I just compared FT-3 0.1uF to KBG PIO 1uF in the same 6C4C driver stage. I wish I could combine the best of both. The KBG is fuller and especially fills out the lower frequencies. The FT-3 is a lighter sound with loads of detail. Hard to choose.... The KBG caps are very good.
... The power of the mind ...
Tube distortion is pretty high compared to most capacitors. Paper in oil types may have complimentary characteristics, but they are not great capacitors at all. Size is an issue you always need to watch for. So I guess it may sound better depending on circuit position and other factors. You certainly can't even begin to say they are the best capacitors. You can say they sound better in that specific application. One wonders if measured distortion bears your observations out. They may.
The best caps, and most cost effective are Polypropylene or Polystyrene types. Teflon are far too large and expensive, we use those for specialized test applications. Like measuring extremely low noise while blocking a steady DC voltage and soaking that for days. They will sound the same as the two types I just listed unless you have effects due to their size (like capacitance to adjacent surfaces).
-Chris
Tube distortion is pretty high compared to most capacitors. Paper in oil types may have complimentary characteristics, but they are not great capacitors at all. Size is an issue you always need to watch for. So I guess it may sound better depending on circuit position and other factors. You certainly can't even begin to say they are the best capacitors. You can say they sound better in that specific application. One wonders if measured distortion bears your observations out. They may.
The best caps, and most cost effective are Polypropylene or Polystyrene types. Teflon are far too large and expensive, we use those for specialized test applications. Like measuring extremely low noise while blocking a steady DC voltage and soaking that for days. They will sound the same as the two types I just listed unless you have effects due to their size (like capacitance to adjacent surfaces).
-Chris
