Coupling cap upgrade possibilities for VTL?

Thanks Jcbtubes, and Khaki8 for emailing, to let me know the caps are made by Audio Note UK. I am not thinking of doing the jobs DIY myself, but using a local tech instead of sending the amps off to VTL across the country. At the moment I'm thinking only of doing the coupling caps, and maybe some resistors. I'll see what advice I get from the techs I speak with, but just wanted to get some names of caps people have had the best results with.

Zaikesman- I believe Khaki typed "Sudio" but meant "Audio", and I agree with him. The copper foil-in-oil caps are outstanding, though quite large by comparison to film type caps. If you consider power supply cap upgrades, the BlackGates are about as good as you'll find (and priced that way!). I would suggest upgrading the smaller value power supply caps that are near the gain tube, first; then driver tube ps caps, and finally the main B+ caps for the output. Also, if the gain or driver tube use cathode bypass caps, upgrade these to BlackGate NH series for a very nice improvement. I've found that even with the BlackGates, I still like a bypass cap, either PPFX-S, RTX, or copper foil-in-oil, depending on space, money, and tonal voicing. DIY is fun and extremely rewarding, but make sure you have some basic electronic and soldering skills, as well as, the appropriate soldering tools to do the job right. Good luck and enjoy!!

Yes, I worded that badly by saying "vintage" - the 185's are a current model, and no filter cap upgrade from the factory is possible or offered. What they offer right now are just the coupling caps, and the fuse arrangement is made more robust for ones like mine that were made in the late 90's. Also, one could opt to purchase the standalone 'soft-start' modules which are standard on Signature line now (with a price increase), but this seems like a clumsy arrangement to me.

185's isn't as vintage as mine 100's and for them you should ask Bea if it's possible anywhay... For mine she asked the price of $800 but yours probably go away cheaper since they don't have space issues like my tiny ones.

Marakanetz, I don't believe VTL has a filter cap upgrade for amps of the 185's vintage. I have been told by some that the resistors could be improved...

Khaki8, I've not heard of this kind before, so thanks for the suggestion - but is "Sudio" the correct name, or did you mean to type "Studio"?...

Get yourself some Sudio Note Copper Foil caps. These are far superior to the one you mention. Perhaps more expensive but easily worth it.

Z, what is currently used on your MB185? Power dropping, input and feedback resistors may even do a cheaper and more efficient upgrade...
Truly saying, $800/pr is theoretically toooo much for 0.22...0.33uF. The most expencive might probably cost arround $25 maximum. I placed Multicap RTX instead of stock WIMAs. Bea offers $800(with the job) for filter caps(yeah, these are expencive!) upgrade. In your amp it is simple to do it yourself since you've got more space than I in my MB100, but still some chasis cutting is involved...