OS-CON alternatives
Hi there 🙂
I'm about to experience some mods on one of my "audiobah" AC1308 boards.
I own three of them. They came equipped from factory with two Yugang 35V/470µF capacitors.
I'm going toward the recommended upgrade with Panasonic 25V/330µF SEPF capacitors and also wanted to give a try the cheaper Panasonic FC alternative (keeping the original 35V/470µF specs by curiosity).
A far as I understand, very low ESR is key.
While I was searching on RS, I came across this cap from NIC Components with a pretty low ESR (rated 23mΩ) at half the price of the FC: NRSG471M35V10X20F | NIC Components NRSG 470μF 35 V dc Through Hole Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitor 20% | NIC Components
What do you guys think about it?
A good compromise? Any clue?
Hi there 🙂
I'm about to experience some mods on one of my "audiobah" AC1308 boards.
I own three of them. They came equipped from factory with two Yugang 35V/470µF capacitors.
I'm going toward the recommended upgrade with Panasonic 25V/330µF SEPF capacitors and also wanted to give a try the cheaper Panasonic FC alternative (keeping the original 35V/470µF specs by curiosity).
A far as I understand, very low ESR is key.
While I was searching on RS, I came across this cap from NIC Components with a pretty low ESR (rated 23mΩ) at half the price of the FC: NRSG471M35V10X20F | NIC Components NRSG 470μF 35 V dc Through Hole Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitor 20% | NIC Components
What do you guys think about it?
A good compromise? Any clue?
Lo_Tse, I just received two of these SMAKN TPA3116d2 boards and am wondering what the solder pads on the bottom are for. Specifically, what are the pc_mode, psw, v1, and v2 pads for?
Hello
I want to confirm that decoupling the AVCC as described in post 2992 by Abaraxalito is very worthwhile upgrade.
I use 3.3 R with a 4.7 Uf x7R cap to ground.
I am using a TPA 3123 board though.
However, i noted that there is a slight pop through the speakers when i restart music after pause in the foobar player. i have a TDa 1543 dac feed by the PCM 2706 usb to i2s converter.
Any reason for this pop sound??? any solutions??
thanks
I want to confirm that decoupling the AVCC as described in post 2992 by Abaraxalito is very worthwhile upgrade.
I use 3.3 R with a 4.7 Uf x7R cap to ground.
I am using a TPA 3123 board though.
However, i noted that there is a slight pop through the speakers when i restart music after pause in the foobar player. i have a TDa 1543 dac feed by the PCM 2706 usb to i2s converter.
Any reason for this pop sound??? any solutions??
thanks
Actually, I do not know. I went back to the manufacturer's (Sam Ming)website at TB, I could not find any information about these links. The PSW pads are for the on-off switch in the volume pot. Those pads looks "links" and one can join them by adding small amount of solder (c.f. the S1 - S6 pads). Sorry. I wish I can be more helpful.
Please let us know what are your impressions of this amp board. I am curious about others opinions.
Regards,
xrk,
There are 6 links on the bottom S1 - S6. For the default stereo operation, S1 is joined and S2- S6 are opened. To convert into PBTL, one has to disconnect S1 and solder S2-S6 together.
I have also found out that the 5 V supply on the board is only available by request when you order. In the default configuration, it is not available.
I found the sound of this board is improving nicely with usage. It is definitely better tahn the YJ red. I wish they make one without the volume pot, like the Audiobah. This manufacture does has a board in PBTL configuration for subwoofer use - the board look a bit more complicated than expected. May be one can convert it into a "mono" block.
I am thinking of getting one of your favourite YDBZ board to try out.
Regards,
I have a couple YDBZ- they sound very good with minimal mods (OSCON caps).
They do seem to lack a bit of power compared to the YJ blue/black boards.
Prezden,
Thank you for the confirmation. I will get one or two of the YBDZ "weiner" next time I order from TB. Looking back, I should not have bought the YJ Blue/Black. I was thinking of modding it but then after receiving the board, I realised that it is very easy to damage the board during desoldering and resoldering. As-is, the sound was just flat. However, I have to pointed out that this board may not be made by YJ since it has some "extra things" in it as compare to the standard YJ board. E.g. upgraded 35 V "Rubycon" power caps, a diode to prevent board damage when reversing the polarity during power hook up.
