Hi Guys
Ordered the VSF Copper to replace the .25 coupling caps to the output valves, and Jensons for the power supply electrolytics from Mike.
Had a chat to Steve and Craig whose upgraded Leaks I heard, and they said they used whatever they had lying around such as Allen Bradleys for the resistors and Duelund Alexanders for some of the coupling caps.
I don't have parts lying around so decided on a more scientific approach. Had a look at the circuit diagram and removed the grid resistor into the input valve because it will be replaced by a pad to adjust sensitivity. This left some 10k resistors in the signal path at the output valve grids and after the coupling caps - am getting the best resistor I know for that - naked Z-Foils. The rest will be 2 watt Amtrans carbon films.
Here is an interesting comparison between the two:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/190095-resistor-test-tx7525-amrg-cmf55.htmlThe Z-Foil sounds really open. Big bass sound, the strings of my stratocaster seemed to come out more out of the speakers, very good separation of the single string, rich in detail, reminded to a piece of wire. They have the tendency not to make sound. On the other hand, they are the most technically sounding resistors. At some cathodes I liked these most, but not at all places. As always a matter of taste.
These black beauties (Amtrans) sounded very open, airy with a little sweet touch, in a musical sense wonderful, but a little sound making. Big bass too. At some places I loved these most, but not everywhere.
I was told an interstage .1uf coupling capacitor wasn't that critical so decided on an Obligato Gold rather than the whole hog of a Duelund. The 50uf electrolytic bypass capacitors will use Jensens - but may switch to film if space permits.
Small capacitors will be silver mica's.
Hope to get some high end wire from Mike he wires all his speakers with and change terminals etc to Eichmann.
Anyway that's it for now.
Have to wait for the parts to arrive for the new amp to take shape. Since its Christmas no use ordering now anyway - will wait for the New Year.
But this is only a start - I have been told by Steve and Craig its a never ending process. Those guys advised doing a bit at a time. The resistors are relatively cheap (all up cost with Jensons, Obligatos etc only $250.00 or so) so I thought what the heck - go the whole hog to start with then tweak.
Thanks
Bill