Just finished building a FW F5. Very happy with it. I also have an ACA with a linear power supply. Have not had the F5 running enough to really compare the two. But I'd say the ACA sounds a bit thinner than the F5 but the ACA seems more transparent. The F5 is meatier. Perhaps this is because of the power difference or the caps in the ACA. Would it make much of a difference to increase the size of the caps in the ACA audio path to add more weight - like lower power F5?
Would also like to hear other comparisons between the ACA and the F5. I had another ACA build with the SMPS that comes with the kit and that was a complete no go for me.
Would also like to hear other comparisons between the ACA and the F5. I had another ACA build with the SMPS that comes with the kit and that was a complete no go for me.
The two ACA coupling capacitors are large enough. Maybe the amount of capacitance in the linear supply?
Just wait till your F5 burns in. Big difference. It took mine about 100 hours. Well worth it.
ACA with what power supply?
F5 with what power supply?
Show us some photos...
F5 with what power supply?
Show us some photos...
I'm taking rayma's suggestion and ordered four 22,000 caps to double the filtering on the ACA. F5 is beginning to really open up and smooth out. I replaced some old nasty looking rca input jacks and that really helped.
To make a fair comparison, just sounds wise, please only compare at low power, 5W output or less. Thanks
Always burn in all electrolytic capacitors before any judgement, regardless of what others may say.
The time needed may vary.
The time needed may vary.
Another question. This project was kind of a junk box project, using some stuff I already had, like heat sinks and power transformer. The power transformer is a Hammond 182G18, which is 225 VA instead of the commonly recommended 300 VA for an F5. I can't see why this would make a big difference but you might have another thought and I'd like to hear it.
Also, what if instead of setting the current draw at 1.3 amps for each channel, setting it a bit lower, like 1 amp. That would be less strain on the power supply but how does this setting affect the sound?
Also, what if instead of setting the current draw at 1.3 amps for each channel, setting it a bit lower, like 1 amp. That would be less strain on the power supply but how does this setting affect the sound?
to add fuel to the fire, the F4 is a mighty fine amp too... 😊
I would pick up a Antek 300va or 400va transformer. I would say grab a second one of those Hammonds and make a dual mono power supply if you had the space but they seem pretty pricey.
Post some pictures of the amp from different angles. Maybe we can give you some tips on optimizing things.
Post some pictures of the amp from different angles. Maybe we can give you some tips on optimizing things.
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Yes, I would go dual mono instead. Buy another Hammond 182G18 (now 1182G18).
You can stack them if necessary, and you won't be sorry.
To get free shipping, send DIgikey a check in the mail including the sales tax,
and there's no charge for shipping. That will save around $8.
You can stack them if necessary, and you won't be sorry.
To get free shipping, send DIgikey a check in the mail including the sales tax,
and there's no charge for shipping. That will save around $8.
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Ok you asked for it. Remember this is a junk box project. I used the framework of another guy's project which was a complete mess but the metal work wasn't too bad. I also had this transformer and the filter caps which saved a bit of money. As you can see, the transformer barely fits in there. I like the idea of stacking another one but the filter caps are in the way. Perhaps I could slide the transformer over and put another one next to it?
Any ideas or observations I'd love to hear them.
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A couple quick observations, add a snubber circuit to rectifiers. Also looks like the outputs have some force being exerted on their leads by the PCB. I would hit the solder pads with the soldering gun to free them up a little bit.
Those nordost clone cables are neat. I have a couple that I made up. At the every least they look nice..
It would also be interesting to know which revision of the F5 that is. There have been a few changes.
Those nordost clone cables are neat. I have a couple that I made up. At the every least they look nice..
It would also be interesting to know which revision of the F5 that is. There have been a few changes.
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Wanted you guys to see that I managed to fit another identical Hammond power transformer in there. Made quite a difference in the sound. Thanks for all your help.
