Forums - Which capacitor?

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2269	Which capacitor? 02/16/19 at 17:21:00 I wonder, is the Vcap a worthy upgrade? I see in the description that Steve says that it will last forever as compared to the copper beeswax. Other than that, why would I get the Vcap?
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MrDerrick

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Re: Which capacitor?
Reply #1 - 02/21/19 at 02:07:55

Geno,
If you go to the Jupiter web site, select the copper and beeswax product, there is a link to a Lampizator page that has a graph detailing the sonic characteristics of 4 copper foil capacitor brands, V-Cap, Jupiter, Duelund and Jensen.
Of course this chart/graph relates to the caps in Lampzator gear, but it should give some idea of their characteristic sonic signatures.
I replaced the coupling caps in my M60s with copper V-Caps and I was blown away by how they sounded after they ran in, which takes around 600 hours .
I ordered my UFO25 with the copper Jupiter caps since my ZTPRE also has them and I am quite happy with how they sound.

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jslateiv

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Re: Which capacitor?
Reply #2 - 02/21/19 at 15:43:53

I agree w/MrD. I too had a pair of Atma - M60's with the C.V-Caps and they are excellent. My 25th has the C-Jupiter's. The Jupiter's should last near indefinitely. Sound wise, I think the V-Caps are a bit more clinical and the Jupiters a touch more 'smooth',.. I think deciding which way to go would really come down to your other associated gear and probably most importantly amongst that your speakers. If your speakers are a bit forward or extremely detailed already, then I personally would opt for the Jupiters. On the other hand if your speakers are a bit on the 'soft' side, the V-Caps may wring a little more clarity out of them. regardless, I don't think you go wrong either way, I would look at it as more of a 'fine tuning'.

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Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2269	Re: Which capacitor? Reply #3 - 02/21/19 at 17:08:03 Thanks guys. I plan to order one in the next few months. Is there anything else i should know about before ordering?
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Palomino

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Re: Which capacitor?
Reply #4 - 02/21/19 at 17:41:44

Hi Geno,

I went with Jupiter's on my 25th because of past experience. I changed out the vCaps on my Torii MkIII for copper Jupitor's and liked the change. If I recall correctly, the Jupes were more liquid in my mind. My system was MUCH different back then and needed smoothing out so I could have a different opinion of them today.

In terms of ordering, I opted for the stepped attenuators. Sonically, I am not sure there is much difference, but I like the mechanics of them and I like to lock in on a certain step on both sides.

The biggest decision you will have would be whether to buy the tube compliment or have it come with no tubes. I went the no tubes route having a lot of input tubes from my other Decware amps, multiple rectifiers and even some of the power reg tubes (from my Torii). I did buy Steve's power tubes which ran about double the pair that I bought on ebay for backup.

There is excellent guidance from the forum members on which tubes to buy should you go that route. Or you can go with Steve's hand picked tubes which I am sure are excellent.

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jslateiv

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Posts: 163

Re: Which capacitor?
Reply #5 - 02/21/19 at 20:12:32

I think that if you don't have an assortment of all the tubes that the 25th uses, then it makes sense to buy the compliment of them. I did and they are def. good tubes. I already had an assortment of inputs that would work but none of the others. In true obsessive Audiophile fashion, I have since purchased more regulators and rectifiers. I have found that when rolling the input tubes there will be one regulator (for the input that works best),.. anywho, if you don't already have all the tubes handy, buying Steve's set will def. insure you that you get some great tubes that he personally loves and work perfectly with the amp. I have to say that I do agree with his 7dj8 / 6n5p choice for the inputs as they are excellent sounding in that amp!

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Palomino Seasoned Member Posts: 2519	Re: Which capacitor? Reply #6 - 02/21/19 at 20:15:24 I only tried two input regulator tubes but quickly landed on one I like the best. OD3W. I agree with something someone else on the forum said. It was something like there are no bad sounding tubes in the 25th, so tune to your taste.
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Geno

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Posts: 2269

Re: Which capacitor?
Reply #7 - 02/21/19 at 20:26:36

I have been going back and forth in my mind about whether or not to spend the extra money and get the tube complement. I think i could save a little money getting the tubes separately, but i like the hard case the tubes would come in. Also, if there is something wrong with one of Steve's tubes, he would replace it. I have a few months to decide on that.

Thanks for yalls suggestions,

Geno

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Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2269	Re: Which capacitor? Reply #8 - 02/21/19 at 20:39:12 By the way, has anyone tried the 6N1P in place of the 7DJ8 or 6N5P?
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Lon

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Re: Which capacitor?
Reply #9 - 02/21/19 at 21:52:16

Geno wrote on 02/21/19 at 20:39:12:

By the way, has anyone tried the 6N1P in place of the 7DJ8 or 6N5P?

I have. Almost any compatible input tube sounds good in these 25th Anniversary amps--as Johnny notes a specific regulator tube and bias position helps bring out the best in any good tube. I'm using Amperex 7308 myself, I love the bass sound and texture.

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Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2269	Re: Which capacitor? Reply #10 - 02/21/19 at 21:56:11 Thanks, Lon. I cannot wait until the time is right to place the order. I have a ZLC and ZBIT in Q now, but not too long after I get those, I will pull the trigger on the UFO25!
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jslateiv Seasoned Member Posts: 163	Re: Which capacitor? Reply #11 - 02/21/19 at 22:32:23 I have tried the 6n1p and really like it! It's fast and clear, my impression at least. I think any input tube is going to be a toss up until u listen to it in YOUR system. At this level with this amp, the tubes you will like are very system dependent.
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Dominick

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Re: Which capacitor?
Reply #12 - 07/21/20 at 19:54:12

Quote:

If you go to the Jupiter web site, select the copper and beeswax product, there is a link to a Lampizator page that has a graph detailing the sonic characteristics of 4 copper foil capacitor brands, V-Cap, Jupiter, Duelund and Jensen.
Of course this chart/graph relates to the caps in Lampzator gear, but it should give some idea of their characteristic sonic signatures.

I know this post is a bit old, but I figured I would share the link that shows a pictorial comparison of the various caps. It was very informative.

http://www.lampizator.eu/Fikus/CAPACITORS.html

I have been reading all of the SE84UFO25 posts in trying to decide between the copper foil beeswax and the V-Cap when I order my amp later this year. The cost to upgrade to the VCap is not a concern.

With running my Err speakers, and using my new generation Schiit True Multibit DAC, I am trying to discern whether or not a ladder type DAC in general may benefit from a less clinical capacitor like the Jupiter.

I like tighter bass and love the highs that the VCap offers in comparison to the Jupiter. But...I am afraid I will miss the representation of the liquid midrange vocals that would favor the Jupiter caps. Any feedback on my dilemma would be appreciated. I know I am going

Dom

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