Hi all,
I am in a process of rebuilding some old gear, namely a TAG Mclaren processor with new capacitors as the current ones are reaching the 15y old mark. This is done for quite a lot of folks and apparently is sufficient to fix some error codes / glitches that the processor exhibits in a device of this age.
Meanwhile, i was wondering if it would be sensible to "recap" the AKSA power amps after 2 decades of good old service too ? My eldest amps from Hugh are the AKSA 100N, dont remember the exact date but probably getting to 20 years now.....that is a lot ....wow...time flies.
Does it make sense to touch it, if no problem seem to be happening ?
Is there a % reduction in say power supply reservoir capacity with a 20 year old psu ? TAG fans seem to refer that a 10 year old amp, probably is at 70% capacity and this can be noticed in "midrange and bass". Does this make any sense ?
I honestly cant say if anything sounds different from 20y ago...as my memory is not THAT good.
Food for thought and discussion
SAF
I am in a process of rebuilding some old gear, namely a TAG Mclaren processor with new capacitors as the current ones are reaching the 15y old mark. This is done for quite a lot of folks and apparently is sufficient to fix some error codes / glitches that the processor exhibits in a device of this age.
Meanwhile, i was wondering if it would be sensible to "recap" the AKSA power amps after 2 decades of good old service too ? My eldest amps from Hugh are the AKSA 100N, dont remember the exact date but probably getting to 20 years now.....that is a lot ....wow...time flies.
Does it make sense to touch it, if no problem seem to be happening ?
Is there a % reduction in say power supply reservoir capacity with a 20 year old psu ? TAG fans seem to refer that a 10 year old amp, probably is at 70% capacity and this can be noticed in "midrange and bass". Does this make any sense ?
I honestly cant say if anything sounds different from 20y ago...as my memory is not THAT good.
Food for thought and discussion
SAF
Hi Felipe,
Thanks for the post! My golly and old AKSA, even my prototype has already gone to god........
I would simply replace the eight 4,700uF 63VW power supply. You should notice an improvement in sound quality, particularly bass.
I hope your summer in Porto is lovely; I have a good friend who loves your town, and even Alessandra, my youngest in NYC, has been there too and loved it!
Cheers,
Hugh
Thanks for the post! My golly and old AKSA, even my prototype has already gone to god........
I would simply replace the eight 4,700uF 63VW power supply. You should notice an improvement in sound quality, particularly bass.
I hope your summer in Porto is lovely; I have a good friend who loves your town, and even Alessandra, my youngest in NYC, has been there too and loved it!
Cheers,
Hugh
Hi Hugh !
Thanks for replying about the capacitors.
So your judgement is not to touch the amp PCB, just change the PSU right?
Those caps are easy enough to source, any brand recommendation? Nichicon?
Summer in Porto is breezing lovely. I have still to take a few weeks off work this year, the wife and kids are demanding it to be next month. Will do.
Pandemic is forcing us to stay close to home these holidays, but we will make it work anyways. Granpa's swimming pool is close enough
This forum has been too quiet. Where are you posting your new amps now?
How is the ClassA project coming along ? Are you selling already?
All the best
Filipe
Thanks for replying about the capacitors.
So your judgement is not to touch the amp PCB, just change the PSU right?
Those caps are easy enough to source, any brand recommendation? Nichicon?
Summer in Porto is breezing lovely. I have still to take a few weeks off work this year, the wife and kids are demanding it to be next month. Will do.
Pandemic is forcing us to stay close to home these holidays, but we will make it work anyways. Granpa's swimming pool is close enough
This forum has been too quiet. Where are you posting your new amps now?
How is the ClassA project coming along ? Are you selling already?
All the best
Filipe
Hi Felipe,
Yes, just replace the ps caps and the sound should improve and yes, I like Nichicon in this role. Electros do degrade over time, but generally if they are used a lot they last longer. If they are not used, or they are kept in hot conditions, they can degrade quite quickly, aroune 7 or 8 years. But these day there are different grades of caps, starting at 1k hours right through to 10k hours durability. You can also specify different max temperatures; 85C is normal, but you can now buy 105C and 125C caps which can be used in tougher environments.
