cambridge a5 modding

orly_andico · 25th June 2009, 02:39 AM

i got a used cambridge a5 relatively cheaply.. i was wondering if it's worth modding.

the simplest mod i've read about is upping the power supply capacitors from 2200uf to 3300uf. but does it matter if i don't play it at loud volumes?

what about coupling capacitors?

replace the op amps with better ones?

or just leave well enough alone considering i am only driving diamond 9.2's and the source is a sound card and MP3's?

(as an aside, i got this used a5 to replace a 2x LM1875T gainclone from which i could not eliminate an annoying hum... imagine my consternation to discover that the azur 340A is a gainclone..)

one other possibility i'm thinking of is to rip out the entire power amp section and replace it with a GC (or a T-Amp kit), use the existing P/S though.

sakis · 25th June 2009, 06:37 AM

keep it as is ....upgrade a few things inside
read this vintage amplifier restore /upgrade manual

as your guide line and all will be just fine

jaycee · 25th June 2009, 09:58 AM

Replace the power supply capacitors if you can (it's a bit tight) but otherwise, theres not much you can do with it.

The main weak point in this amp is the poor heatsink. Don't run it at loud volumes for an extended period of time - the SAP transistors will overheat and fail.

orly_andico · 27th June 2009, 02:58 PM

This particular A5 is a made-in-PRC model circa 2005. I don't think it has bulging caps yet (I haven't had it open at all..!)

Methinks if the SAP15's blow (and they're discontinued) I will reuse the chassis and input stage but use an LM3886 power stage...

25th June 2009, 02:39 AM	#1
orly_andico diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	cambridge a5 modding i got a used cambridge a5 relatively cheaply.. i was wondering if it's worth modding. the simplest mod i've read about is upping the power supply capacitors from 2200uf to 3300uf. but does it matter if i don't play it at loud volumes? what about coupling capacitors? replace the op amps with better ones? or just leave well enough alone considering i am only driving diamond 9.2's and the source is a sound card and MP3's? (as an aside, i got this used a5 to replace a 2x LM1875T gainclone from which i could not eliminate an annoying hum... imagine my consternation to discover that the azur 340A is a gainclone..) one other possibility i'm thinking of is to rip out the entire power amp section and replace it with a GC (or a T-Amp kit), use the existing P/S though.

25th June 2009, 06:37 AM	#2
sakis diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: nea makri athens greece	keep it as is keep it as is ....upgrade a few things inside read this vintage amplifier restore /upgrade manual as your guide line and all will be just fine __________________ SERVICE ΙΑΠΩΝΙΚΩΝ ΜΗΧΑΝΗΜΑΤΩΝ ΗΧΟΥ www.eastelectronics.gr

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25th June 2009, 09:58 AM	#3
jaycee diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, UK	Replace the power supply capacitors if you can (it's a bit tight) but otherwise, theres not much you can do with it. The main weak point in this amp is the poor heatsink. Don't run it at loud volumes for an extended period of time - the SAP transistors will overheat and fail.

27th June 2009, 02:58 PM	#4
orly_andico diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	This particular A5 is a made-in-PRC model circa 2005. I don't think it has bulging caps yet (I haven't had it open at all..!) Methinks if the SAP15's blow (and they're discontinued) I will reuse the chassis and input stage but use an LM3886 power stage...

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