Regards,
Hey guys, here's what a PCB looks like minus a few caps pre-rectifiers. You may remember ChrisMM's. This one you see has smaller 1500uf caps for another application, the 4700uf fi'll to line. It's only prototype before big order, so this isn't a sale offering (nor will I post one in this thread)
The filter prior rectifiers, with low noise rectifiers is a substantial improvement for these amps. For other class D's I've been doing some nodding that assists in control of RF, and benefits were good. It makes sense, to lower income RF and reduce circulation by improving capacitor Q, on a device that operates in the RF range.
The filter prior rectifiers, with low noise rectifiers is a substantial improvement for these amps. For other class D's I've been doing some nodding that assists in control of RF, and benefits were good. It makes sense, to lower income RF and reduce circulation by improving capacitor Q, on a device that operates in the RF range.
Follow-Up on Edcor TTPC15k/15k Input Transformers
After a busy January traveling on business, I finally got around to swapping input transformers on my two modified TPA3116 amplifiers.
I had loaned my TPA3116 amps to a friend prior to swapping the input transformers. My friend clearly liked the modified YJ blue amp with the CineMag CMLI-15/15B transformers over the modified Sure TPA3116 with the Edcor TTPC15k/15k transformers. It sounded cleaner and more detailed on the top, and it had a bit more low end definition.
We compared this to his modified YJ blue which was identical to mine with the exception that my amp had the CineMag transformers and his had the stock Epcos film box caps. In this comparison, the modified YJ blue amp with the CineMag transformers was the clear winner. The soundstage was more three dimensional, the tonality was more balanced and natural-sounding, and the imaging was more clear and focused.
Now comparing the modified YJ blue amp with the Edcor TTPC15k/15k transformers vs. the modified Sure TPA3116 with CineMag CMLI-15/15B transformers is a different matter. These amps almost sound identical. I'll have to do more critical listening.
In any case, using good input balancing transformers significantly improves the sound of these TPA31xx amps. The amp becomes more transparent and revealing of what's in front of it. This is very apparent when switching from my Sony ES DVD/CD/SACD player to my turntable and Audio Research phono stage. For some people who don't want to spend the money on higher end transformers like CineMags, Jensens, or Lundahls, these Edcor transformers do a very respectable job in taking the TPA3116 amps to another level of performance. A big benefit of using the input transformers is eliminating the turn-on and turn-off pop. I only hear a faint tick when I switch my Astron power supply off.
Thanks again to matt_garman for lending his Edcor transformers for the comparison.
After a busy January traveling on business, I finally got around to swapping input transformers on my two modified TPA3116 amplifiers.
I had loaned my TPA3116 amps to a friend prior to swapping the input transformers. My friend clearly liked the modified YJ blue amp with the CineMag CMLI-15/15B transformers over the modified Sure TPA3116 with the Edcor TTPC15k/15k transformers. It sounded cleaner and more detailed on the top, and it had a bit more low end definition.
We compared this to his modified YJ blue which was identical to mine with the exception that my amp had the CineMag transformers and his had the stock Epcos film box caps. In this comparison, the modified YJ blue amp with the CineMag transformers was the clear winner. The soundstage was more three dimensional, the tonality was more balanced and natural-sounding, and the imaging was more clear and focused.
Now comparing the modified YJ blue amp with the Edcor TTPC15k/15k transformers vs. the modified Sure TPA3116 with CineMag CMLI-15/15B transformers is a different matter. These amps almost sound identical. I'll have to do more critical listening.
In any case, using good input balancing transformers significantly improves the sound of these TPA31xx amps. The amp becomes more transparent and revealing of what's in front of it. This is very apparent when switching from my Sony ES DVD/CD/SACD player to my turntable and Audio Research phono stage. For some people who don't want to spend the money on higher end transformers like CineMags, Jensens, or Lundahls, these Edcor transformers do a very respectable job in taking the TPA3116 amps to another level of performance. A big benefit of using the input transformers is eliminating the turn-on and turn-off pop. I only hear a faint tick when I switch my Astron power supply off.
Thanks again to matt_garman for lending his Edcor transformers for the comparison.
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Hi everyone!
I recently bought a SMSL SA-60 and been listening to it everyday for the past week. This is my first TPA3116 based amp and as you probably know by now it has a Loudness ON/OFF function activated by depressing the volume knob.
