WD Pre3 rebuild - different resistor or capacitor advice?

[tomtidswell]

Dear All,

Back on the forum again, as I had my first Pre3 problem (after 13+ years of continuous use), with valve rustle on one channel despite replacement valves. Strangely the problem came on after 10 minutes use (or so) and the problem not obvious from bench testing voltages on the Pre3.

In discussion with Matthew, I have purchased the updated Pre3 and PSU3 boards + components and in the process of replacement. PSU3 is now complete, tested and working fine.

Before I rebuild the Pre3 board, I would be interested to know if anyone has found using different resistors and output stage capacitor (C1/2, replacing the Soniqs SAX 0.1microF) is worthwhile. I have searched the forum and can't find reference to this previously.

Matthew has kindly sent a pack of carbon film and metal film to try out, so I do have these options, but also was looking at the AudioNote tantalum resistors (on Hi-Fi Collective website).

As a final note, before the Pre3 went, I had tested it against a ~£13k pre-amp at one of the central West London Hi-Fi shops. There was no reason to let go of the Pre3, even in standard form.