Precision Fidelity C7/A: To modify or leave as is?


Hello:

We recently invested in a Precision Fidelity C7/A and I was thinking of upgrading some of the OEM capacitors. The original designer -- Bruce Moore -- apparently built the preamp. to sound as good as could be in stock configuration without having to modify anything, i.e. evincing the philosophy that an intelligent design should be simple and sound excellent as is.

Has anyone upgraded their Precision Fidelity with caps. such as V-Cap teflons or Auricaps and come away with dramatic differences in sonics, either for the better or worse?

Thank you.
somut

Showing 1 response by salectric

I never heard an actual C7 but I built one from the schematic a long time ago. As I recall, it sounded very nice, just lacking a bit in dynamics. From looking at your system, I think you would appreciate the improved sound quality that V-Cap coupling caps should provide. Richard is absolutely right that cap upgrades can be risky. They will change the sound, and sometimes a modern cap can be a step backwards. I happen to like the sound of V-Caps very much, both the original Teflon and the newer CuTF series, but that is not a universal reaction. I suspect your C7 uses some mylar film caps from the late 1970s, and V-Caps should be a major improvement in inner detail and (probably but less certainly) tonal balance. If I were you, I would do it. In the unlikely case that you are not happy, you can always put the originals back in.

By the way, if you need a copy of the schematic, send me an email through the Audiogon system. I have one in my files somewhere. As I recall, it shows the original circuit as well as later updates.