Hypex UcD 400 & 180 separate opamp supply

[Leeuwarden]

After looking through all the UcD threads i came to the conclusion that nobody tried to use a separate PS for the opamps. I'm very curious what the effect would be on the already very good sound. Since I'm not that brave to try this myself I thought it would be a nice idea to also post the PDF files from Hypex and let you guys give it a try first.

Hope to hear your results soon!

Jan

[Leeuwarden]

And the pdf file for the UcD 400!

[sovadk]

Have you ever read this thread?
UCD separate opamp supply?

[Leeuwarden]

Yes i have read that thread. But I don't recall anyone actually trying it and giving the results.
Have I overlooked something?

[maxlorenz]

Thanks Jan!

I confess I totally missed those files!
The UCD400 mod seems to be rather simple from here, even for my limited skills
UCD180 seem more difficult. Do you know if the diagram is good for all versions of UCD180?

Grateful.
M.

[Leeuwarden]

Hi,

I guess the pdf is for all versions because it doesn't mention any version at all. I'm not shure though...

UcD180 looks more difficult. I agree. But the SMD transistors that have to be removed are quite big. (My building skills are also quite limited, but I think I could do this mod without damage...)

As far as I know those pdf-files were never published before. (I asked Jan-Peter if I was allowed to publish).

Jan

[classd4sure]

Originally posted by Leeuwarden
Hi,

I guess the pdf is for all versions because it doesn't mention any version at all. I'm not shure though...

UcD180 looks more difficult. I agree. But the SMD transistors that have to be removed are quite big. (My building skills are also quite limited, but I think I could do this mod without damage...)

As far as I know those pdf-files were never published before. (I asked Jan-Peter if I was allowed to publish).

Jan

Was this really worth starting a new thread for just so you could ask for someone else to try it and let you know if its' worth it? C'mon.... DIY

[Leeuwarden]

Thank you for your contribution Classd4sure. I guess you did not read my first post, else you would have understood. We're not all as skilled as you (probably) are. I for one would like to read some more experiences from others before I spend the money on a separate PS and give it a try. Anyway, did you try it already?

Jan

[classd4sure]

Yeah I read it, I'm one of the few who do read posts. Maybe that's my problem with it. I think I'm a fan of the days where there were but a few "product" related threads, whereby everyone could follow it easily and quickly find a good reference later on.

This topic in particular already has a dedicated thread, and it got no further, like you say no one has reported having tried it yet, so what's the use in another? No big deal anyway.

I would imagine the effect would be a cleaner, deeper, wider soundstage. I wouldn't expect a huge difference though, but a slight and worthwhile improvement. How worthwhile? No where near enough to spend 500$ on a regulator!

I have always intented on doing this but it was kept for last. Now I've done everything else to satisfaction and that's the next step. However, I'm in no hurry to get it done. I already have a dedicated 50VA transformer for the job, I "could" use a pair of BHC T-networks but it seems like such a waste just to regulate them after. Anyway, I won't be enough of a sucker to buy someone elses far too expensive regulator, and am not up to building my own at this time. I'll likely opt for the same type of solution that exists on the ucd700 psu, but with a shunt regulator as well... maaaaybe a cap multiplier before it too, see how adventurous I feel at the time. I don't think the slight difference in performance/sonics I'm expecting from it actually warrants spending very much on it, but yeah, worthwhile if you keep it on the cheap.

[Leeuwarden]

Originally posted by classd4sure
I would imagine the effect would be a cleaner, deeper, wider soundstage. I wouldn't expect a huge difference though, but a slight and worthwhile improvement. How worthwhile? No where near enough to spend 500$ on a regulator!

I have always intented on doing this but it was kept for last. Now I've done everything else to satisfaction and that's the next step. However, I'm in no hurry to get it done. I already have a dedicated 50VA transformer for the job, I "could" use a pair of BHC T-networks but it seems like such a waste just to regulate them after. Anyway, I won't be enough of a sucker to buy someone elses far too expensive regulator, and am not up to building my own at this time. I'll likely opt for the same type of solution that exists on the ucd700 psu, but with a shunt regulator as well... maaaaybe a cap multiplier before it too, see how adventurous I feel at the time. I don't think the slight difference in performance/sonics I'm expecting from it actually warrants spending very much on it, but yeah, worthwhile if you keep it on the cheap.

Could you explain to me what you mean by a $500 regulator? I am still under the impression that a symmetric PS with something like a 79xx, 78xx or 317, 337 would do the trick to power the opamp...