Hovland Musicaps

[musicfile]

I'm thinking of  inserting new caps into my Dodd Monoblocks
For those that have heard the Dodds they are very dynamic and neutral amps I  wanted to warm things up a bit and insert musicaps in the coupling positions
My system right now is very neutral sounding and I have teflon vcaps in my pre amp already so detail and transparency is a plenty

Opinions on this move

[richidoo]

What brand and model caps are in there now? Capacitance and voltage? Input coupling right?

Gary probably tried a bunch of caps while voicing it, I bet he would know which way to go.

[hometheaterdoc]

I wouldn't necessarily call Hovlands warm... they're warmer than some, but not warm like a typical oil impregnated cap.  If I had to characterize them, I'd call them more neutral than warm... 

BTW, I've got a bunch of Hovlands here from speaker building days if there is a size and voltage that interests you.....

[musicfile]

Gary seems to like Mundorfs Silver/Gold I tried these along with russian pio caps ..still searching for that elusive sound   

For my ears I think the Hovlands would strike a nice balance bettween both extremes
Yes these would be for the input and driver stage -3 in total per amp

Thanks Hometheatre I'm looking for .33 or .47 600 volts variety - 6 in total

btw to me neutral are the Teflon Vcaps as neutral and transparent as can be in my system

[shep]

If you don't know of this site; http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html. I doubt there is a better source of information although he has not yet included all the russian types. I use Jantzen Superior S in x'over and it is very very good and not outrageously priced. Mind you they may not have the values for amplification so I may be speaking out of my hat here.

[musicfile]

Yup checked that sight out as well
Tony Gee is da man

At this point i'm not sure whether to go with all hovlands in my amp or add in a  mundorf
I heard mixing and matching is the way to go when voicing coupling caps

[musicfile]

Ok I've read so much on caps I now have a headachE

At this point i'm hoping others can chime in with their Cap Recommendations
for Coupling positions on my Dodd Amps

Thanks

[rollo]

  I'll second the Mundorf Silver/oil if you want warmer use the silver/gold . I've used both as well as V-caps . My amp uses a 211 output tube. Depending on what tube I use made a HUGE difference in the final selection of caps. When using the GE211 the Mundorfs were warm and warmer [ silver, silver/gold] compared to the V-cap. When using the RCA 211 the V-cap was the one. Match the cap to the character of your output tubes character. You know the ol Yin and Yang trick. Balance baby balance.
  Have you tried different tubes ? They will change the character more than any cap change IMO. Another option is your front end. A tubed CDP or fuller and richer sounding CDP like a Lector or equal[ not many do]. If you have a neutral system then the source can be the flavor you desire which will be presented through your speakers. Have fun trying.


charles

[richidoo]

You know you want it.....


 
live a little!   

Sounds even tastier than it looks! @@

[rollo]

You know you want it.....


 
live a little!    

Sounds even tastier than it looks! @@

  enough said.


charles

[musicfile]

Thanks Guys for the input
Mundorf SIO Is not the ticket too bright for this application
Anyone have experience with Dynamicaps in the coupling position
My dodds excell in Transparency and dynamics now looking for a bit of texture and air
I have teflon vcaps in my Preamp so trying to smoothen things out a bit with loosing all the good stuff

Further opinions appreciated

[shep]

I personally favor Jentzen caps. They are not terribly expensive. Starting from the Superior S series and up.

[rollo]

Thanks Guys for the input
Mundorf SIO Is not the ticket too bright for this application
Anyone have experience with Dynamicaps in the coupling position
My dodds excell in Transparency and dynamics now looking for a bit of texture and air
I have teflon vcaps in my Preamp so trying to smoothen things out a bit with loosing all the good stuff

Further opinions appreciated

  Mundorf SIO are NOT bright. You want extra warm then Russian try PIO or NOS , I would contact Dodd and ask them what cap would add the desired affect. BTW Auri caps may fit very nicely.


charles

[musicfile]

Gary Dodd tends to like the Mundorf Silver Gold

In comparison to other very neutral caps Mundorf do have that juicy sound ..in some systems not all that may come off as being bright ..again ymmv

[BobM]

I installed a set of Mundorf silver and Oils into a pair of Dodd monoblocks for a fellow audiophile. I know he likes a lush sound, but the cap choice was his. He was initially impressed with the sound and the detail and the transparency, but found that he grew tired of it after 6 months and sold his Dodd's.

So transparency and detail are not for everyone. If you're looking for lush then get something that is definitely lush, like PIO's. If you want transparency and detail and texture, then the SIO's and teflons are the way to go IMO.