Well... I wondered for a long time and now I know how Russ Andrews does things...
As Brent is doing it also, I guess it really works but I am only sure now because of Simon´s statements (who I consider one of the real voicing masters here).
As for those who do not have earth like Matthieu, can we place a cap just between live and neutral ? (How large ?)
IMO these caps serve the purpose to clean mains and I can not stress more the importance of clean mains... (Even shielded mains cables can be clearly heard in my system) I believe it is a good idea.
Ricardo (In search of the BIG BANG)
As Brent is doing it also, I guess it really works but I am only sure now because of Simon´s statements (who I consider one of the real voicing masters here).
As for those who do not have earth like Matthieu, can we place a cap just between live and neutral ? (How large ?)
IMO these caps serve the purpose to clean mains and I can not stress more the importance of clean mains... (Even shielded mains cables can be clearly heard in my system) I believe it is a good idea.
Ricardo (In search of the BIG BANG)
Ricardo, if these guys say don't do it then I'd listen. I will take off the 10uF cap from my Neutral-Earth. I had no idea it was dangerous and, even though it makes a large difference to SQ, it's not worth any safety risk.
Why is it the best mains tweaks are always dangerous?!
Why is it the best mains tweaks are always dangerous?!
Hi Ricardo, you should read the acoustica article in Martins recent post.
Make sure you use mains rated caps! I'd experiment with the value.
I have several X2 Class MKPs totalling a little over 30uF!
edit - thats on the L-N!
Make sure you use mains rated caps! I'd experiment with the value.
I have several X2 Class MKPs totalling a little over 30uF!
edit - thats on the L-N!
Mains can surely kill
Thank you all.
PS
Just kidding about the big bang..... My last mains experiment was really enlightening (and expensive... I am listening to cassette tapes as the CDP is waiting for surgery).
I am reading it now.
Thank you all.
PS
Just kidding about the big bang..... My last mains experiment was really enlightening (and expensive... I am listening to cassette tapes as the CDP is waiting for surgery).
Quote: "In my experience it appears audio equipment responds better to the smoothly-rising impedance of the unfiltered mains despite the potential for influence by incoming and self-generated noise."
I am glad I live in a non industrial area where mains are really clean.
I am glad I live in a non industrial area where mains are really clean.
I must add- I am definitely not an electrician!
But yes, big mains caps do make me nervous: at 240v/50z 4n7 will pass enough current to give you a belt, and 0.47uF far more than enough to kill you. You can't hear sonic improvements when you are crispy! I'm sure it can be done safely, but it's a bad 'generic recommendation' to DIYers IYSWIM.
Oh, and dialectric absorption can bite you long after they are unplugged. If you use large X caps you must ensure there is a decent 'bleeder' resistor permanently fixed across them.
Incidentally I think one reason using these caps is such a mixed-bag sonically is because you have no control of the supply impedance. Adding an X1 makes it the local nexus for all noise currents between the conductors - why attract that closer to your hifi? And adding a cap between N and E can links noise from Neutral into something your system 0v is referenced to...
OTOH I do use an (0.22uF X1)cap added to the fridge, and that stopped occaisonal clicks and pops nicely 🙂
But yes, big mains caps do make me nervous: at 240v/50z 4n7 will pass enough current to give you a belt, and 0.47uF far more than enough to kill you. You can't hear sonic improvements when you are crispy! I'm sure it can be done safely, but it's a bad 'generic recommendation' to DIYers IYSWIM.
Oh, and dialectric absorption can bite you long after they are unplugged. If you use large X caps you must ensure there is a decent 'bleeder' resistor permanently fixed across them.
Incidentally I think one reason using these caps is such a mixed-bag sonically is because you have no control of the supply impedance. Adding an X1 makes it the local nexus for all noise currents between the conductors - why attract that closer to your hifi? And adding a cap between N and E can links noise from Neutral into something your system 0v is referenced to...
OTOH I do use an (0.22uF X1)cap added to the fridge, and that stopped occaisonal clicks and pops nicely 🙂
So is this a bad time to mention the audio website that advocates putting 1000uF across neutral and earth?
I agree sonically it's a mixed bag with mains filters but even though I don't understand the higher levels of reasoning I can't agree as to just why it's a mixed bag. Personally I think there are more factors than your local mains and system, I think a lot is down to how you design the filter. With the smaller caps across L & N there's not much or anything audible to be gained, but stick a 10uF lighting cap there and it can sound smoother and more open with deeper bass... odd. Risk sticking 10uF across N & E and it gets better again.
Then there are the more complex arrangements and filters using transorbs, gas arrestors and such, but for those more special carefully thought out designs I'd just recommend buying one of Brent's nice products to save killing yourself etc 😉
Simon
Tell me you are joking; that's insane.
The sole point of the Earth wire is as a protective conductor to deal with fault conditions. 1000uF effectively shorts it to N, completely defeating the safety aspect
Incidentally, 1000uF would pass c.80A of reactive current at 240v!
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My new thread..... http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/soli...ception-pre-amp-needs-revamp.html#post2054690
Hope some of you will care to give me a little help 🙂
Hope some of you will care to give me a little help 🙂
I was a little off with my values but here's the article:
Magnan Audio Cables Web Site - Tweaks: Do-it yourself approach to AC line filtering
Simon
After a fast TX swap, the machine is playing perfectly.
While I was hands on the iron, I replaced the 500000u // C815 by a much smaller 10000u BHC that fits inside the case.
Now I must wait to be able to report the sonic alterations.
Ricardo
While I was hands on the iron, I replaced the 500000u // C815 by a much smaller 10000u BHC that fits inside the case.
Now I must wait to be able to report the sonic alterations.
Ricardo
In my CDP, C815 (after the main 5vreg) feeds only the uCon, display and lazer mech.
I know it is too soon.... this machine only sounds at it´s best after min 30min playing but I notice a reduction in the bass presence. The bass became more detailed and integrated. There is also more presence in the mids (power zone) so the stereo imagery is improved.
Can not comment on the highs... too soon.
I know it is too soon.... this machine only sounds at it´s best after min 30min playing but I notice a reduction in the bass presence. The bass became more detailed and integrated. There is also more presence in the mids (power zone) so the stereo imagery is improved.
Can not comment on the highs... too soon.