Hi,
I have an old Cambridge Audio P100 rated at 100@8, 180@4, I think. The sound is a bit soft. The high, well they're not high kind of on vacation type.
I want to upgrade this amp. I have very little experience with electronics. Can understand some stuff. I can get somebody to help me so playing with POWER is not an issue.
I need to know what are the basics I can upgrade on this amp without a major overhaul. I was reading some of the posts & the stuff on the net (THT audio) where they say changing the output caps & the bridge-rectifiers alone can make it worth it.
The amp is a dual mono with 2 transformers, 2-10000@63 capacitors. it has six output transistors per channel. I'm getting some digital photos soon & will post them.
I'd like to know whether anybody has done this & what was the result ?
Thanx,
sunil
I have an old Cambridge Audio P100 rated at 100@8, 180@4, I think. The sound is a bit soft. The high, well they're not high kind of on vacation type.
I want to upgrade this amp. I have very little experience with electronics. Can understand some stuff. I can get somebody to help me so playing with POWER is not an issue.
I need to know what are the basics I can upgrade on this amp without a major overhaul. I was reading some of the posts & the stuff on the net (THT audio) where they say changing the output caps & the bridge-rectifiers alone can make it worth it.
The amp is a dual mono with 2 transformers, 2-10000@63 capacitors. it has six output transistors per channel. I'm getting some digital photos soon & will post them.
I'd like to know whether anybody has done this & what was the result ?
Thanx,
sunil
sunil said:
You probably meant input caps, as I don't think that amp has output capacitors.
To upgrade or improve your present amp, the first thing to get is a service manual. Or at least the schematics.
It being dual mono is a good thing. It's quite likely the supply capacitors need replacement, as well as all eletrolytics.
Same thing for pots if there are any. Adjusting trimpots might be improved too, changing for multiturn sealed types.
All ceramic caps should be replaced too, replaced by polystyrenes or polypropylenes.
Input connectors (RCA) should be upgraded too, as well as the speaker outputs.
Try to see how the grounds are routed, as a proper star arrangement might bring some improvements.
That should update the amp to it's original sound or better. To go deeper you will need the schematics and some pre-planning. It might mean some transistor replacements, low current power regulation, etc.
Carlos
I have no schematics of this amp as I got it at a sale.
What did you mean by "electrolytics" ?
By "pots" did you mean, controls. Well it is a power amp & has'nt got any. Will changing the caps alone make a difference.
What did you mean by "electrolytics" ?
By "pots" did you mean, controls. Well it is a power amp & has'nt got any. Will changing the caps alone make a difference.
sunil said:
Hi,
try to email the company and ask for the schematic! Don't forget to mention the serial number of the amplifier!
"electrolytics" are some kind of capacitors, you can recognize them on the polarisation (+ and - side). Other capacitors are ceramic ones, usually they are smaller (less µF) and non-polarised.
Yes "pots" are the controls (volume, etc..). Pots is a abbreviation of potmeters or variable resistors.
Changing the caps can make a difference in sound! Old electrolytic caps can dry out! So you should better replace all the caps.
best regards,
HB.
sunil said:
Your questions leave me a little weary.
It wouldn't be nice to have you come back here and complain for accidents that happened to you or your equipment.
My advice: get some book on basic electronics and see what's this all about.
Electronics involve electricty which can kill!!!
If in doubt get some store which can identify the parts for you and change them for new ones or better types.
Carlos
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