Has anyone direct experience with a FirstWatt clone that has gone from a CRC supply to a CLC supply? I'm talking same amp.If so are there any sonic benefits to doing so? In addition it is a standard 1 toroid,dual secondary,dual FWB rectifiers.I can get a couple of Hammond 159Zl 2.5mH 10A chokes for about $40 each.I can see from simulations quite a reduction in ripple voltage but would there be sonic benefits from this relatively cheap mod?
I don't have a direct comparison on the same model switching from one to the other but I did use a CLC on an AJ and CRC on the M2X and while the AJ has less ripple noise, I had no issues with hum on 98db speakers with either. I would have used a CLC on the M2X but was concerned with interstage contamination. To be honest in the grand scheme of things, i'm not sure its all that noticeable; at least not on these two models. I'm sure it varies with other models and builds.
I have been looking at those as well.In one of Nelson's Pass amps he uses something similar,picture shows 2 end to end with 4 leads coming off them.Not sure if they are for the DC supply.The core area on those Erse's is about 1.6 sq. cm and 10cm long.Not sure if they would saturate with about 2.5 amps D.C. flowing.Maybe someone with more knowledge can give an educated guess.I'd hate to spend the money and fing they don't work.I'm in Canada and parts are quite a bit more expensive up here.The Hammonds would work for sure as they are designed specifically for that type of use.
Blk Dynamite----My speakers are 87db and I have no hum as it is.Maybe I just can't leave well enough alone. I've always been a tweeker 🙂
If you got the parts and feel like tinkering around, might as well but I don't think you need to go out and buy stuff. I'm sure someone will correct me if i'm wrong though
Quote from another DIY member in another CLC thread "Originally posted by steenoe
A CLC supply is very fast and responsive and the sound is just about the best that can be had!!
Steen"
That quote was dittoed by another member so I think i'm going to bite the bullet and go ahead with the Hammonds.I'll let the thread know the outcome of my toils.
A CLC supply is very fast and responsive and the sound is just about the best that can be had!!
Steen"
That quote was dittoed by another member so I think i'm going to bite the bullet and go ahead with the Hammonds.I'll let the thread know the outcome of my toils.
If you look at the erse specs, they claim they are good to 500 or 600 watts. If that is sine, then that is effectively about 350 or 420 DC watts of heating load. I've got around 40 volts DC at 5 amps.... I will give it a shot.
I bought some of these already, but have trouble finding room in the amp. The only test will be to measure ripple before and after.
I bought some of these already, but have trouble finding room in the amp. The only test will be to measure ripple before and after.
Where did you get yours? Also what is the P/N if you don't mind.I'd like to take a look at them.Thanks.
I bought them 6 years ago. I think they were from partsconnexion. I'll confirm when I get home.
There is next to no room in the box. But, I think I've figured out how to do that now.
There are specs here, saying that DC saturation is "up to" 20A at 5% 60 Hz -- whatever that means....
SuperQ - Premium Magnetic Core | ERSE Audio
SuperQ - Premium Magnetic Core | ERSE Audio
I’m using the Erse coils in low end of the big JBL crossovers at the Diy Audio event, I like them there, ( air core in the mid range and top end).
but I know your asking about them in CLC power supplies.
After reading I’m now adding .47 ohms in series with the inductors in my power amp’s CLC filters to avoid resonance and ringing. So yes size them to not saturate but some series resistance is helpful.
but I know your asking about them in CLC power supplies.
After reading I’m now adding .47 ohms in series with the inductors in my power amp’s CLC filters to avoid resonance and ringing. So yes size them to not saturate but some series resistance is helpful.
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I have a pass f5 and replaced crc with Hammond 159zl. Not a big difference, but I also have a lot of capacitance in the amp (200,000uf). I would say chokes are a nice to have, not necessarily a must have.
I added C and L to a friend’s F5, and ripple went down from 50ish mV to around 3mV. Incredible top end, if the rest of your chain is up to it....
My aim is for below 5mV PS ripple in general.
My aim is for below 5mV PS ripple in general.
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"Bob,
Have you noticed any of the benefits Steen mentioned?"
Yes. I never went back to CRC. I have been very happy with the PSUs.
I'm doing an amp now that I may use a CRC only because I have absolutely no room for an inductor - at least I haven't figured it out yet.
Have you noticed any of the benefits Steen mentioned?"
Yes. I never went back to CRC. I have been very happy with the PSUs.
I'm doing an amp now that I may use a CRC only because I have absolutely no room for an inductor - at least I haven't figured it out yet.
Not on a FW, but I changed out CRC for CLC in the L'amp CCS version and it was an improvement. Smoother sound.
You used the erse with steel core? Great! That gives me some confidence to implement. Thanks!