'S
Nichicon Muse ES or Blackgate N + Sonicap Gen II = DRUELLLL lol