GrindingThud
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For anyone that's put in some big/upgraded caps, how did you mount them? I'm thinking of using a metal punch to punch holes in the alloy top plate and then using some screw-in zip tie mounts, but would like to hear what anyone else has done. The caps will be Mundorf M-Cap 100uf/250v, so they're just under silly-huge size for the chassis .
For anyone that's put in some big/upgraded caps, how did you mount them? I'm thinking of using a metal punch to punch holes in the alloy top plate and then using some screw-in zip tie mounts, but would like to hear what anyone else has done. The caps will be Mundorf M-Cap 100uf/250v, so they're just under silly-huge size for the chassis .
I used peel and stick zip tie anchors, 2 per cap. But, I also routed the fly wires so they helped hold the large caps to the bottom of the plate.
. Be prepared to dispose of your bit afterwards.
Is there a generally agreed upon 'giant capacitor' to upgrade to? I know that they all have some sort of impact on the sound quality, but is there a universal holy grail that people would flock to if money was no option? I don't plan to put the speed ball upgrade onto this one I have because I like something about the lack of solid state anything on board. I guess the tiny LEDs technically count... but yeah.
I'm thinking about ordering another kit so I can get the pleasure of building it myself as well as having one of them at work so I could be listening right this instant. And it's the beginning of the month, so I just got paid (yeah!)
The panel is aluminum. Any decent bit will come out unscathed, particularly if one uses a proper cutting fluid. A spritz of WD-40 will work, as will a bit of candle wax on the tip of the bit.
I know that they all have some sort of impact on the sound quality, but is there a universal holy grail that people would flock to if money was no option?
This is not generally agreed upon, and especially not in this particular circuit.
That was exactly why I did it. I installed Clarity Cap ESA 100 mfd 250V caps that I got from Madisound here.
I wound up using some plastic straps used to mount the large vent tubes from clothes driers to hold the caps in place. Ultimately, I thought this solution worked quite well, because there was adequate separation between the caps and the rest of the chassis. The plastic straps are extremely robust (they can hold hundreds of pounds), can be easily cut to size using household scissors, are quite cheap and won't scratch the caps. For pictures, see here.
On the downside, this means I have to desolder the caps every time I need to do anything to the amp, because the caps are secured to the side of the wooden case, and need to be separated from the metal plate. But since you have already upgraded everything else, this should be less of a concern.
I should also add that the size of the caps, and the need to create clearance between the caps and the other components, means that I also had to raise the wooden case a bit. I wound up using adjustable/extendable feet, but you could do whatever works best for you.
Best,
Adam
The 78mm diameter is crazy, the Mundorfs I bought I think are 48mm and they'll be enough of a challenge to mount.