I now sell less amps than in my fifties, and I sell fully built and tested modules which of course sell in smaller numbers than kits. I had to do this to reduce my email support, which was up to 15 hours a day. And of course in the last two decades we have seen the rise and rise of China, and now people can buy amps with amazing features for peanuts, and of course everyone loves champagne tastes on beer income! Most of the Chinese products are average to bad quality, but their quality is improving as they learn very quickly. At the same time the Asian Tiger is standing proud these days, and a number of western countries are starting to realise they no longer manufacture anything and they are defenceless, and seeing rising unemployment. So I expect this situation will not last forever, so I continue to design and test new amps.
I have done a very good Class A amp, in fact a couple, the Glass Harmony and the Alpha Omega. But I'm affronted by the energy waste, they dissipate at least 100W per channel, and in our new green world I shy away from them. Instead I continue to try to design an AB amplifier that sounds as good as a Class A, and I am getting better.... watch this space, a new amp will be released, a mid-range 125W AB amp in monoblock, in the next few months. It will take its position between the entry level AB SAKSA 85 and the flagship Maya 200 which you use! I will offer it at middle cost (around $1800 for two modules) ready for Xmas this year.
Thanks for your continuing interest, Felipe! Life goes on, your boys are quickly turning into young men, and my eldest has just produced a grandchild, our first! I'm getting old, but I do sell still, and I am getting better at designing too!
Ciao,
Hugh
Yes, just replace the ps caps and the sound should improve and yes, I like Nichicon in this role. Electros do degrade over time, but generally if they are used a lot they last longer. If they are not used, or they are kept in hot conditions, they can degrade quite quickly, aroune 7 or 8 years. But these day there are different grades of caps, starting at 1k hours right through to 10k hours durability. You can also specify different max temperatures; 85C is normal, but you can now buy 105C and 125C caps which can be used in tougher environments.
I now sell less amps than in my fifties, and I sell fully built and tested modules which of course sell in smaller numbers than kits. I had to do this to reduce my email support, which was up to 15 hours a day. And of course in the last two decades we have seen the rise and rise of China, and now people can buy amps with amazing features for peanuts, and of course everyone loves champagne tastes on beer income! Most of the Chinese products are average to bad quality, but their quality is improving as they learn very quickly. At the same time the Asian Tiger is standing proud these days, and a number of western countries are starting to realise they no longer manufacture anything and they are defenceless, and seeing rising unemployment. So I expect this situation will not last forever, so I continue to design and test new amps.
I have done a very good Class A amp, in fact a couple, the Glass Harmony and the Alpha Omega. But I'm affronted by the energy waste, they dissipate at least 100W per channel, and in our new green world I shy away from them. Instead I continue to try to design an AB amplifier that sounds as good as a Class A, and I am getting better.... watch this space, a new amp will be released, a mid-range 125W AB amp in monoblock, in the next few months. It will take its position between the entry level AB SAKSA 85 and the flagship Maya 200 which you use! I will offer it at middle cost (around $1800 for two modules) ready for Xmas this year.
Thanks for your continuing interest, Felipe! Life goes on, your boys are quickly turning into young men, and my eldest has just produced a grandchild, our first! I'm getting old, but I do sell still, and I am getting better at designing too!
Ciao,
Hugh
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My Thanks, Audiostar!
You have been a strong supporter on this forum over years, and I thank you for your interest and goodwill. This industry is very crowded, with huge choices of products and any support is always appreciated.
Like anyone in audio, I have had my share of good ideas and while I'm now an OB (old bugger) I find I still have good ideas. It takes me more time to get my ideas into products, but they still come, often over a quiet coffee or standing dreaming under the morning shower........
