shn67 Posted August 1, 2019 Posted August 1, 2019 Hi Guys I am wanting to upgrade the capacitors and resistors in a tube integrated amp. From the schematic, can you guys help me identify which passive components are critical to obtaining the best performance? The integrated amp is line magnetic 219. Thank you all in advance.
RoHo Posted August 1, 2019 Posted August 1, 2019 C106/206 are the coupling caps between the first two stages. These are the most likely suspects for upgrade. Next maybe C103/203 which are the cathode bypass caps on the input stage. These can be upgraded to a "better" electrolytic or to a polyprop cap if you have the room. I would first establish that the existing caps are "cheapies " and likely to benefit from upgrade. LM do not seem to me to be a "home brand" manufacturer like some other Chinese brands that use crappy components and weirdo circuits. 3
Ihearmusic Posted August 1, 2019 Posted August 1, 2019 The question that needs to be asked; Is there a problem, or are you just after a different sound? What is it you are missing? Mid range? Bass? To harsh? To Mushy? Have you heard better somewhere else? Capacitor change in a tube amp of some reputation may just mean a side step or a down grade. 3
THOMO Posted August 1, 2019 Posted August 1, 2019 3 hours ago, Ihearmusic said: The question that needs to be asked; Is there a problem, or are you just after a different sound? What is it you are missing? Mid range? Bass? To harsh? To Mushy? Have you heard better somewhere else? Capacitor change in a tube amp of some reputation may just mean a side step or a down grade. It always sounds better when you change components for more expensive ones.Well at least when you do not have another product the same with the standard components with which to compare it. 3 1
Ihearmusic Posted August 1, 2019 Posted August 1, 2019 1 hour ago, THOMO said: It always sounds better when you change components for more expensive ones.Well at least when you do not have another product the same with the standard components with which to compare it. And of course there is the time lag between changing caps. Unless there is a significant difference in sound quality, it is very hard to A-B test.
shn67 Posted August 2, 2019 Author Posted August 2, 2019 17 hours ago, Ihearmusic said: The question that needs to be asked; Is there a problem, or are you just after a different sound? What is it you are missing? Mid range? Bass? To harsh? To Mushy? Have you heard better somewhere else? Capacitor change in a tube amp of some reputation may just mean a side step or a down grade. I hear mid range and bass is missing... Sonic signature is more like solid state.
shn67 Posted August 2, 2019 Author Posted August 2, 2019 22 hours ago, RoHo said: C106/206 are the coupling caps between the first two stages. These are the most likely suspects for upgrade. Next maybe C103/203 which are the cathode bypass caps on the input stage. These can be upgraded to a "better" electrolytic or to a polyprop cap if you have the room. I would first establish that the existing caps are "cheapies " and likely to benefit from upgrade. LM do not seem to me to be a "home brand" manufacturer like some other Chinese brands that use crappy components and weirdo circuits. Thanks for the great info!
Stump Posted August 2, 2019 Posted August 2, 2019 Here are some info for the Singapore dealer upgrades.. Improved power supply High Quality Speaker binding post Singapore version MKI - $5800 (Silver ) , $6100 ( Black) The power section capacitors upgraded to Mundorf & Vishay capacitors with low noise rectifier. option of coupling capacitor includes Urushi capacitors, Mundorf SGO capacitors etc. Singapore Version MKII - $6500 Additional - Duelund Cast coupling capacitors original below
LogicprObe Posted August 2, 2019 Posted August 2, 2019 Have you tried using the different output transformer taps?
Ihearmusic Posted August 2, 2019 Posted August 2, 2019 8 hours ago, shn67 said: I hear mid range and bass is missing... Sonic signature is more like solid state. The question about speaker compatibility (deanB is asking) is valid. Tube unfriendly speakers might have a too big a drop in impedance (not so much a problem for a tweeter). With only 24 Watt output into badly matched speakers you will just miss out on to music. A lack of bass and midds cannot likely by fixed with a change of capacitors. 1
tigersehan Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 (edited) If I were you. I will try Duelund CAST 630V PURE copper/Silver oil for coupling capacitor. All small electrolytic capacitors -> Samyoung made AHS series , made for Audio. Resistors, if you like gentle sound then try TAKMAN, carbon film and if you like brighten sound then try Tokyo Ko-ON resistors (metal fill), this TKO company always inform to their customers when they are going to replace new material to make resistors, I do trust them. I do not recommend Carbon fixed, the AB because of contact problem, resistor body and lead out, easily make noise problem due to improper contact. Output transformers, I do love Lundahl, all layer coils are exactly same impedance and DCR, sounding really good after 1 year installation Rectifier diodes, I like Fast recovery diodes, UF4001-4008, 1A capability, upon high voltage request, my 55 years experience, these diodes sounding better than rectifier tube, also you can try UF5400 series, 5A capacity, UF 5408 and UF 4008 , they are good for tube amplifiers, they sounding better than rectifier tube in my ears. Wires, try Duelund, they have HV wire, Signal wire, NFB wire, HT wire...... once you try, then you never will seek old wires Solder, Kester 2% Silver Edited November 2, 2020 by tigersehan 1
tigersehan Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 1. Rectifier diodes, to UF series diodes, such as UF 4001-8 which is for 1A and UF 5401-8 for 5A 2. Coupling capacitors to Duelund Cast PIO 630V Pure copper-SIlver foil 3. Resistors, never AB because of contact problem between carbon fixed bundle and lead outs, A, Takman, if you like soft sound B. TKO, Tokyo Ko ON, if you like precision and brighten sound 4. Output transformers : Lundahl, most ideal construction, DCR for both side is exactly same, Amolpus core recommend. 5. Wires, try Duelund, they have HV wire, Signal wire, NFB wire, HT wire...... once you try, then you never will seek old wires 6. Solder, Kester 2% Silver 1
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