Parasex output cap suggestions?

[ToolGuyFred]

My Parasex amps have had almost every component swapped for a boutique part (particularly like the Magnequest all-nickel outputs). I still have the original output caps (Solens, I think). Any thoughts on upgrades?

 

[Grainger49]

Fred,

If the Parasex is like the SEX the voltage needed is 630V.  How about some Audio Note, Mundorf, V-Cap Teflons or my perennial cheap favorites the Obbligato PP film in Oil.

The key is that caps are very much a personal taste thing.  What floats your boat might not do it for me.  What are you interested in hearing from your system?

This should be in the Legacy section.

 

[ToolGuyFred]

Hi Grainger

Thanks again for your input.

This question arose as a result of becoming a Lowther owner about 3 years ago (Acousta 115s with silver-coiled DX3 drivers). Most program sounds brilliant but some material (with a lot of sibilants) has a little HF "tizz" which isn't there when I listen through headphones. (The Lowthers can be ruthlessly revealing.) This may of course be nothing to do with the power amps or speakers - am still s/s for my preamp, I haven't got around to building my Foreplay yet - but that's another story. (See post elsewhere.)

I like Audio Note paper-in-oils (haven't heard any of the latest generation of film in oils yet). Used to have ANs as inter-stage caps on the parasex amps. Swapped them for Auricap film and foils and was surprised to hear very little difference. I did a lot of cap comparisons about 15 years ago when I was developing a s/s headphone amp:

• I dislike most stuff described as "metallized" (although I think the Solens are in this category - perhaps they use more metal?).
• Most things with "foil" in the name are worth a try.
  

Had a quick look at your suggestions. Apart from the price, Teflon stuff seems to take an ice age to run in. (I have some home-rolled Teflon interconnects inspired by Allen Wright's "Supercables Cook Book" - very nice but boy did they take some time to sound their best.) The Obligato caps look worth a punt. It would least indicate whether the caps in that spot have a significant effect on the sound.

Will post when I've tried these.

 

[Grainger49]

The Obbligato caps will surprise you.  Even if they are not to your taste you will be surprised at how nice they sound for the price.  I can't remember anyone who tried them who were offended by theri sound  (DIY HiFi Supply and Parts ConneXion sell them)  I am suggesting the cheapest cap they sell (Polypropylene Film in Oil).  The sound is smooth a little warm and detailed.  They are not metalized.

 

[ToolGuyFred]

Just ordered a pair of Obbligato 3u3F 630V Copper caps.

 

[ToolGuyFred]

Hope you have all had a good Christmas.

Caps arrived on Christmas Eve. Since then have been shopping, on taxi duties (my Mom's , her Mom's) and the traditional Boxing Day clay shoot (a bit chilly, snow on the ground and -7 or 20 of your degrees Farenhiet). Just soldered in the caps and initial impressions are very promising. The nasty emphasized sibilants have gone, leaving the smooth detail I was after. A bit late to turn up the volume (midnight here) so will report back when I have a few more hours on the clock and I have turned the wick up.