The Titan will be one trafo per channel, and 125W in monoblock. I will even offer it with the case used for the SAKSA. It is a highly refined version of the original AKSA 100 with more monkey tricks than a mile of jungle vine. It also incorporates the protection system used in the Maya.
Ciao,
Hugh
You have been a strong supporter on this forum over years, and I thank you for your interest and goodwill. This industry is very crowded, with huge choices of products and any support is always appreciated.
Like anyone in audio, I have had my share of good ideas and while I'm now an OB (old bugger) I find I still have good ideas. It takes me more time to get my ideas into products, but they still come, often over a quiet coffee or standing dreaming under the morning shower........
The Titan will be one trafo per channel, and 125W in monoblock. I will even offer it with the case used for the SAKSA. It is a highly refined version of the original AKSA 100 with more monkey tricks than a mile of jungle vine. It also incorporates the protection system used in the Maya.
Ciao,
Hugh
Lockdown
Hi Audiostar,
The reason Melbourne has done so well through this Covid stuff has been a draconian lockdown. Melbourne is now in the third lockdown, this one only three weeks, but the second was 113 days. The result has been catastrophe for many businesses, particularly tourism and retail.
My business has been affected but not too much. I do not operate at a fever pitch these days; my days of running 12 hour days are after. I regret it; but my body was battered by heart issues some years back and my physical energies now are low. It's a major issue for me to change the oil on my cars!
Of every three amps I develop only one becomes a product. Sometimes I have a good amp, like the NAKSA 275, which were quickly replaced by something demonstrably better. In that case it was the Maya, which remains my best and most impressive amp. So the 275 bit the dirt, BUT it sporned the SAKSA 85 which has always been a wonderful amp with great flexibility.
Thanks for the questions!! Say, have you moved back to Hawaii? I thought you'd moved to Florida!
Hugh
Hi Audiostar,
The reason Melbourne has done so well through this Covid stuff has been a draconian lockdown. Melbourne is now in the third lockdown, this one only three weeks, but the second was 113 days. The result has been catastrophe for many businesses, particularly tourism and retail.
My business has been affected but not too much. I do not operate at a fever pitch these days; my days of running 12 hour days are after. I regret it; but my body was battered by heart issues some years back and my physical energies now are low. It's a major issue for me to change the oil on my cars!
Of every three amps I develop only one becomes a product. Sometimes I have a good amp, like the NAKSA 275, which were quickly replaced by something demonstrably better. In that case it was the Maya, which remains my best and most impressive amp. So the 275 bit the dirt, BUT it sporned the SAKSA 85 which has always been a wonderful amp with great flexibility.
Thanks for the questions!! Say, have you moved back to Hawaii? I thought you'd moved to Florida!
Hugh
Hi Hugh,
Do you listen to turntable or digital? Hawaii has always been my home, except when I was
in the military and went all over the place. You and I are getting old and maybe one day science will find the fountain of youth. You must train someone to take over so AKSA can live forever, that is customer service.
Do you listen to turntable or digital? Hawaii has always been my home, except when I was
in the military and went all over the place. You and I are getting old and maybe one day science will find the fountain of youth. You must train someone to take over so AKSA can live forever, that is customer service.
Hi AS,
My mistake, weekends I can be a bit tardy getting to the forum.
I now have an old (2005) Marantz SA7001 which has been modded for a superior output stage. It was owned by Steve Harrison, who bought the latest 18 months back at high cost and gave it to me! This SA7001 is VERY good, far better than anything I'd owned before, and most of my listening is CD/DVD. I do not have a turntable, but I try to aim for 'Tube grace and SS muscle' in the amplification if you know my thinking....... I do have a good laptop, couple of HDD and a JRiver server on my PC, and a Cambridge DAC Magic as well I bought from a wonderful friend who is a retired pharmacist, and I have a lot of CDs ripped to my HDDs borrowed from many friends like Marty Walker as well. For testing purposes, I use the 2006 NY Rave audiophile tracks, given me from a good friend in the Club years ago at RMAF, and a couple of Jen's CDs from Denmark, one of my very old customers living in Copenhagen who has visited and stayed with us on his wide ranging travels (pre-Covid!). These tracks are carefully chosen to reveal all the issues audiophiles like to chat about, PRAT, Imaging, Engagement, Dynamics, Micro-dynamics and so on.
