XDuoo X3. Has a Cirrus Logic DAC and runs Rockbox OS. A tad analytical but I like it, especially for the price.
This little amp fared pretty well in a blind virtual listening test. Results just back from
poll in this thread:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/head...ind-virtual-audition-several-headamps-13.html
poll in this thread:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/head...ind-virtual-audition-several-headamps-13.html
The funny thing with these rechargeable Li-ion 9v batteries from EBL is they have a smart integrated power management circuit inside. It just cuts off when too low - so no warning. Just goes kaput like the amp died.
Thanks, this is good to know since I have couple of these EBLs on order.
I listened some more of this wonderful little amp last evening with two 9 V regular batteries and I think it sounded even better than with my power supply and it was also running cooler when feeding with batteries. I might have something strange in my power supply that I need to check.
Samoloko,
Yes it's the dream circuit isn't it? To have the sound quality of the BF862/2SA1837 CFP in a pocket sized amp. However, it's not the same circuit - the topology is actually different and requires adding a bias circuit for the JFET. So no, you can't just swap out the ZVN4306 with a 2SA1837.
Yes it's the dream circuit isn't it? To have the sound quality of the BF862/2SA1837 CFP in a pocket sized amp. However, it's not the same circuit - the topology is actually different and requires adding a bias circuit for the JFET. So no, you can't just swap out the ZVN4306 with a 2SA1837.
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If you had a PSU with 17v to 18v it will run hotter than rechargeable 9v which are actually 16.4 (in series). It may sound a bit more dynamic with higher bias but will go through batteries fast. The 50mA to 55mA bias is a good compromise between great sound quality and long battery life. I have sometimes managed two 2.5hr sessions with a break in between using freshly charged batteries.
I ran mine on 18v last night with an eternal PSU to test sound quality and the benefits were not that noticeable vs 16.4v so I went back to keep heat down.
Btw, check out these fine looking nicely machined aluminum volume knobs that arrived from Aliexpress
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I have a family member who is a professional music producer and he has HD600's and an O2. I sent him an amp to try out and he just listened to it today and (over txt) said "Holy Sh!t" a definite audible upgrade over the O2 - more detail and better bass authority. He can hear temporal differences and transients better now. Anyhow, it was cool to hear a music pro like it. The two transistor magic is real.
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I think we have enough interest for me to go ahead and order another batch of boards. I will be sending out invoices now. Please PM me your PayPal address if you haven't done so already. We have several repeat customers - you won't need to send me your PayPal info unless it has changed.
Some of you have requested that a PCB with hand-matched FETs and all SMT components populated be offered. I can provide those for $80ea (shipping not included).
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I think I'll use one of these for C3. I think they're the best compromise between higher
capacitance and cap quality. To mount these, I will probably have to come in from the
top with the battery clip wires. I'm not using the quick-connector. Don't see the need.
These are available at Mouser as well.
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=493-1792-ND
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=493-1831-ND
capacitance and cap quality. To mount these, I will probably have to come in from the
top with the battery clip wires. I'm not using the quick-connector. Don't see the need.
These are available at Mouser as well.
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=493-1792-ND
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=493-1831-ND
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OMG I realize this looks like Frankenstein's monster, but this amp is blowing me away with this cap combo. Listening to Stevie Wonder's Talking Book (24/196 HDTracks remaster). It's the best I've ever heard it. So warm and sweet. Vocals are like reaching out at me...bass is sumptuous. Nichicon AKs have much more detail and transparency than OSCONs. I think the WIMA bypass is subtle but does add a little smoothness and high end extension. Currently using 470uF Nichicons and the 2.2uF WIMAs, driving my 50 ohm Senn 598 cans. X, you're the man!
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StellarElephant,
Wow! Nice detective work. I will have to try those Nichicon AK's. Can you get me link to exact one you are using? Big question is can it fit where current 390uF OSCON goes? All this great sound and still on DollarStore "Sunbeam" carbon-zinc 9v cells
This is great advert copy btw,
Wow! Nice detective work. I will have to try those Nichicon AK's. Can you get me link to exact one you are using? Big question is can it fit where current 390uF OSCON goes? All this great sound and still on DollarStore "Sunbeam" carbon-zinc 9v cells
This is great advert copy btw,
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/nichicon/UKA1E471MPD/493-15331-ND/4992606
10x12.5mm. It fits sideways. I don't know yet if it'll fit upright, but it'll be a squeeze if so. I didn't see these before when I ordered but there is a 16V version. I don't know if it would sound exactly identical but it is still 470uF and 8x11.5 mm and that would fit upright.
http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/293/e-uka-884128.pdf
I might have to order some and see. I am also considering buying some slightly larger WIMAs and trying to squeeze those in there too to see what happens.
X, I think you are going to like the sound of the AK series in this amp. They are touted by Nichicon as the same "high quality audio" as their gold caps, but smaller size and higher temperature rating.
10x12.5mm. It fits sideways. I don't know yet if it'll fit upright, but it'll be a squeeze if so. I didn't see these before when I ordered but there is a 16V version. I don't know if it would sound exactly identical but it is still 470uF and 8x11.5 mm and that would fit upright.
http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/293/e-uka-884128.pdf
I might have to order some and see. I am also considering buying some slightly larger WIMAs and trying to squeeze those in there too to see what happens.
X, I think you are going to like the sound of the AK series in this amp. They are touted by Nichicon as the same "high quality audio" as their gold caps, but smaller size and higher temperature rating.