In general, there is really no universal snubbering that "works" for all transformers and diodes. Most of the CR snubbers that are not optimized for the diode and the transformer combos are likely just moving the resonant frequency. The Quasimodo thread is well worth to read, at the least, for this particular discussion.
Anyhow, snubbering discussion probably belongs to a different thread.
Have you tried a 1kHz square wave on the output? Interested to see what that looks like.
I was skeptical as well. My previous experience was that diodes made only a small difference, but ones with a high Softness factor (information that is lacking in many datasheets, unfortunately) like the MSR860 can make a noticeable improvement. The quasimodo can further improve things (reduce ringing) and is quite worth going through the thread.
Power for an F5 HA
Hello EUVL,
The F5 HA manual says:
"Again, for my own build, I chose to use LM317/227 pre-regulators followed by discrete low-noise Darlington cap multipliers."
I am curious how you referenced the LM317/337. Referenced to ground or to the output? Are there any advantages to be gained by referencing the regulators to the output?
I am also curious how you biased the darlington pair. A resistor from rail to base, a voltage divider, a zener? How big (or small) is the cap from base to ground?
Perhaps you might publish the circuit? A picture is worth a thousand keystrokes. There are more than a buh-zillion designs available on the net, just that I'd prefer to use what the designer used.
Hello EUVL,
The F5 HA manual says:
"Again, for my own build, I chose to use LM317/227 pre-regulators followed by discrete low-noise Darlington cap multipliers."
I am curious how you referenced the LM317/337. Referenced to ground or to the output? Are there any advantages to be gained by referencing the regulators to the output?
I am also curious how you biased the darlington pair. A resistor from rail to base, a voltage divider, a zener? How big (or small) is the cap from base to ground?
Perhaps you might publish the circuit? A picture is worth a thousand keystrokes. There are more than a buh-zillion designs available on the net, just that I'd prefer to use what the designer used.
mlackey: check this post http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/271926-f5-headamp-3.html#post4333022
Very tight and nice build ! With less than 1 mm between boards so tight that one almost asks himself why no single board was used 
Just teasing, it is good that the cable and connector industry keeps work.
One point of concern: the caps look like suspect brand/types and some googling reveals that "ChongX" (who invents these names?) really are mediocre...When one rail fails I guess it is known what happens with DC coupled amps. Most good headphones cost more than 6 good caps cost. No DC protection means careful choice of parts is needed.
You seem to trust on the transistors keeping the boards in place but just a minimum of 2 short standoffs and connections have way less possible mechanical tension which translates in higher reliability. Why not cut the transistor lead wires ?
Just teasing, it is good that the cable and connector industry keeps work.One point of concern: the caps look like suspect brand/types and some googling reveals that "ChongX" (who invents these names?) really are mediocre...When one rail fails I guess it is known what happens with DC coupled amps. Most good headphones cost more than 6 good caps cost. No DC protection means careful choice of parts is needed.
You seem to trust on the transistors keeping the boards in place but just a minimum of 2 short standoffs and connections have way less possible mechanical tension which translates in higher reliability. Why not cut the transistor lead wires ?
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Very tight and nice build ! So tight that one almost ask himself why no single board was used
One point of concern: the caps look like suspect brand/types.
you read my mind
really super compact
. how does it sound compared to your earlier regulated+CM versus just the CM?reg
Prasi
So far just tested sound to make sure it plays music at all with cheap earbuds. Using dual laptop SMPS bricks I am picking up a low level ground loop hum - so need to debug. It may just be a no go with these SMPS in which case a small toroidal with voltage regulators upstream again. Trying to keep it small though.
Regarding ChongX budget caps: I know they are cheap but I have had good luck with them so far and a dozen amps layer. Bag of 50 for $4
I think a single CM in the PSU is fine as I plan on using crossfeed filter so monoblocks with a million dB isolation isn't needed.
Regarding ChongX budget caps: I know they are cheap but I have had good luck with them so far and a dozen amps layer. Bag of 50 for $4
I think a single CM in the PSU is fine as I plan on using crossfeed filter so monoblocks with a million dB isolation isn't needed.
Regarding ChongX budget caps: I know they are cheap but I have had good luck with them so far and a dozen amps layer. Bag of 50 for $4
So, essentially we are building high quality class A NP inspired DC coupled stuff with cheap budget substandard parts hoping that we're lucky
Kind of defies building high quality devices somehow....maybe a DC protection/muting circuit is not such a bad idea. I have binned 500 piece boxes with excellent caps because of shelf life. Go figure....
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