So you were in the military, huh? I have never ever talked to a vet whose life was not radically changed by military service, particularly the ones who served in active service.
Cheers,
Hugh
My mistake, weekends I can be a bit tardy getting to the forum.
I now have an old (2005) Marantz SA7001 which has been modded for a superior output stage. It was owned by Steve Harrison, who bought the latest 18 months back at high cost and gave it to me! This SA7001 is VERY good, far better than anything I'd owned before, and most of my listening is CD/DVD. I do not have a turntable, but I try to aim for 'Tube grace and SS muscle' in the amplification if you know my thinking....... I do have a good laptop, couple of HDD and a JRiver server on my PC, and a Cambridge DAC Magic as well I bought from a wonderful friend who is a retired pharmacist, and I have a lot of CDs ripped to my HDDs borrowed from many friends like Marty Walker as well. For testing purposes, I use the 2006 NY Rave audiophile tracks, given me from a good friend in the Club years ago at RMAF, and a couple of Jen's CDs from Denmark, one of my very old customers living in Copenhagen who has visited and stayed with us on his wide ranging travels (pre-Covid!). These tracks are carefully chosen to reveal all the issues audiophiles like to chat about, PRAT, Imaging, Engagement, Dynamics, Micro-dynamics and so on.
So you were in the military, huh? I have never ever talked to a vet whose life was not radically changed by military service, particularly the ones who served in active service.
Cheers,
Hugh
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Hi Hugh,
You are wise not to buy vinyl, as it is more expensive then digital. If you are into diy, now is your chance to get all issues of Linear Audio magazine by Jan Didden. Single USB stick for $99 at diyaudio store. A super deal for such important work. Please note magazine was discontinued.
You are wise not to buy vinyl, as it is more expensive then digital. If you are into diy, now is your chance to get all issues of Linear Audio magazine by Jan Didden. Single USB stick for $99 at diyaudio store. A super deal for such important work. Please note magazine was discontinued.
Hugh,
A bit hard to get 4700uF good quality caps around here and I struggle to order from outside EU as everything gets taxed now and veeeery long posting times.
The 10,000uF Elna caps are much more common and seem to be same size. Would this be adequate or just too much capacitance? The aksa uses 4x 4700uf so instead of 20,000uF I would end up with 40,000uF. This would let me just use same PCB board with no modification.
Too much?
A bit hard to get 4700uF good quality caps around here and I struggle to order from outside EU as everything gets taxed now and veeeery long posting times.
The 10,000uF Elna caps are much more common and seem to be same size. Would this be adequate or just too much capacitance? The aksa uses 4x 4700uf so instead of 20,000uF I would end up with 40,000uF. This would let me just use same PCB board with no modification.
Too much?
Hi Felipe,
3,300uF or 6,800uF would be fine. 10,000uF could be a bridge too far, because it stresses the rectifiers, which would have to be double. They are 15A Philips Ultra Fast Slow Recovery (UFSR) and for a bigger cap should be 25A.
Covid has restricted large ranges of products from Digikey and Mouser and many are now not available at all. Ah, a small virus, who would have expected this?
Hugh
3,300uF or 6,800uF would be fine. 10,000uF could be a bridge too far, because it stresses the rectifiers, which would have to be double. They are 15A Philips Ultra Fast Slow Recovery (UFSR) and for a bigger cap should be 25A.
Covid has restricted large ranges of products from Digikey and Mouser and many are now not available at all. Ah, a small virus, who would have expected this?
