Repalcement Mains Caps for Krell KSA 50

[bencat]

Given the age of my original Krell KSA50 amp (about 30 years old give or take a few years) I think it is probably advisable to consider the replacment of the original mains smoothing capacitors which are four large can 47,000uF types.

Can anyone suggest a good quality replacement for these ? I was always very impressed by the slit foil caps that DNM had made by BHC but they were never at this sort of value only much lower . I have seen that BHC make some normal one and the Vishay also do does anyone know if Elna make them in this value as I have used these in the past on my Quad 405 and they were very good but again much lower value .

If you can offer any advice would be appreciated and if you kknow of a supplier that would be even better .

[pre65]

What voltage rating are you requiring on the caps ?

[pre65]

If you have 50v rails, then 63v would be the minimum.

RS have lots to suit (at a price )

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/passiv...dBlock=Voltage


but these seem good value.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/63V-47000u...5#ht_950wt_754

[bencat]

Thanks for the lead on the BHC capacitors . These have a good reputation and although they are not the slit foil type they are still well thought of .
Have bought four to replace the current ones and will keep my fingers crossed that they are at least as good if not better than the originals.

[bencat]

These replacements along with the replacement of all the caps on the two main amp boards (some were a little iffy so needed replacment the others were just a precaution as they would be 20 + years old so while the boards were out seemed sensible) have now been done and given a good month or so to burn in.

All I can say it has been well worth while the sound is now much closer to when this amp was new . Audio memory is very fickle and not to be relied on but the current output for me just reminds me why I bought this amp in the first place. Sweet treble , neutral midband and enough bass slam to cause an earthquake but onoy when the bass is on the material . Quiet muisc such as Teaser and the Firecat CD come across with delicacy and good imaging , ZZ top kick the door in and boogie . I now feel that this amp is playing me what is on the CD / Album and adding as little as possible the use of a valve pre makes even more sense than before ans the sound stage is bigger and more believable . All in all worth the effort and cost .

[Richard]

That's great, it's good when we feel we've done a good job and get a few months to relax and enjoy the music before the next idea comes along...

Teaser and the Firecat, there's a good idea, not played that in ages, will dig it out for a spin tonight

What's the rest of your system btw? I'll add mine to my signature I think, not really thought about doing it before but it would be good to see what folk are using for ideas.

[bencat]

Currently due to a problem with my normal DAC I am using the following

Theta Data Basic II Transport - Perpetual Technologies PA-1 Upsampler - Micromega Dac - Concordant Exhilirant Valve Pre - Krell KSA50 Power amp - Kimber Cable - Harbeth Compact Monitors .

I normally use the Perpetual Technologies PA-3 Dac but this is currently dead and needs some repairs. Strange thing is despite the PA-3 being made to match with the PA-1 I think I prefer the sound with the Micromega just has that bit more air to it and more relaxed sound though all the detail and dynamic contrast is still their. However given the recent owrkings done on my Krell and that the PA-3 went AWOL while the Krell was being repaired I have not heard that Dac in the current Krell improved system so will have to wait till I get the Dac repaired and have a side by side listen. Glad to say I am really happy that I have bought the odd Dac or two over the years and kept them as they now come in very useful when things go wrong as I always have spare I can put in the main system to give me my regular music fix .