Denafrips Terminator II WIMA Caps


I should have saved a picture of what I took out of there. Boxes had print different from cap to cap, in other cases the box itself was different - Denafrips are importing caps from Germany to install in Guangzhou, then back out again at the price point they do it, and these non-uniform caps came from Germany like that? lol cheap tester or not? It's ok, getting rid of them for the $30 is fine with me regardless.
 
Rather than trying to defend your claim with evidence not originally offered / supported... I'd suggest moving along. Or, if you feel THAT strongly about it, then perhaps contact the manufacturer. There's a few things they may want to investigate rather than have it out there in the wild that they've been using counterfeit parts in their products.
 
Well, let's just say I'm nuts, and still benefit from OS-CON even if the Silmic II were real and had a convincing weight, label, and stellar test result out a bargain basement tester. I'd like evidence they're genuine! But not so much to pursue it any further, they're in the trash - in fact, trash was picked up yesterday...
 
^ As an engineer, you'd likely understand the inconsistency in what you've said above.

Your claim was that they were counterfeit due to the measured ESR. When provided likely explanations for why your measurement methods could be at fault and/or that you did not account for the natural increase in ESR over the life of capacitors, you pivoted to other potential reasons that the parts could be counterfeit. That's totally fine. However, you seem more interested in defending your belief than providing any engineering evidence of your conclusion.

I'd like evidence they're genuine!
I'd like evidence of your claim that they're counterfeit, since you made the claim.

If you want evidence that they're genuine, perhaps start another study and/or contact the manufacturer of the capacitors.

Me... I wouldn't personally care one iota. You already love the performance of your changes, and you know it's only going to get better. So, why worry?
 
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It's not a defensive thing, maybe it's all in my head too..

Picture this, you and I walk up to Chinese capacitor casino - right on over to the roulette table, genuine whiskey in hand, and we decide to play the outside, but instead of black and red, we have real or fake Silmic II - where are you putting your chips? It's money to waste, you're closely eyeballing the roulette marble, wheel spins, quickly glance at the meaningless history, so you think you might have an inkling of the odds. I slap all on the OS-CON better option, Guangzhou Silmic II fake spot on the board..
 
^ I like your hypothetical, and I'm not disagreeing with your desire to "know". I'm simply making a (possibly poor) attempt to help you get closer to the answer you seem to desire at a higher probability.

Some folks will take action on odds of X:1. Some people like odds of Y:1. Only you know how much you "really" want to know the answer vs. what may be a good guess.

Cheers!

:cheers:
 
They have some pedigree and sell well for premium prices on EU and American market. By now everyone knows about fakes. Would they risk it with cheap like chips Wima ?
Did you buy unit which was originally meant for Chinese internal market and not export ?
If your findings are true that would explain it.
 
Well after the time since initial power-up, the improvement is unmistakable. Accuracy, transparency; this is the way it should have been. 100%.

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Nah , you're more into stratosphere than most here 🙂 Nice, clean job with Denaphris. I only mentioned Mcintosh because I've "been " inside a few fairly modern pieces and the exterior is far more illustrious than interior. I have nothing against the brand. Well , one can't hold it against them that a lot of people buy it becuase it holds value rather well. Just like Rolex.
 
Go to Korea Digituslab Electronics who also sells Taiko Extreme and get long available since 2 yrs ago in my system that is customised and bench tested Terminator Plus DE with the following highlights and yet with full factory warranty at usd12k that trickles down to 12th and 15th anniversary versions ... in parts.

Cheers.

Richard

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Rather than trying to defend your claim with evidence not originally offered / supported... I'd suggest moving along. Or, if you feel THAT strongly about it, then perhaps contact the manufacturer. There's a few things they may want to investigate rather than have it out there in the wild that they've been using counterfeit parts in their products.
Hi, they are all real deals ...wima, mundorf, laser trimmed resistors etc. Denafrips products are simply VFM one cos built as Chifis and does not have CEO, CFO and minimum wages to struggle with. Cheers.
 
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Interested to know more about this cybershaft clock, and great move with the Mundorf SilverGold wire for power, the power section is still on my list to do, put it off because of the disassembly. I think stock wires are stranded tinned copper, maybe silver plate, but there was talk of them actually being silver, which they are not. Seems these guys also recognize quality over quantity approach on the power bank with the SGO addition, I chose smaller value SGO Evos for mine, probably similar result. I'd be interested to know if they sell this upgraded clock module, that would be a nice touch.

Interesting you mention Taiko Extreme. I use a computer as a primary source and have been experimenting with different NICs, astounded by the sound profile differences between them. So far I really enjoy the Intel 210/350 cards (SFP) which have a very high degree of detail, transparency and accuracy. I am using a Realtek variant as Itype this, I am currently burning in after some component changes, the StarTech PEX1000SFP2, which is the same card used in the Taiko Extreme (Taiko used stock card, really cheap filter cap..):

Modified Realtek RTL8125B (PEX1000SFP2) Parts List


Component Upgrades

  • Voltage Regulator: Stock SOT-23 → ON Semiconductor NCV5500 (ultra-low noise ~6.5μVrms)
  • Main Filter Cap: Stock 22µF electrolytic → Würth 47µF polymer (ESR + value upgrade)
  • Clock Crystals: Stock → 10ppm precision replacements (TH modified to fit)
  • Inductor: Stock SMD → Bourns low-DCR inductor
  • EMI Reduction: LED components desoldered (switching noise elimination)
Key Points
  • Same Realtek RTL8125B chip used in Taiko Audio's €28k Extreme server
  • Sound signature: More musical/warmer vs Intel's analytical presentation
  • Burn-in assessment: 2-week possible evaluation period needed based on component settling
Context
  • Compared against Intel i350/i210 (all SMD ceramic, no through-hole components)
  • Part of systematic network infrastructure optimization in reference audio system
  • Taiko validation: Professional audio company chose this architecture for flagship product
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