Upgrading coupling caps - which ones first?


I have been experimenting with different coupling caps on the output of my amp.  I now want to try some more expensive caps (Vcap, etc), but cannot afford to replace every coupling capacitor in my system.  Therefore I want to place the best capacitors where they will make the most difference.

For each channel of my amp, I have one coupling cap between the driver and phase splitter stages, and a pair between the phase splitter and output tubes.  There are also output coupling caps on my DAC that feeds the amp which I am thinking about upgrading as well.  Which ones benefit the most from an upgrade that should be targeted first?
solman989

Showing 3 responses by grannyring

The best place to start is your source as the whole system will benefit! ! Start with your dac's output caps. Please let me know what brand they are and what sound change or difference you want. I am very versed on what various caps sound like in dac's and amps being a chronic cap roller:)

Dont  try to change too much, but rather start here and give it time to settle into your system and mind. Some caps sound fuller, some warmer, some darker, some more focused on the upper mids and highs etc... 


Please let us know in what way you would like to change the sound. Those dac output caps will have a big impact on your overall sound. 
The Mundorf caps are not in the same league as the Jupiter or Duelund in any important sonic attribute. However, they do need at least 150 hours of burn in. Mundorf are good mid tier caps, but lack the natural musicality of the top tier Jupiter and Duelund after burn in.