What has kept me busy in recent months is tweaking components in a circuit. Commercial manufacturers must always consider component availability. That is the advantage of audio DIYer, you only need a few pieces.
Here are my top 4 where you will make the most gains from component tweaking:
- Capacitors
- Wire
- Resistors
- Birch plywood
Capacitors
If you want to tweak, I would advise you to mainly look for this in the power supply. Both directly and indirectly connected to the signal. Most of you don’t believe that indirect connection with the power supply has influence.I do not agree with that. I have tried it and it certainly appears to have an audible effect!
Wire
A link in audio that should not be underestimated. A long search brought me to vintage wire from Western Electric. My personal preference is for a solid core. In my experience that is better than stranded wire. An audio friend has a strong preference for litz wire. It’s good that there is a difference between our tastes!
Resistors
It is well known that resistors can contribute to color and coldness in the sound. Find a good balance between cost and preference for coldness and color when selecting resistors. I think carbon film resistors suit me best. There are also metal film resistors that sound good. Although in some cases these can turn out wrong, resulting in a sharp sound that you can no longer get controle over. Start testing and you will see that you get a preference that you will stick to.
Birch Plywood
In particular, the construction of speakers enjoys finnish Birch plywood above anything else! Harmonically, no other material is better. Rogers speakers already realized this back in the days when developing the LS3/5A. Basically a studio monitor. This version is very popular with audio enthusiasts. Don’t forget that birch plywood also has an effect on dampening unwanted vibrations. I make amplifier feet in a U shape with rubber feet. I place felt under the rubber feet. Stick 2 different thicknesses together and you will be amazed at what you hear!