My question is for those who own this SMSL SA-60 AND other variant of this amp from a different maker (YJ, Breeze, DUG etc), I want to know how a "typical" TPA3116 amp sound, is it comparable to the SA-60 with the loudness function "ON" or "OFF"?
The reason I'm asking is in my experience with the SA-60, when the loudness is "OFF" I find the lows a bit thin and when it is "ON" the bass is bloated. But the mids & highs for me is very good...I own el34 tube amp, class ab solid state & TA2020 tripath amp and this is the only amp I find wanting more low frequency articulation.
TIA!
I recently bought a SMSL SA-60 and been listening to it everyday for the past week. This is my first TPA3116 based amp and as you probably know by now it has a Loudness ON/OFF function activated by depressing the volume knob.
My question is for those who own this SMSL SA-60 AND other variant of this amp from a different maker (YJ, Breeze, DUG etc), I want to know how a "typical" TPA3116 amp sound, is it comparable to the SA-60 with the loudness function "ON" or "OFF"?
The reason I'm asking is in my experience with the SA-60, when the loudness is "OFF" I find the lows a bit thin and when it is "ON" the bass is bloated. But the mids & highs for me is very good...I own el34 tube amp, class ab solid state & TA2020 tripath amp and this is the only amp I find wanting more low frequency articulation.
TIA!
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I encountered a problem with YJ 2.0 blue pcb amp. I added Giancarlos mod to prevent power up pop and as long as the input stays on low level everything is fine. If I turn up the volume it begins to stutter. As soon as the volume is reduced everything works again as expected. Instead of 150kOhm I used 100kOhm but I guess this is not the problem. Any idea?
I want to buy TPA3116 board from eBay. I am considering two options. The one on the left seems to be the most popular board, the one on the right has protection against Pop. Should I choose it or go safe and stick with the most popular board?
I want to buy TPA3116 board from eBay. I am considering two options. The one on the left seems to be the most popular board, the one on the right has protection against Pop. Should I choose it or go safe and stick with the most popular board?
trzn,
It depends. if you want to mod, the "popular board" have been worked on by many and there are plenty of information available. However, listen to it as-is, the feedback was not that great (please correct me if I am wrong).
The board on the right is the Chengzi board. It looked a little different as compared to the first generation. I recalled that a few people tried the first generation board and gave it decent comments.
The YBDZ boards have received a number of favourable comments from xrk and others and is inexpensive. The Audiobah green is quite good (I used to own it). Not sure about the recent YJ copy though.
Regards,
Lo_Tse,
I don't want to mod it. I have found a board that looks similar to AudioBah.
Does it have protection against pops? If not, then I guess I will go with ChengZhi board.
I don't want to mod it. I have found a board that looks similar to AudioBah.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Does it have protection against pops? If not, then I guess I will go with ChengZhi board.
This is a "copy" of the original Audiobah green board came out recently. Looks identical except the colour of the power caps. As far as I can recall, the Audiobah green did not produce any pop on turn on/off.
Regards,
Great question, I'd like to know as well. I do not actually own (or have owned) a 3116 amp, but I've been following these threads with great interest as I am supremely impressed with my Indeed 2020 tripath amp. If the 3116 chips represent an improvement over the 2020, I definitely want to try it!
However, I've been on the sidelines looking for some consensus on which board seems to sound the best, preferably with minimal to zero mods (yes, I realize that the diyforum may not be the best place to look 😛).
Anyhow, I had some brief correspondence with rhing about the SMSL SA-60, and he suggested, although has not actually owned or tried, replacing the 5 caps with the panasonic oscons that have been mentioned several times in this thread. This may improve bass response on this finished unit.
If you're satisfied with the mids/highs, this may be the only mod you need. Otherwise, inductor coils would be the next logical mod from what I've gathered in this thread.
However, I've been on the sidelines looking for some consensus on which board seems to sound the best, preferably with minimal to zero mods (yes, I realize that the diyforum may not be the best place to look 😛).
Anyhow, I had some brief correspondence with rhing about the SMSL SA-60, and he suggested, although has not actually owned or tried, replacing the 5 caps with the panasonic oscons that have been mentioned several times in this thread. This may improve bass response on this finished unit.
If you're satisfied with the mids/highs, this may be the only mod you need. Otherwise, inductor coils would be the next logical mod from what I've gathered in this thread.