Discussion around appropriate input transformers - relates to use with the 3116. I am still weighing up potential purchase to use with my DUG 3116.
There's a wiki for a reason, or like 500 some reasons.
I really wonder if the Edcores could take DC from a cheap source. Sure maybe they don't, but Cinemags have no issue with that.
No one in this thread owns a B1 Pass Labs buffer to put in front?
I really wonder if the Edcores could take DC from a cheap source. Sure maybe they don't, but Cinemags have no issue with that.
No one in this thread owns a B1 Pass Labs buffer to put in front?
Or one can use the 15K:15K transformers from the WSM series. The frequency response curve (almost ruler flat) and THD plot can be seen in the link below :
https://www.edcorusa.com/Content/Plots/WSM15K-15K.pdf
It looks pretty good to me. This is the transformer that I plan to use to convert single end signals to balance output.
Regards,
Which volume control do you use? And, how does it sound without the buffer by comparrison? Perhaps my findings aren't as dramatic as I think.
I use a 50K step volume on the DCB1 now, it is one of those cheap one from taobao that cost less than 10USD, I will change that to a 10-20K smd step volume later on. I am running 1.5M interconnect between DAC and DCB1 and another 1.5M from DCB1 to AMP, with DCB1 the sound is more richer specially when playing vocal.
This is the one I have in the pipeline.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/254818-pop-click-free-hw-based-relay-attenuator.html
My DCB1
This is the one I have in the pipeline.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/254818-pop-click-free-hw-based-relay-attenuator.html
My DCB1
Last edited:
"Edcor transformers are popular with highend DIY audio gear because people like the typical Edcor sound." Don Audio.
Mmm, maybe they have a typical sound then? Is it in distortion or noise till 1khz?
Well, one can say that every piece of equipment/component has its only "sound". I tend to agree with that. Is there such thing as absolutely neutral? The answer is no because there are no absolute standard. Since sound is a subjective perception, try something out, if you like how it sounds, keep it. If not, change it.
People even debate whether resistors have their own sound on this forum before.
Regards,
For a transducer (such as a speaker) I would agree, but for a transformer there is an easy standard for "neutral" - a transformer is neutral when the output signal is the same as the input signal.
Wondering why you think the Cinemags can take DC?
Unless the transformer is designed for it, like a SE output tranny, they don't like DC.
Randy
Might even sound better with DC. Steel core gets magnetized, so 'only' 3rd harmonic distortion that was originally there gets equal or even little higher 2nd harmonic distortion added. Now browse a little searching for 2nd harmonic/3rd harmonic distortion and Nelson Pass. Distortion rises but it may sound better.
Hello again,
Ok, finally I recapped my SMSL36a Pro PS cap using Oscon SEPF 120uF 35v powered by laptop brick 19v 4.5a. Comparing to BG NX 47uF 6.3v, music has bigger soundstage, more bass, but has lost some details in low and mid, harsh and metalic high treble. I thought it would be faster pace of music, but it is not.
Running Sigma 11 regulated PSU at 24v, music is softer all around, cleaner details, less harsh in high and less metalic treble.
I think it's best using Elna Silmic RFS for the 8 PS filter caps, but I don't have 25v ready, can I use 35v instead?
My amp has a slight turn off thump when volume down after about 3-4 secs. Do I need speaker protection circuit?
Ok, finally I recapped my SMSL36a Pro PS cap using Oscon SEPF 120uF 35v powered by laptop brick 19v 4.5a. Comparing to BG NX 47uF 6.3v, music has bigger soundstage, more bass, but has lost some details in low and mid, harsh and metalic high treble. I thought it would be faster pace of music, but it is not.
Running Sigma 11 regulated PSU at 24v, music is softer all around, cleaner details, less harsh in high and less metalic treble.
I think it's best using Elna Silmic RFS for the 8 PS filter caps, but I don't have 25v ready, can I use 35v instead?
My amp has a slight turn off thump when volume down after about 3-4 secs. Do I need speaker protection circuit?
Attachments
Off topic a little but can anyone suggest how I would implement a 'power on' LED into the Blue YJ board.... easiest methods only please as I'm still a little green with the soldering iron
cheers Stu
cheers Stu
I'm skeptical about this, everything I read says not to put DC across a transformer not designed for it, you'll saturate the core, and that's a bad thing, especially long term. I'm not ready to do this to my expensive Lundahl TX's.
Randy
Only the amount of DC a CD player or such would put out, not any home brew stuff.
I contacted Cinemag, their transformers will work like an input capacitor, unless it's significant DC, like if your DCB1 had a failure perhaps. But even then, you turn it off and repair.
From what I understand, the Power supply filter caps should be high quality low-ESR, power-filtering intended caps as opposed to Audio grade caps. However Silmic do rate pretty well and may work, what size are you trying to fit in? I only have 50V caps that are 16mm, a little too wide for those spots on the PCB.
I also found getting rid of those Green "Vishay" input caps and using a genuine set of caps there. I got the Panasonic Metalized Polyester 10 uF/100V recommended on the TPA3116D2 wiki (TPA3116D2 Boards - diyAudio), it definitely added some sparkle and clarity to the sound. Haven't had a chance to listen critically, as I'm jumping between two TPA3116 amp projects at the moment