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InfiniCaps in Audio Research gear

Who out there has tried InfiniCaps in older ARC designs or had ARC mod your unit with these caps . I am just wondering what others have felt about the results. I have an SP9, which was discontinued before InfiniCaps were used by ARC. I am very pleased myself with the results after swithching out several WonderCaps for the InfiniCaps. Anyone else try this. What did you think when you were done? What unit did you try it with?
My next step is to attempt to put an IEC connector on it and plug in a better power cord.
maxgain
maxgain OP
526 posts
 
Viggen,
Was there a reason you didn't have ARC do the repair to the CA? The iec thing took me most of the day to complete. It looks like it came from the factory with it. I can see why it might be expensive or why some might not want to get involved. It is possible to just end up with a big ugly hole in the back of what would be otherwise a nice amp. Did you try to contact Bobgates thru member look up?
rcrump
427 posts
 
Maxgain, it has been a while and just visited the garage and the old SP3A-1 and see I used Wonder Wire for signal grounds, 22awg 99.9999 silver/w teflon for signal and some aircraft quality 18ga silver plated OFC w/special teflon (the kind that doesn't get brittle at low temps in aircraft) for DC, filaments and B+.....Had SP6s, SP-11s and SP-15s and they went away whereas the old SP3A-1 stays here as a reference.....Nice old piece that will beat up most anything made today in a number of ways.....
maxgain OP
526 posts
 
Thanks Rcrump.

My brother still has a 3a1. I used it in my system for a while years ago back in the 70's. It's a classic is every sense of the word. I have had the SP5, 8 and 9.
viggen
817 posts
 
Max,

I just rather have someone local do the job. Also, Gary is an ARC certified technician. The only one I know of in LA. Regarding dufus, I did look him up, but I gave up on pursuing it.

Let me know how the aftermarket powercords work out in the future k?
jwin's avatar
jwin
101 posts
 
I have been told by a respected Audio Research repair expert that infinicaps were used as opposed to oil based caps. or other choices partly because of size consideratiions. That being said, I have had Classic 150 monos upgraded to infinicaps by ARC. I am pleased with the results. It is not a radical difference, but the music sounds more dynamic. I still prefer this unit to newer models.
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