IsoMagic fault - distortion

[florette69]

I have a classic Cambridge Audio IsoMagic which has begun producing a very distorted sound. The distortion is equally audible whether I use the optical or electrical input, and is always present. Presumably therefore this is analogue output-related. I really like the sound of the DAC (when it's working properly!) so would greatly appreciate any help trying to restore it to full working order.

Thank you

[florette69]

I've had a look at the caps and while there is contaminant at the edge of the PCB, I'm not entirely convinced this is leakage. Can anyone confirm for me from this photo?

[Sonusthree]

Hi Florette, I always wanted one of these DACs..... but all I have is one of the 'puds'!

The designer, John Westlake, is a member here. I've sent him a message with a link to your posts. I think he is quite busy at the moment with some new products but he, very commendably, stands by his old designs.

Best wishes,

[JohnW]

Hi Florette69,

Have you tried to change the small silver toggle switch setting on the rear panel? - try switching it over (Selects between Clock Lock & Non Clock Lock Mode).

I cannot open your photo....

John

[Sonusthree]

Originally Posted by JohnW

I cannot open your photo....

It's hosted at another forum and you have to be a member there to view it.

[florette69]

Sorry, I messed up with the photo attachment. I'll try again.

[florette69]

Hi John, I've tried toggling the clock lock switch, but it was in the correct position in the first place. The DAC had been performing perfectly until one night last week when the noise began midway through a track. This certainly suggests a component failure.

I used a tablelamp last night for lighting on the poor quality photo - I can take further photos in daylight if required.

Thanks again for any help.

[florette69]

Originally Posted by Sonusthree

Hi Florette, I always wanted one of these DACs..... but all I have is one of the 'puds'!

The designer, John Westlake, is a member here. I've sent him a message with a link to your posts. I think he is quite busy at the moment with some new products but he, very commendably, stands by his old designs.

Best wishes,

I meant to say yesterday that my 'puds' are all still sealed in their bags - never been used. I redeployed some half ping pong balls from a previous role. The whole design of the IsoMagic is so neat, I'm surprised it wasn't copied.

[JohnW]

Hi Florette69,

The "Stuff" around the capacitor is just "Glue" to hold the Cap in place - no problem with leakage.

What source are you using? The IsoMagic will only work correctly with 44.1 KHz digital sources.

As you can imagine we had fun with the "Puds" around the office. We need something cheap - these "Balls" where perfect. Mark Hickey and myself came up with the concept of Isolation platform + DAC one evening – Its still one of my favourite DAC’s.

John

[florette69]

John, I'm using a standard CD transport. I have a Micromega and a TEAC. As I said, the DAC was performing perfectly until recently when very obvious distortion became audible halfway through a CD. The distortion is now present when any CD is played with either transport.