Hi, I've been lurking here for a bit, and finally figured that I should dive in with a post. I'm impressed with the dedication all of you have. I hope I can eventually free up some time to devote to DIY projects, and maybe read the Horowitz and Hill book I bought at Mike Creek's recommendation half a dozen years ago.
I got into High End Audio in 1995 via my ex-girlfriend's Dad, who was an audiophile. My brother gave me his Sansui TU-717 Tuner a number of years ago, to which I added an IEC jack in order to use some aftermarket power cords with the unit. This tuner is one of the few things that I haven't had a chance to take a soldering iron to, other than for the IEC jack. I always thought it might be nice to replace the carbon resistors with metal film ones to lower the noise floor. But, I only recently found a schematic online; the collector in me would prefer an original, but, the practical side of me is glad to have gotten anything at all. My DIY skills and experience are limited; I've generally only done parts swaps, and no circuit design. So, please bear with this neophyte.
When I had the hood open a few years ago, I recall that there were some 8 pin chips in the Sansui TU-717. I believe the part is an RF/IF Amplifier - LA1222 (its equivalent is an ECG1227.) Does anybody know of a higher quality version (preferably a drop in replacement), perhaps made by Burr Brown or Analog Devices? Would there be any benefit to replacing this part? I've used Burr Brown Op Amps as replacements for I/V conversion in many of my other components with very good results. I have no idea if upgrading an RF/IF Amplifier will reap any sonic benefits.
I was wondering if I might be able to do a quick swap in the TU-717 in the short term before performing any major surgery on the unit. I can imagine replacing all of the resistors, maybe getting some Murata ceramic filters and popping those in, and upgrading several (if not all) of the electrolytic capacitors. I've got a list of the caps that someone else has replaced in the TU-717 with supposedly good results. At some point in the future, I'll do this with something suitable like Black Gates.
Has anyone here modified a TU-717? If so, what parts substitutions offered the most significant improvements?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I got into High End Audio in 1995 via my ex-girlfriend's Dad, who was an audiophile. My brother gave me his Sansui TU-717 Tuner a number of years ago, to which I added an IEC jack in order to use some aftermarket power cords with the unit. This tuner is one of the few things that I haven't had a chance to take a soldering iron to, other than for the IEC jack. I always thought it might be nice to replace the carbon resistors with metal film ones to lower the noise floor. But, I only recently found a schematic online; the collector in me would prefer an original, but, the practical side of me is glad to have gotten anything at all. My DIY skills and experience are limited; I've generally only done parts swaps, and no circuit design. So, please bear with this neophyte.
When I had the hood open a few years ago, I recall that there were some 8 pin chips in the Sansui TU-717. I believe the part is an RF/IF Amplifier - LA1222 (its equivalent is an ECG1227.) Does anybody know of a higher quality version (preferably a drop in replacement), perhaps made by Burr Brown or Analog Devices? Would there be any benefit to replacing this part? I've used Burr Brown Op Amps as replacements for I/V conversion in many of my other components with very good results. I have no idea if upgrading an RF/IF Amplifier will reap any sonic benefits.
I was wondering if I might be able to do a quick swap in the TU-717 in the short term before performing any major surgery on the unit. I can imagine replacing all of the resistors, maybe getting some Murata ceramic filters and popping those in, and upgrading several (if not all) of the electrolytic capacitors. I've got a list of the caps that someone else has replaced in the TU-717 with supposedly good results. At some point in the future, I'll do this with something suitable like Black Gates.
Has anyone here modified a TU-717? If so, what parts substitutions offered the most significant improvements?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Frank. I've gathered some useful info from a number of places, including that one. I've now got a list of capacitors that can be replaced that should provide better sound. I've been advised to avoid changing the RF/IF LA1222 chips. Hopefully, I will eventually get some free time to mod this unit.
Hi, I just get a TU-717 and would like to recap and improve the sound quality. I get several questions and hope any of you could give me some advice.
1. I know changing those lytic/Electrolytic caps is the basis for re-cap. Is it better to use a bit higher capacitance than the original one? Or this is case by case? (I read the fmtunerinfo that he suggest using a bit larger capacitance)
2. I see lot of disc type ceramic capacitors, are they good enough or should I replace with some SMD multilayer ceramic?
3. For those styrol capacitors, should I replace them?
4. Similarly, do I need to change those mylar capacitors for better audio quality?
Thanks
1. I know changing those lytic/Electrolytic caps is the basis for re-cap. Is it better to use a bit higher capacitance than the original one? Or this is case by case? (I read the fmtunerinfo that he suggest using a bit larger capacitance)
2. I see lot of disc type ceramic capacitors, are they good enough or should I replace with some SMD multilayer ceramic?
3. For those styrol capacitors, should I replace them?
4. Similarly, do I need to change those mylar capacitors for better audio quality?
Thanks
Hi, nothing of any.
If it works...
Well, 2-3-4 are wrong assumptions as they don't decay in time ( no change in value )
Only the electrolitics MIGHT need a replacement ONLY if faulty.
MAYBE the one or two in the supply section might be replaced with the same value or bigger - the size has shrinked in comparison to the old ones-
I'd say if you find 1000 uF you can change it to (1500-1800 !?) 2200 uF
But this applies better to (little power) amplifiers 'cos the BASS gets better 😛
If it works...
Well, 2-3-4 are wrong assumptions as they don't decay in time ( no change in value )
Only the electrolitics MIGHT need a replacement ONLY if faulty.
MAYBE the one or two in the supply section might be replaced with the same value or bigger - the size has shrinked in comparison to the old ones-
I'd say if you find 1000 uF you can change it to (1500-1800 !?) 2200 uF
But this applies better to (little power) amplifiers 'cos the BASS gets better 😛
Is there any modification that I can make to further improve the sound quality? I mean in the way that doesn't follow the service manual. For example, any parts to replace to modern one that might perform better?
Hmmm, I've searched a little and I found this page
Tuner Information Center - Jim and Bob's DIY Mods
That's a long list !
Maybe it's the compressed FM signal that isn't very "audio grade" !?!🙄
( i would leave it like it is...maybe the supply caps and...coupling caps ?
The guy says to replace electro's with electro's, but I usually change values till 10 uF with film caps, often a 10 uF needs a 4.7 uF replacement...bandwidht would not suffer. About the tuner itself, I've got no idea ! )
Tuner Information Center - Jim and Bob's DIY Mods
That's a long list !
Maybe it's the compressed FM signal that isn't very "audio grade" !?!🙄
( i would leave it like it is...maybe the supply caps and...coupling caps ?
The guy says to replace electro's with electro's, but I usually change values till 10 uF with film caps, often a 10 uF needs a 4.7 uF replacement...bandwidht would not suffer. About the tuner itself, I've got no idea ! )
- Status
- Not open for further replies.