Cap Recommendations? EC Super 7

Big thanks to @MisterRogers for all his insight and help with Super 7 mods, but I wanted to reach out to the crowd and see what experiences you all have had with various caps. Keep in mind this is a Mk2 Super 7, which is not as thick and bassy as the Mk1 (different transformers), or so @purrin has mentioned before. Because of this, I am purposely looking for caps that will add plenty of thickness and balls, something that is dynamic, kicks hard, and maybe even has some bass bloom. I am purposely looking for advice because the last thing I want to do is go crazy rolling caps.

So far, in the interstage area, I have only tried the 0.1uF Cardas caps. Those are discontinued, but I found a matched pair for dirt cheap. I got those because what few reports I read indicated they were bassy, slightly dark sounding caps, yet dynamic, and I figured that would balance out well with the S7 Mk2. I have not tried other caps, so I can't validate those impressions I had read elsewhere. Open to trying something new here, because those might be the weak link here in the end.

In the feedback area, I have tried the 10uF Obbligato film oils and am currently trying out some Packard POC10 motor runs, the latter of which I got for less than $10 shipped for the pair. MisterRogers recommended I try motor runs, and at that price, it's a matter of just skipping Taco Bell for one less meal than normal.

The Obbligatos weren't exactly what I was expecting. They are smooth but sound a bit too mid-centric to my ears in this setup. They don't have the flesh, weight, thickness, bass, dynamics, slam, balls, muskles, etc. that I was hoping for. Slightly dull and a bit cloudy if anything, but not unpleasant to listen to. At least the treble seems to be roughly where I wanted it.

The cheapo motor runs have a bit more thickness, a bit more slam, and a bit more dynamics across the board than the Obbligatos. They're also tighter and more focused sounding, more resolving. More engaging overall. However, they are a bit brighter than I'd ultimately like, which is maybe something I could mitigate with some of the other tubes I have.

MisterRogers recommended me another pair of fairly inexpensive motor runs that he uses, so I'll likely try those eventually. I believe he also has Duelunds in the interstage section, which I'd only be willing to save up for if they would meet my needs best.

Whole point is that I'm getting close but am not quite there with the caps (motor runs have shown I have some room to tune to my taste, but the cheapos are more a stop gap and haven't given me everything), so I wanted to see what experiences everyone else has had with caps to avoid having to go crazy with rolling myself.

 

For real? You just blew my mind. Open to suggestions. Everyone keeps saying that any film is better than electrolytic.

 

I actually don't know off the top of my head. I think the Cardas is 600VDC and the motor run is around the same as well. I think those go over what is actually required, but I can't say for sure.

I don't have an exact number, but I think it's been close to 2 months now, burning them in most night for a good 4-6 hours, or more on weekends. Should have over 100 hours at this point. I could be wrong, but I'm not sold on the idea that a cap is going to bloom into something totally different and magical after 500-1000 hours, if that's what you're talking about.

 

@Hands:

What caps are you currently using in the interstage and feedback? Just curious.

If you want that ElectraPrint sound, get the ElectraPrint transformer. Call Jack at ElectraPrint. It's a 4k to 8 ohm transformer. I am unsure of the current requirements. Tell Jack that it's 6SN7 driver and x3 paralleled 6SN7 output.

I don't care for them. Too veiled, but they do have their place and application.

 

Currently the 0.1uf Cardas and 10uF cheapo motor runs (PIO, I think, Packard POC10).

I have certainly considered the other transformers, no doubt about that. How much do those run, if you had to estimate?

 

fiddy bucks x 5 or 6

 

https://www.alliedelec.com/asc-capacitors-x387s-10-10-440/70006868/

I use these motor runs from ASC in my Super 7.

 

Mk1 or 2 S7? Why those particular motor runs, if you've tried others (or other caps in general)? Any comparison thoughts? You can be brief.

 

I have a Mk. 2 Super 7 with the Chinese C-Core.

As far as choice, not much reason really. They were cheap, and I know ASC caps are well regarded as an AC line filter and are often used as replacements in power supplies. Plus they're big, and bigger is always better right?

I honestly didn't spend too much time rolling caps. It's time consuming and you drive yourself crazy going through comparisons.

 

Hence why I'm asking for those that have gone into the abyss and returned, so that I might avoid that journey.

I mean, if I can find something that's clean as can be but will kick me in the nuts with bass power, that would be ideal. Just seems you usually have to make trade-offs and add some bloom and mud usually to capture that feeling.