It's in!

[ALL212]

Mod 1 - turned the 2200uf's into mufflers instead of stove pipes:   

(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/all212212/DSC_1869_zps132b352c.jpg)

Now it fits in the Hammond box with no problem.  Just have to keep things away from the edges as the Hammond has a bigger lip than the Bottlehead cases.

Mod 2 - Replaced the 1uf input caps with 1uf film:
1st jumpered where the original caps were.
(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/all212212/DSC_1872_zpse0b7bf80.jpg)

Then added a pair of Clarity caps:
(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/all212212/DSC_1870_zps1edc6452.jpg)

I think the films are better - upper end is crystal clear.   

Supposed tipping those 2200uf's with some baby films would kick it up another notch? 

I've a bit of hum on the headphones - left side only...now what did I do?  Had that before the mods so it's not recent changes.
Scratch the hum - source direct to amp is perfect.  I've got something going on in the way I've my cables laid or the pre.

[Paul Birkeland]

Yeah, I'd give the bypassing a shot.  That really seems to be a case by case type of modification.

Also, on those extra GND VCC pads, you can add a film bypass cap to the power supply.  (Try a 1uF at very low voltage)

-PB

[ALL212]

Bypasses in place - those might look familiar.  .01's from the Reduction kit.

(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/all212212/DSC_1890_zpsdcbb1593.jpg)

And I used the odd 1uf clarity cap I had ordered (I like to match caps so I buy an extra or two) over the PS.
Mounted it under the board so my clearance is kept for the Hammond kit.

PB - what's this do for me?

(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/all212212/DSC_1891_zpsc7d520cf.jpg)

Need some listening time...

[Paul Birkeland]

PB - what's this do for me?

What're your ears telling you?  I'd expect some differences in the treble.

[ALL212]

This might be a bit quick but...

My listening "chain" is a Squeezebox III streaming flac.  I'm using Sennheiser HD650 headphones with custom cable (those stock cables...jeez, they suck!)  Patty Larkin's "Regrooving the Dream" is playing.

After doing these mods the background went blacker.  It was good before, no complaints and nothing noticeable but the sound seems to come out of nowhere now.

Treble before might have seemed "brittle" - maybe digital would be better?  Smooth now - way smooth!

Still need time...but this is very nice!

At this time these get my "silly grin" rating.

[ALL212]

PB...

Have I violated some electronics rule by putting in a 250v bypass cap over the DC volts or is that just so unnecessary that no one would normally do it?  It's a spare - no cost to me.

And I have a .1 and a .01 - should I add those to the 1uf bypass just for fun or is that just way over the top?