I'm busy with school today but I should be able to take a look at it tomorrow.
Fantastic
I'm reconsidering my opinion on FWs...
In fact, comparing caps Vs no caps in C102/C202, they're pretty transparent (timbre-wise), only Black Gates does better.
So, while they're more appealing, Cerafines are introducing a bit of coloration...
I've to try FGs then (they're better than FW).
Dario, have you done a color coded BOM like you did with the MyRef and Mini2496 that indicates those parts that you prefer and most likely will not change? I'm about to place an order at Parts Conexxion for the big Mundorf caps and would like to include what ever else you recommend as top choice and stable. I know much may change as the other beta guys (the ones with the scopes and testers) start reporting.
Just hooked up to the "Sunflowers" about thirty minutes ago - sound is great. What I hear first and foremost is balanced tambers and stability of the image. The sound is unrestrained and smooth.
I am seeing higher temps on the LM3886 and the HS. In my hurry to hear the amps I just used the residual heat paste from a former application and the protection has triggered several times. I will rework that and will probably end up using a full slab like this for each amp.
10.000" - HeatsinkUSA, LLC Store
The new cases at the DIY Store here on the forum could be a good option also.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/site...n-stock-chassis-requesting-your-feedback.html
I'm still using the Sony walkman but will switch to the modded PS1 and also try the Mini2496/PC configuration later today. This "Vanilla" base build is indeed impressive.
Just hooked up to the "Sunflowers" about thirty minutes ago - sound is great. What I hear first and foremost is balanced tambers and stability of the image. The sound is unrestrained and smooth.
I am seeing higher temps on the LM3886 and the HS. In my hurry to hear the amps I just used the residual heat paste from a former application and the protection has triggered several times. I will rework that and will probably end up using a full slab like this for each amp.
10.000" - HeatsinkUSA, LLC Store
The new cases at the DIY Store here on the forum could be a good option also.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/site...n-stock-chassis-requesting-your-feedback.html
I'm still using the Sony walkman but will switch to the modded PS1 and also try the Mini2496/PC configuration later today. This "Vanilla" base build is indeed impressive.
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No...
Don't waste money on Takmans, PRPs could be an option but what really makes a difference are Rikens, particularly for R10 shunt but they're a good option also for R12 and/or R7.
For R13 a Caddock MK132 is a good choice (use at least a carbon film - NOT Takman)
Also naked Vishays (for R12 and/or R7) do make a real difference but at an outrageous price.
I consider a Riken in R10 and a MK132 in R13 quite mandatory (be warned... subject to change...
).IMPORTANT: If you want real transparency and detail buy the Zns, Sonicaps, while musical, are way less transparent and detailed.
For C102/C202 you could buy FWs and Cerafines so you can compare, if you want.
If you don't have Black Gates for C9 PCX has 220uF 4V BG PK at bargain price.
They will not fit nicely but Amtrans AMRG 3/4 Watt probably are an excellent choice for R12 and/or R7.
How would you rate bass?
Maybe the Sunflowers are not very efficient?
My Infinity Alpha are 90dB and never had a problem despite my ridiculous heatsinks...
I do have two new Black Gates left and I'll sort through the post for the rest.
Yes, the Sunflowers are on the inefficient side and it always shows up with any LM3886 design. From my experiences last weekend, I believe using the Mini2496/PC combination may take care of that problem. I'll know later today. Worse case would be having to add the JC-2 pre in the stream - which is an excellent worse case scenario. The JC-2 is stunningly clean and would match up nicely with the FE.
The bass, at this point (just played a few CDs) is dependant on the source material. That's the reason I'm getting the Munforfs today. I remember the improvement they made in the bottom end when added to the V1.3s. They are expensive but IMHO an absolute must. Yesterday the table under the small speakers was in full vibration on a couple tracks.
I'm sure new paste and maybe strap instead of single bolt LM3886 mounting will cool things down. The triggering I did get was of course at full volume from the Walkman. I don't see it as a serious problem.
Yes, the Sunflowers are on the inefficient side and it always shows up with any LM3886 design. From my experiences last weekend, I believe using the Mini2496/PC combination may take care of that problem. I'll know later today. Worse case would be having to add the JC-2 pre in the stream - which is an excellent worse case scenario. The JC-2 is stunningly clean and would match up nicely with the FE.
The bass, at this point (just played a few CDs) is dependant on the source material. That's the reason I'm getting the Munforfs today. I remember the improvement they made in the bottom end when added to the V1.3s. They are expensive but IMHO an absolute must. Yesterday the table under the small speakers was in full vibration on a couple tracks.
I'm sure new paste and maybe strap instead of single bolt LM3886 mounting will cool things down. The triggering I did get was of course at full volume from the Walkman. I don't see it as a serious problem.
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Jericoh, I know you're reading...
Can I ask you to simulate the PS without the 100uF caps?
