My_Ref Fremen Edition - Beta build/Fine tuning

Status
This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.
First steps

Here some pics of the building process (opamp and SMD passives)

Note:

First flux, than solder.

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0034 800.jpg
    DSC_0034 800.jpg
    161.8 KB · Views: 182
  • DSC_0036 800.jpg
    DSC_0036 800.jpg
    183.8 KB · Views: 179
  • DSC_0040 800.jpg
    DSC_0040 800.jpg
    147.3 KB · Views: 181
  • DSC_0043 800.jpg
    DSC_0043 800.jpg
    121.7 KB · Views: 172
  • DSC_0047 800.jpg
    DSC_0047 800.jpg
    235.8 KB · Views: 280
Boards running

attachment.php


They work, and they seem to sound even sweeter than beta boards! :)

DC offset is around 30mV, a bit on the high side but not worrying.

attachment.php


attachment.php


attachment.php


attachment.php


attachment.php


attachment.php


On the preceding image note the solder on the upper side on PCB faston connectors

attachment.php


They're easier to solder than beta boards but on ground plane is always needed a pretty high soldering temperature, on those positions use the tacky flux, it helps a lot.

Don't forget the J1 jumper (visible on picture) or it wont work and damage is possible.
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0060 800.jpg
    DSC_0060 800.jpg
    310.8 KB · Views: 231
  • DSC_0057 800.jpg
    DSC_0057 800.jpg
    154.8 KB · Views: 231
  • DSC_0056 800.jpg
    DSC_0056 800.jpg
    205.8 KB · Views: 226
  • DSC_0055 800.jpg
    DSC_0055 800.jpg
    196.9 KB · Views: 236
  • DSC_0053 800.jpg
    DSC_0053 800.jpg
    201 KB · Views: 235
  • DSC_0052 800.jpg
    DSC_0052 800.jpg
    180.1 KB · Views: 240
  • DSC_0051 800.jpg
    DSC_0051 800.jpg
    215.2 KB · Views: 239
  • DSC_0061 800.jpg
    DSC_0061 800.jpg
    195.9 KB · Views: 238
Last edited:
Having had good experience with non-polar caps replacing the normal electrolytics in audio circuits, I will be ordering a batch of 220uf 6.3V CapXon NP capacitors soon. I am willing to provide a pair of these to each person that participated in the beta built and group buy for free. Please PM me if you have participated in either of these and would like a pair. Would also like to hear your impression with these whether good or bad. Personally I would recommend still using a 0.01uF FKS in parallel because this is not there audio grade cap (out of production).

Since this lot is pretty big, if anyone want's some in small quantities, I will probably be able to provide them at very good price. I will most likely be able to meet or beat the usual suppliers on the net. Please PM me if you need some as well. The only thing is that I get them about 8 weeks after I place the order. So please do not expect to get them in a hurry.
 
Soonsc,

I am always curious about alternative approaches, especially alternatives to electrolytics. Can you point me to more information about the CapXon NP capcitors? I would like to learn more before moving forward.

Thanks

Jac

This is the data sheet I can find. I asked for the engineering bulletin, but it was not for open release.
http://www.capxongroup.com/files/2011-NP Series_825146863.pdf
I just tried a 330uF of higher voltage I had on hand in the MyRef C after swapping the position with the resistor and still using a bypass. Not earth shaking, but improvement is positively audible. Since it is hard for me just to get small non polar or bipolars around here, I just thought I'd order a batch which is also used in many places like generic chip amps.
 
Status
This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.