Q17 - an audiophile approach to perfect sound

Hello!

Again a new version of the PSU board.

Version [1.0.3] (30-08-2023)
  • Changed C1 and C2 for 10nF 100V COG (do not use MKP here with Saligny bridge).
  • Updated schematic with available Mouser part number and datasheet links.
  • Updated PCB for new C1 and C2 footprint (pitch of 5mm).
  • Updated BOM.
https://github.com/stefaweb/Q17-Amplifier/tree/main/Q17-PSU-1.0.3

It shouldn't move now.

Stef.
 

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Tim's attention to detail and endless tweaking has further refined Q17. I've had this amp in my system for the last 10 days and it sounds wonderful. Not going to lie, the board layout seemed a bit busy at first. But after building it all components perfectly fit together like a puzzle. I took some liberty choosing resistor type and brand but followed the BOM recommendations exclusively for the rest of the components. This latest layout has even more tweaks then my freshly built boards. Having the UMS hole spacing is a helpful feature for buying ready machined Modushop chassis and the additional space given around L1 is welcomed.
The Q17-V13 is built in the same chassis with psu as the previous Q17 using Stef's boards. It's been alternating between driving two different speakers, B&W CDM9NT (8R/90dB) and a DIY Tang Band W8-2314 coaxial in a TL enclosure (4R/85dB). The amp is dead silent when idling, delivers deep controlled bass, clear non-congested middle and fatigue free top end. My Keeper Amp's Stable is getting crowded, but will need to make room for this one 😉.

Big thanks to Tibi, Stef and Tim for sharing the Q17 Amplifier and the constant drive to improve upon the original!
:cheers:
I would like to ask you for the type and brand of resistors that you changed to the Q17-V13 PCB (Tim1999de), I would also like the item numbers and their values (parts list and vendor), or in a PM message. Well thank you ! rado22
 
Hello everyone,

The Q17-Mini 2.0 with the new Q17.3 circuit seems to work well. I tested it quickly from 20Hz to 20KHz at 30Vdc (my 50V test power supply is dismantled for the moment). DC offset is around 1mV (R32 straped). I still have a lot of testing to do but it seems to be a good start.
It works with a JFE150 SMD on the back of the PCB since I no longer have an LSK170B. Good thing because the JFE150 is much cheaper than the LSK170B for identical performance.

Since I received my new generator, I will trying to do the full tests soon.

Have a good day,

Stef.
 

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Hello Stef,

do you actually also do optimization of the circuit by listening test with loudspeakers?
It's nice to get good measurement results, but I don't know of any measurement method that is as complex as the human voice, so it does need listening comparisons, or?
How does the new circuit sound relative to the old one?

Regards Tim
 
Cool Tim. Everything in its time. There, the welds are still warm. 😉

Good evening.

Stef.


EDIT: if you want to know, the Turbo 1.2 passed the Dynaudio tests successfully but the transformer did not support several hours of operation. So, I ordered a custom “audio special” one. One month delay. In the meantime, the Turbo is on a table to taunt me.
 
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Hello,

I uploaded a preview of the Q17-Mini 2.0 to my Github repository.

The measurements are completed. I didn't find any technical faults at first glance. You will find them in the Github repository. The Q17-Mini 2.0 has technical specifications a little better than the 1.3 but a little worse than the Q17-Turbo 1.2. On the other hand, the curves at the scope are better than the Q17-Mini 1.3 AND the Q17-Turbo 1.2. This is all relative because the measurements are already very good.

I also found no faults during assembly on the 2.0 PCB. I'm waiting a little longer before uploading the Gerber files.

In terms of sound, I compared version 1.3 and 2.0 in mono on my Contrara MK1. The sound is very similar but I found that the sound was a little more slightly "brighter" with the old 1.3 and the Q17-Turbo 1.2. I'll have to try with an LSK170B instead of a JFE150. Maybe that's where it comes from. The differences remain minimal. This is the beauty of the Q17 circuit (like the QUAD405 in fact), it is relatively stable whatever the component brands we use (apart from the power transistors and the opamp).

I will now build a second board to test it in stereo.

Have a nice week-end.

Stef.