Hugh
I got my hands on some Nichicon 4700uF 63V, same diameter 30mm !!So i can use the same PCB .Nice
Hugh, scrolling through my pile of boxes of components and stuff i came across 2x new PCB of the LifeForce 100 !!! Brand new untouched , plus the schematic with the parts list !
No parts to be found though. I'm in the mood for a challenge, i am going to start sourcing components, this is a fun project.
Are there special components that are particularly hard to find ? Or maybe discontinued and have to be "replaced" ?
Cheers from PT
Filipe
Hugh, scrolling through my pile of boxes of components and stuff i came across 2x new PCB of the LifeForce 100 !!! Brand new untouched , plus the schematic with the parts list !
No parts to be found though. I'm in the mood for a challenge, i am going to start sourcing components, this is a fun project.
Are there special components that are particularly hard to find ? Or maybe discontinued and have to be "replaced" ?
Cheers from PT
Filipe
Hi Felipe,
Wow, you have an old Lifeforce! There were a number of versions, too.
That was a lovely amp, actually, and one of the first I tried nesting feedback. It had a CFP input stage, gave wonderful bass and clarity.
If you send me a photo of both sides, I will try to help you with component choices for best sound!
Hugh
Wow, you have an old Lifeforce! There were a number of versions, too.
That was a lovely amp, actually, and one of the first I tried nesting feedback. It had a CFP input stage, gave wonderful bass and clarity.
If you send me a photo of both sides, I will try to help you with component choices for best sound!
Hugh
Apologies AS,
I just saw this now....... sleep at the wheel!
I do not listen to vinyl, actually never liked it because it is so fragile. But I do enjoy the sound, all that even harmonics.......
I use a HP laptop with Windows 10, Pentium I5, JRiver and a Cambridge DAC Magic. I have quite a bit of 24/96 HD files too, most of which are poorly recorded, just like 16/44. I do not have Spotify or Tidal, too mean!
I thought of my service career as Afghanis were scrabbling onto airplanes at Hamid Karzai Airport this morning. I think of how much our respective countries tried so hard to maintain democracy, and how quickly it toppled when they decided to leave. 2000 GIs, trillions of dollars, and little gained. Sad for you and I.
Ah, customer service!! Who could replace my valiant service over twenty years!! No one looking for a buck, for certain........!!
Hugh
I just saw this now....... sleep at the wheel!
I do not listen to vinyl, actually never liked it because it is so fragile. But I do enjoy the sound, all that even harmonics.......
I use a HP laptop with Windows 10, Pentium I5, JRiver and a Cambridge DAC Magic. I have quite a bit of 24/96 HD files too, most of which are poorly recorded, just like 16/44. I do not have Spotify or Tidal, too mean!
I thought of my service career as Afghanis were scrabbling onto airplanes at Hamid Karzai Airport this morning. I think of how much our respective countries tried so hard to maintain democracy, and how quickly it toppled when they decided to leave. 2000 GIs, trillions of dollars, and little gained. Sad for you and I.
Ah, customer service!! Who could replace my valiant service over twenty years!! No one looking for a buck, for certain........!!
Hugh
Hi Hugh,
1. On post #11 you stated that you do not own a turntable. Vinyl is not fragile, tape is.
2. We should not talk politics because some people will hate us for what we say. At least when we get mad, we can listen to our hifi and get happy. But in reality politics is like hifi, we get very mad and emotional about the subject. Enough of that.
3. stvnharr (Steve Harrison) can take over for you. He has all the schematics, right?
4. Making any progress on Titan? How does it look so far?
1. On post #11 you stated that you do not own a turntable. Vinyl is not fragile, tape is.
2. We should not talk politics because some people will hate us for what we say. At least when we get mad, we can listen to our hifi and get happy. But in reality politics is like hifi, we get very mad and emotional about the subject. Enough of that.
3. stvnharr (Steve Harrison) can take over for you. He has all the schematics, right?
4. Making any progress on Titan? How does it look so far?