|
Post by festohead on May 26, 2012 15:11:51 GMT
Hi, I have just upgraded X-Can v3. Really simple and really worthwhile. Got me thinking, does anybody know of similar for MF pre and power amps?
|
|
|
Post by eightdigitword on May 27, 2012 22:11:35 GMT
Hi Festoheed,
I too am wondering this, I have taken an xcan v2, x-10D and an X-24k to what i believe are their sonic limits. I plan to open up my x-p100 and both x-as100 in the next few weeks as i have time off work.
The modifications to each unit so for are nothing short of spectacular. The stock xcan v2 was too disappointing to describe. modded with mikes kit and fed from a meaty toroidal and its sound is on another level. the stock X24k was near identical to a decent marantz, now its into the realm of players i would not let myself buy!
how good can the amps get?
what to mess with? below is a list MF do to amps:
Upload latest software specification, Check PSU caps ESR, replace if needed Realign volume control Adjust for minimum output DC offset Fit premium grade gold plated operational amp sockets Customise output chokes for fine tuned matching Pure copper noise nulling screen fitted to motorized volume control Replace operational amps with selected premium grade types Bypass PSU electrolytics with polycarbonate/polyester type Pure copper noise nulling belly band screen fitted to mains transformer Service selector switch and volume control Check channel balance exceeds original specification Replace internal L/S cables with LC/OFC low resistance type Realign power transformer Bypass all audio path electrolytics with high grade polypropylene Refurbish sockets, check for wear, replace if needed Replace decoupling caps with polycarbonate/polyester type Pure copper noise nulling screen fitted to PSU caps Check regulators for noise and voltage accuracy, replace if needed Replace PSU and supply bypass caps with high grade polypropylene Measure 4 output transistors for precision matching Precision re-bias Soak test over 10 days Computer recalibration to confirm that unit exceeds original specification Log owner name, model and serial number in Musical Fidelity archives Issue certificate signed by Antony Michaelson
what i plan to do is:
swap all diodes to faster ones
Test ESR of all caps, replace anyway!
swap film caps to better quality ones.
swap the two big power caps to big fancy ones. see Topic: MF X-A1, under musical fidelity X zone, page 9
I may mess around with some copper screen in certain areas
I may replace the internal cable. this has proven to be a waste of time on other units.
opamps and transitors will probably be left alone as the sound i have now is very, very nice. I may fit opamp sockets to test with.
swap the most used phono sockets, not to be under estimated!
you should look at: the PSU, (toroid in a box) will benefit from some filter caps and a ferrite magnet. see mikes Topic: Little Pinkie improvements in musical fidelity X zone, page 5 or 6
make a decent power cable, solid connections and an earthed shield
I will take pictures as i go and start a new topic documenting each step in the next few weeks.
|
|