How to improve a DENON POA-2800?

Sony · 29th April 2005, 02:01 PM

I "feel" this powerful three stage amplifier can be optimized, but where should I start? Changing some capacitors for higher specs ou better quality? Mess with bias? ...

Power and frequency response are excelent, but I would like to make the sound get closer to the performance of a Pass Labs amplifier.

By the way, does any one have the schematic of this amp?

anatech · 30th April 2005, 03:47 AM

Hi Sony,

This is a tightly engineered amp. It will never sound like a Pass because the circuits are fundamentally different. There is not a whole lot you can do except maybe match the transistors (minor improvement). Most new amps don't lend themselves to improving that much.

Yes you can replace caps, install a magic power cord and replace the feet with whatever someone believes sounds the best. If you replace all the resistors with metal film you will likely "write it off". Don't mess with the bias too much on this.

It's not a bad amp at all. It is unlikely that you can change the sound enough if you don't like it. It is designed to work the way it's built. They are reliable.

-Chris

Sony · 2nd May 2005, 12:08 PM

Chris, thanks!

So, I understand radical results can only been obtained changing the topology of the amplifier, and that cannot be done with this amplifier.

Do you know where can I find a description of this "Optical Class A"?

Sony

anatech · 3rd May 2005, 01:57 AM

Hi Sony,
This amp uses an optocoupler to vary the bias. Not really a big deal but it sounds good on the sales floor.
I repaired these under warranty. They sound okay.

-Chris

Sony · 8th May 2005, 11:07 AM

I will start by the risked and expensive step of replacing the original source capacitors (4x 18.000F 85V) by fresh new 4x 33.000uF 100V.

29th April 2005, 02:01 PM	#1
Sony diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Europe	How to improve a DENON POA-2800? I "feel" this powerful three stage amplifier can be optimized, but where should I start? Changing some capacitors for higher specs ou better quality? Mess with bias? ... Power and frequency response are excelent, but I would like to make the sound get closer to the performance of a Pass Labs amplifier. By the way, does any one have the schematic of this amp?

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30th April 2005, 03:47 AM	#2
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi Sony, This is a tightly engineered amp. It will never sound like a Pass because the circuits are fundamentally different. There is not a whole lot you can do except maybe match the transistors (minor improvement). Most new amps don't lend themselves to improving that much. Yes you can replace caps, install a magic power cord and replace the feet with whatever someone believes sounds the best. If you replace all the resistors with metal film you will likely "write it off". Don't mess with the bias too much on this. It's not a bad amp at all. It is unlikely that you can change the sound enough if you don't like it. It is designed to work the way it's built. They are reliable. -Chris

2nd May 2005, 12:08 PM	#3
Sony diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Europe	Chris, thanks! So, I understand radical results can only been obtained changing the topology of the amplifier, and that cannot be done with this amplifier. Do you know where can I find a description of this "Optical Class A"? Sony

3rd May 2005, 01:57 AM	#4
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi Sony, This amp uses an optocoupler to vary the bias. Not really a big deal but it sounds good on the sales floor. I repaired these under warranty. They sound okay. -Chris

8th May 2005, 11:07 AM	#5
Sony diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Europe	I will start by the risked and expensive step of replacing the original source capacitors (4x 18.000F 85V) by fresh new 4x 33.000uF 100V.

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