flipped the switch and it made me smile

[ee]

I mostly finished my stereomour yesterday evening. I have to make a base still, but I have tunes! I broke a film cap lead so I put the stock one in for now. I did get a couple extra cap values to try in the output (2.2, 3.3 stock, 4.7). Man I am so happy! This is so great BH! I'll post a better photo next time I'm just stoked so wanted to give some feedback. It sounds very good and it makes me happy. That's the goal . No point in trying to add much to that for now.

[Grainger49]

I was going to say that it wouldn't fit in the base but you know that.

Nice group of caps there.  And nice work.

Enjoy spinning some music for a few weeks.

[ee]

I have been able listen to the 3 cap values in the output (2.2, 3.3, 4.7). Like it's been said- the 3.3 that are included in the kit really hit a good mark for clarity and bottom end. In my room with my speakers which are a Fostex Fe206en in a large back loaded horn (diy Vulcan design) the 3.3 does sound the best of the three overall. However, I do like the extra bottom with the 4.7. It comes at the expense of a touch of realness, tone, clarity, and distortion  compared to the 3.3.
If I do a cap upgrade (jupiter ht flat stacked or mundorf sgo) in 4.7uf value it will still have the same filtering but the voice is what will change? In other words I think 2.2 vs 3.3 vs 4.7 I just need to be happy with the filtering for my system related to the frequency. Then decide on particular cap manufacturer to imprint the voice (realness,tone,distortion,pace, whatever else) of the cap. I like Chris Cornell's voice. We might sing the same note but I'm pretty sure his would sound a ton better because we were made by different people.
Eric

[Grainger49]

The first question that comes to mind is did you compare the same manufacturer and style of caps?  I ask this because I would have expected the tonal qualities to have stayed the same if you did.  I would have expected  the bass response and character to change.

If not the midrange problems might be the manufacturer/style you chose.

[ee]

I am comparing the stock solen 3.3 to same solen 2.2, 4.7. The 3.3 sounds great and the 4.7 has a bit more bottom end but I would describe it as looser slightly bloated sounding, not sound as true to life presentation as the 3.3 did. I'll spend some more time with the 3.3 and 4.7. Plus I'm moving the speakers a bit toward and away from wall to check that effect on them.

[Grainger49]

Thanks, that clarifies it for me now.  Good information and good experiment.

So I can't account for the "realness, tone, clarity, and distortion" you report with the largest value.  Do you have a pair of small value Kommie Kap Teflon caps you can try bypassing the 4.7uF caps with?  The only thing I can imagine is that the largest value is showing a higher ESR than the lower values.  If you have a 0.01 or anything in that order it might help.  Just put them in with jumper clips to try the sound.

Have they been broken in for 100 hours?

[ee]

Doing the break in of each cap. That's some time  enjoyed. No smaller caps to bypass with. Listening maybe not a clarity thing perhaps a perceived weightyness which is good and maybe the clarity is really just less to frequencey to listen to. If that makes sense.

[Doc B.]

I recall many years ago that John Tucker and I found Siderial 630V rated caps sounded a little less open on top once you hit about 5uF. Whether that relates to other caps, I can't say. I will also mention that I think bypassing signal caps is pretty much a bad idea. Never heard an improvement from it, just more trebly, phasy edge.

[ee]

I have about 30 hours on each set of caps so I'll give them some time. I also have other factors with the speakers that will come into play like damping and placement since they are relatively new as well. Especially with me getting to listen with a proper set amp setup. Lots o fun ahead. I will give the other cap values some time and of course get back here for follow up.

[Paul Birkeland]

You might try something like a 3.9uF, since it's available and may be another good datapoint for your comparisons. 

-PB

[ee]

Yeah the 3.9s I saw while looking at the brand choices for 3.3, 4.7.  I may give it a go. I would love the 2.2 to work then I know what I'd be buying. I'll give it some time and two of my music buddies want to come drink egg nog so no rush here. Thanks
Eric