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V-Caps. The four V-Caps Victor had sent me were the highest grade copper foil and Teflon film (CuTF) Elite Reference units retailing at $92 each. Although V-Caps are not polarized, the official installation guide suggests that the green lead (outer coil) should be connected to the lowest impedance ground path. Victor also sent me schematics and photographs to assist. It’s interesting to note that the components might look symmetrical on the PCB but really aren’t. Don’t be surprised to see one V-Cap installed differently. Rest assured that’s correct.
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V-Caps + Mullard 12AX7. The installation was simple although the 18-gauge solid copper leads required some careful bending to fit onto the mini turret posts. The V-Caps had already burned in so I left everything as it was and immediately listened through the Mahler again while my memory was still fresh. I’d heard so many raves about V-Caps that I wanted to finally hear them for myself.
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The Vitamin-Q added some warmth and atmospherics but took out some detail. V-Cap added both and more. They simply pushed the envelope on all fronts without making any concessions. Spacious atmosphere and detailed imaging went hand in hand. Not only was the soundstage incredibly wide over the 4” widebanders, depth was immaculately layered from the forefront strings to the distant muted horns and timpani in the far back, with strategically placed woodwinds in-between. The tonal spectrum extended and enhanced with ultra-high information and deeper tighter bass. The timpani strike at 9:14 of the first movement in Mahler’s Third Symphony was evidently punchier and more emphatic. Peter Lau of Audio Space once said that high fidelity is like a blanket too short for a man - you either cover his shoulders and expose the feet or vice versa. The V-Caps covered things from head to toes.
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V-Caps + Psvane 12AX7. Holographic soundstaging resumed when the Psvane tubes returned, with the back of the orchestra set farther back. Definition was sharpened yet atmospheric air was still moist and warm if not as embracing as the Mullard. At the end of the day it’s partnership which matters. The Psvane 12AX7 worked better with the Vitamin-Q on this amp. The Mullard 12AX7 complimented the V-Cap perfectly. Both combinations moved towards the same direction of balancing definition and musicality. For my taste I preferred the V-Cap/Mullard combo because it painted the sonic canvas on a grander scale. Perhaps this was less obvious on light chamber works and art songs with piano accompaniment but definitely more compelling on ambitious orchestral works.
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In the following table I have tried to summarize my impression of the various parts. I obviously run the risk of oversimplifying by putting everything on a one-dimensional flat scale of definition versus musicality. Nonetheless it serves to illustrate the two most outstanding components—V-Caps and Psvane 12AX7—which push the limits on both ends, noticeably more so with the former.
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Conclusion. This whole exercise became a real ear-opener. With it I found myself a new reference system. I became hopelessly addicted to the sound. In the weeks following doing my monthly music reviews for Hong Kong or seriously listening to my favorite music, I couldn’t help but come back to this system. Everything sounded so right. I must have brainwashed myself with the no-salt no-MSG cooking of the widebanders. I tried to reconnect with the Dynaudio Facette but the entire orchestra sounded like a deflated balloon. The strings were soft and slow. There was no punch to the timpani, not enough body and weight. Things could be improved somewhat with the Psvane 12AX7 but only so much. It just wasn’t right. Then I switched back to the Klipsch, which definitely needed the Psvane because the Mullard was making the lowest octaves slightly muddled and nasal. When I returned to the JB4, everything sounded right again. So be forewarned on the side effects of overdosing on widebanders. You might get hooked.
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As Triode’s 15th anniversary commemorative kit amp, the basic TRK-3488 is a very attractive package. Canadian importer VK Music adds more value by offering various upgrade parts ranging from Kiwame resistors ($95) to Vitamin-Q capacitors ($66 for 4), V-Cap CuTF capacitors ($371 for 4) or V-Cap TFTF capacitors ($244 for 4) and Psvane 12AX7 tubes ($95/pair). I was lazy and never gave myself the opportunity to try out the basic factory kit prior to the Kiwame resisters. I thus cannot comment on the $95 upgrade.
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Vitamin-Q capacitors were the original parts chosen by the amp’s creator Mr. Yamazaki but abandoned when their manufacture suddenly closed down. For such an affordable price, these NOS caps are a rarity to be treasured while they last even if I might argue that what they do for the amp (warmth) can be partly achieved with the Mullard 12AX7. But the Vitamin-Q is more fun because you can then fine-tune further with the Psvane 12AX7. Those are made for each other. Of course if you want the best, go for the CuTF V-Caps. Here then is my personal ultimate TRK-3488: Kiwame resisters + CuTF V-Caps + Genalex KT88 + Mullard 12AX7, making it a highly commendable tube amp for under $2,000.
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Quality of packing: Factory double carton box with foam cradle. Canadian importer adds third carton for shipping.
Reusability of packing: Unlimited times if shippers handles with care.
Ease of unpacking/repacking: Entirely unproblematic.
Condition of component received: Immaculate.
Completeness of delivery: Amplifier kit complete with all parts and tubes. English installation guide. Power cord with floating ground.
Quality of owner's manual: Installation guide is comprehensive and detailed.
Website comments: Absolutely professional with informative specs and guidelines plus a dedicated DIY forum.
Warranty: DIY kit amps have been factory-checked for all parts and contents. No warranty on the finished amp is provided except for replacement of parts faulty prior to assembly. VK Music will be helpful to answer questions pertaining to the installation.
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Global distribution: A North American model as reviewed here was supplied by Canadian importer VK Music.
Human interactions: Professional and friendly, timely responses to questions, forthcoming about technical matters and anything else.
Pricing: Exceptional cost/performance value.
Application conditions: Factory power cord with floating ground will reduce hum.
Final comments & suggestions: VK music offers various upgrade parts at good value – highly recommended.
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