Without them it sounds absolutely wonderful but I can't say for sure how much is stable...
Thanks in advance
After simulating the circuit without the 100uF capacitors, I can conclude that on my simulation they don't do much. The ripple of the +14.6 and -14.6 combined is still about 200nV.
One should really measure the real thing on a scope. I've been told that using accurate models like I do should be close enough to reality; anyhow, getting 200nV of ripple out of a simple shunt regulator like this one might not be that close to real values. My scope is doing 2mV/Div at less... I don't know if a LNMP could help.
Good
You're telling me that I should add the second current pump?
Caps and resistors have a big influence on bass performance, the LPX you're using are a bit muddy in that regard, I don't know for the ICs.
I asked you because I can't wait to hear your impressions after mounting a 390R Riken...
a tight connection is necessary for sure
I know there are stability concerns in the MHz region, but I'm not so sure about the audio region.Thanks a lot Jericoh!
But what concern me it's not performance but stability.
Hi George,
can you elaborate a bit?
If possible problems are in the MHz region possibly electrolythics can't do much...maybe a pair of 10nf /100nf ceramics?
I have not experienced any problems that can be identified to lack of the electrolytics. Nor can I find any information that shows these will provide better performance. I think they were in the original NS application notes, and possibly put there just on the basis that you could run into stability problems if the traces run long, for example if you use an external DC source.
No, no, I'm talking about the electrolytics at the output of my shunt reg... which supply the LM318...
A couple quick reports:
Using uncompressed flac files through a Lexicon Omega DAC did indeed fill in the base output of the FE when played through the lower efficiency Sunflowers speakers. On Pop and Jazz the amps provide about all one would desire in a good high to low balance. The only element that could be enhanced is "growl" and "depth" inside some of the lowest aggressive tones - those elements of sound that would be effected by the leftmost 3 or 4 sliders on a 16 - 20 segment graphic equalizer. This is admittedly at the nit-picking level and I'm quite sure will be solved in many ways including the Mundorfs at C101/C201, Darios Riken recommendation and maybe even the Mini2496 when I get it incorporated.
On the really positive side - the stage presentation has been very impressive. Listening to "Appellation Spring" on this recording,
Amazon.com: The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948: Aaron Copland, Aaron Copland, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, New England Conservatory Chorus, Columbia Symphony Strings, New Philharmonia Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Ph
I can pick out instruments and sections of the orchestra and virtually walk between them. That includes front to back placement. Again, the stability of the image is remarkable. The "wall behind the speakers disappears" phenomenon almost jumps out at the listener. In this song there are several "call and respond" passages where the tympani and bass drum make up the response. As mentioned earlier, they are a bit shallow while at the same time, the string basses are full and dynamic.
I'm still trying to identify a "buzz" "tinny" element the shows occasionally in the higher registers. It's strange because the amp does not exhibit any trace of that electronic/transistor characteristic. Quite the opposite - the amp sounds very warm and tube-like. Hoping the guys with scopes and all the parts swapping will zoom in on the cause - assuming they hear the same thing.
Next step - Change the system to include U Dailey's Lightspeed LDR attenuator and the Mini2496 DAC.
Using uncompressed flac files through a Lexicon Omega DAC did indeed fill in the base output of the FE when played through the lower efficiency Sunflowers speakers. On Pop and Jazz the amps provide about all one would desire in a good high to low balance. The only element that could be enhanced is "growl" and "depth" inside some of the lowest aggressive tones - those elements of sound that would be effected by the leftmost 3 or 4 sliders on a 16 - 20 segment graphic equalizer. This is admittedly at the nit-picking level and I'm quite sure will be solved in many ways including the Mundorfs at C101/C201, Darios Riken recommendation and maybe even the Mini2496 when I get it incorporated.
On the really positive side - the stage presentation has been very impressive. Listening to "Appellation Spring" on this recording,
Amazon.com: The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948: Aaron Copland, Aaron Copland, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, New England Conservatory Chorus, Columbia Symphony Strings, New Philharmonia Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Ph
I can pick out instruments and sections of the orchestra and virtually walk between them. That includes front to back placement. Again, the stability of the image is remarkable. The "wall behind the speakers disappears" phenomenon almost jumps out at the listener. In this song there are several "call and respond" passages where the tympani and bass drum make up the response. As mentioned earlier, they are a bit shallow while at the same time, the string basses are full and dynamic.
I'm still trying to identify a "buzz" "tinny" element the shows occasionally in the higher registers. It's strange because the amp does not exhibit any trace of that electronic/transistor characteristic. Quite the opposite - the amp sounds very warm and tube-like. Hoping the guys with scopes and all the parts swapping will zoom in on the cause - assuming they hear the same thing.
Next step - Change the system to include U Dailey's Lightspeed LDR attenuator and the Mini2496 DAC.
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