I update a lot of fine audio gear. I don't see the controversy. The fact is, most electrolytic capacitors last 15-20 yrs, less if they're in a hot environment or the equipment had been sitting for many years without being used. Rubber gaskets on the caps start to crack and/ or bulge (venting). Replacing them can also be considered a sonic upgrade if the type of caps used are chosen wisely. Fet transistors do not need to be replaced unless they get noisy.
Sonic improvement with Threshold FET 9 refurb?
Hi All,
In a recent post I was asking if anyone knew of an affordable ($1200 or so) sonic step up from my ARC SP14 preamp since a threshold FET 9 I had recently aquired from a fellow Agoner did not, to my ears. sound quite as transparent and holographic as the SP14. Very,very nice, yes, but not a step up. I didn't get any suggestions other than to upgrade the SP14 electronics and a comment that there was probably no affordable step up.
Anyway, after re-reviewing the glowing write-ups on the FET 9, I'm wondering if, despite its nearly pristine condition inside and out, my example might be a bit "tired". I realize that there is significant controversy about the need for capacitor replacement and or power supply upgrades and don't want to spend a lot of money trying to fix somethhing that is really working as well as it can, but am wondering if this might be sonically worthwhile. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has actual experience with this or a parallel scenario.
Thanks!
In a recent post I was asking if anyone knew of an affordable ($1200 or so) sonic step up from my ARC SP14 preamp since a threshold FET 9 I had recently aquired from a fellow Agoner did not, to my ears. sound quite as transparent and holographic as the SP14. Very,very nice, yes, but not a step up. I didn't get any suggestions other than to upgrade the SP14 electronics and a comment that there was probably no affordable step up.
Anyway, after re-reviewing the glowing write-ups on the FET 9, I'm wondering if, despite its nearly pristine condition inside and out, my example might be a bit "tired". I realize that there is significant controversy about the need for capacitor replacement and or power supply upgrades and don't want to spend a lot of money trying to fix somethhing that is really working as well as it can, but am wondering if this might be sonically worthwhile. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has actual experience with this or a parallel scenario.
Thanks!