Having build the very capable F6 I was left wondering (more like fantasizing) about how I could improve this magnificent amplifier.
Fortunately I'm not the first one here having this crazy ambition, so I soon gathered a list of improvement candidates.
This is where my problems started. I am educated in the field of software so i quickly realized that I am in over my head when it comes to electronics.
However, this has never stopped me when creating software so I quickly decided that I'm not going to let it stop me this time either.
Having considered the options I have chosen to start with the power supply.
After gathering tips and suggestions from this forum I have settled on a dual mono power supply in a separate box.
So far I have gathered:
Two sets of Nelson's Bipolar Power Supply
Two Toroidy transformers
A soft start board from the DIY Audio Store
A Pesante 2U from Modushop
I have attached a picture of the layout I'm considering.
I welcome suggestions to this setup and anything that might make it better will be considered.
Thanks in advance.
Oh, by the way, I could use a suggestion for a nice power button for the front.
Fortunately I'm not the first one here having this crazy ambition, so I soon gathered a list of improvement candidates.
This is where my problems started. I am educated in the field of software so i quickly realized that I am in over my head when it comes to electronics.
However, this has never stopped me when creating software so I quickly decided that I'm not going to let it stop me this time either.
Having considered the options I have chosen to start with the power supply.
After gathering tips and suggestions from this forum I have settled on a dual mono power supply in a separate box.
So far I have gathered:
Two sets of Nelson's Bipolar Power Supply
Two Toroidy transformers
A soft start board from the DIY Audio Store
A Pesante 2U from Modushop
I have attached a picture of the layout I'm considering.
I welcome suggestions to this setup and anything that might make it better will be considered.
Thanks in advance.
Oh, by the way, I could use a suggestion for a nice power button for the front.
Attachments
Dual mono + soft start should be a GREAT start. But since you asked, have you seen this thread? How much overengineering do you want to do?
Would a different layout work? The two toroids next to each other on the (in the image) top side and the capacitor banks along the lower side? That way the toroids are closest to the IEC socket and the output of the cap banks could be furthest away from the AC and magnetics and closest to the umbilical. For the sake of ocd and the overengineering concept to minimize coupling.
If you want to get the best, use this: https://evotronix.eu/product/saligny-universal-gan/
I've used one of the universal Salingy devices in a whammy build, which is a bit over the top (which is part of the fun of it !) and apart from being beautifully built, is a piece of technical excellence. And Tiberiu answers his e-mail late in the evening and doesn't make fun of your mistakes !
https://evotronix.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/saligny-universal-gan-datasheet.pdf
I've used one of the universal Salingy devices in a whammy build, which is a bit over the top (which is part of the fun of it !) and apart from being beautifully built, is a piece of technical excellence. And Tiberiu answers his e-mail late in the evening and doesn't make fun of your mistakes !
https://evotronix.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/saligny-universal-gan-datasheet.pdf
Attachments
And Mundorf power capacitors, silver wire, bigger transformers. Why not ? If you max out every bit of the design you add something overall at the end. And you're not engineering it to manufacture by the 1000.
Im pretty sure there is no room for that. But if (more like when) I make a even more over engineered version, it will be on the top of the list.
Thanks for leading my attention to this thread. That was a very informative read and I'm going to steal a lot from there.
Thanks for your suggestion. I tried several variations of that now, but it turns out that one of the limiting factors is the length of the primary windings coming out of the donuts and they both have to be in reach of the soft start output. If the cabinet had been just a little deeper, the soft start would fit between the two donuts and it would end up nice and tidy. But it isn't, so the soft start ends up in the middle, and the wiring feels better in the original configuration.
I didn't find any I liked. Do you have an example?
Very interesting! For now I will use what I have, but I will have to lean more about this and maybe it will find its way in later.
I'm not sure these things would make much of a difference, but I could be wrong.
Thanks everyone for the feedback, it is greatly appreciated.
I realize now that the PSU needs to be supplemented in the amp chassis with more caps and maybe even some motor run caps.
Im also going to be looking in to building a Quasimodo test jig.
I will keep you updated as the build progress.
"Thanks for your suggestion. I tried several variations of that now, but it turns out that one of the limiting factors is the length of the primary windings coming out of the donuts and they both have to be in reach of the soft start output. If the cabinet had been just a little deeper, the soft start would fit between the two donuts and it would end up nice and tidy. But it isn't, so the soft start ends up in the middle, and the wiring feels better in the original configuration."
You are thinking too 2 dimensional. With stacked standoffs you could easily mount the soft start above the transformers. Also consider what angle brackets can do for you.
You are thinking too 2 dimensional. With stacked standoffs you could easily mount the soft start above the transformers. Also consider what angle brackets can do for you.
Dual mono will improve the amp(s). Don't ask me why. Using a coil (L) between 50% of the capacitors may be audible too (C-L-C). The power supply has much less peaks from charging the capacitors, making the amp more happy.
That is about all you can do.
Use the height of the case and you can fit all you need. Do not make the connection cable too long. If you want a connector and don't have any XLR in your system, they will be just fine. Once they are connected the current will be no problem, so no need to use 100A contacts.
That is about all you can do.
Use the height of the case and you can fit all you need. Do not make the connection cable too long. If you want a connector and don't have any XLR in your system, they will be just fine. Once they are connected the current will be no problem, so no need to use 100A contacts.
A choke per side, like the hammond 195R10. Put a Shield on the transformer and on the choke. Put a transformer buffer. Put automotive capacitors at the end of cap bank, like Zen Mod did with it Ducati cap. put a Schurter line filter. Use a dedicated electrical line from your electric panel, and put a line conditionner before the PSU. Put the thicker, purer copper wire you can get thet can fit inside the PSU.
I got a nice, lighted power push switch from Marlin P. Jones (here in U.S.) which I was going to link, but just discovered that MPJA ceased business last month! 😳 😢 RIP, MPJA.
I like the idea, but I think you overestimate how much room there is in a 2U case. See pictures.
Great advice.
CLC is for next version. See pictures for height.
I'm planning to use Neutrik NC4 connectors. One for each mono supply.
Very good and detailed suggestions.
Again, CLC is for next version. See pictures for height.
Shields are a good idea, added to next version wish list.
What is a transformer buffer? Please explain.
Motor run capacitors will be added in amp chassis.
Schurter line filter. Good idea, I'm adding it to my shopping list.
A dedicated electrical line and power conditioner is already on my wish list, but other (financial) restrains are stopping me at the moment.
Good thick copper wire is planned all around.
Thanks for the feedback everyone, its appreciated!
Attachments
I'm here Mod just in Moniker, and it was only by special permit from Jason itself
Court Jesters aren't trusted with any official powers
Court Jesters aren't trusted with any official powers
When I really want to dress up one of my power supplies I put an illuminated capacitive touch switch out front.
Pushbutton Switches
You'll need a compatible starting circuit though.
Regards,
Dan
Pushbutton Switches
You'll need a compatible starting circuit though.
Regards,
Dan
I'm here Mod just in Moniker, and it was only by special permit from Jason itself
Court Jesters aren't trusted with any official powers
You say that, yet here we are
Oh, no! MPJA is out of biz?!?!?!?! Plenty of MPJA sourced parts are in a lot of Pearl 3 power supplies.