X-CANS (V1) probably broken

[bandit]

Hi,

I bought a couple of years ago a new X-CAMS (V1) and used it almost every day (and of course never switched it off). Then I didn't checked it for a while (maybe 1 year) and now I realize that the sound is somehow distorted, more on the right channel while the left channel sounds more quiet.

Does this sounds like the valves are end of life? Does it make sense to replace it (maybe combined with an capacitor upgrade kit?

Cheers,
bandit

[PinkFloyd]

Mar 9, 2016 18:02:07 GMT bandit said:

Hi,

I bought a couple of years ago a new X-CAMS (V1) and used it almost every day (and of course never switched it off). Then I didn't checked it for a while (maybe 1 year) and now I realize that the sound is somehow distorted, more on the right channel while the left channel sounds more quiet.

Does this sounds like the valves are end of life? Does it make sense to replace it (maybe combined with an capacitor upgrade kit?

Cheers,
bandit

Hi Bandit,

If you have left it permanently powered on (which I don't recommend) then my guess is that a few of the capacitors have dried out AND the valves will, most certainly be past their best....... pop the hood and have a look at the capacitors, the 100uF next to the regulators are probably bulging and one or more of the 1000uF / 470uF will also show classic signs such as a slightly domed top.

The valves were probably at the end of their "in spec" working life after the first 600 hours...... they will most definitely be knackered if your V1 has been powered up for the past two years.

A lot of people think that a valve is "working" because it's "glowing"...... this isn't how it works...... The manufacturers specs are usually something like 500 hours (at a given max operating temperature)...... anything outwith that 500 hours, the values start to drift and are no longer the optimal value for the job in hand.

The valve will still "glow" but that doesn't mean it's delivering what it should..... a light bulb (lamp) will either give light or not, there's no inbetween..... it's either giving light or its filament has blown...... a valve is NOT like a lamp, it will keep on glowing for years but its original value will have deviated so much that it will not be operating within the parameters of the design.

Can you take a few photos of the capacitors on the top board Bandit? I bet you a pork pie that there are a few with domed tops.

Best regards,

Mike.

[bandit]

Hi Mike,

Here are some pictures of the old man ;-)

On Flickr as this board doesn't permit photo uploads: link

Indeed it was switched on more than 500 hours, even more than 5000 I think.

So changing the valves and doing the V1 capacitor upgrade could probably solve the problem?

Kind regards,
Andre

[PinkFloyd]

Mar 9, 2016 23:02:48 GMT bandit said:

Hi Mike,

Here are some pictures of the old man ;-)

On Flickr as this board doesn't permit photo uploads: link

Indeed it was switched on more than 500 hours, even more than 5000 I think.

So changing the valves and doing the V1 capacitor upgrade could probably solve the problem?

Kind regards,
Andre

Change the valves for certain, they will be absolute bin fodder after 5000 hours (trust me!). With regards to the caps, given the age and usage of the V1, I would definitely recommend you replace all of the electrolytic capacitors.

That will 101% solve the problem Bandit.

The upgrade kit, on the other hand, will not only solve the problem.... it will take the V1 to a totally new dimension in sonic space.

It all depends what you want to do..... are you happy (were you happy) with the way it was? If so, it's just a simple case replacing like for like with fresh parts and Bob's your Uncle...... if, however, you want your V1 to be subjected to sonic attack then I may be the man you should meet down that dark alley

Mike.

[bandit]

You have mail ;-)

Bandit

[PinkFloyd]

Mar 10, 2016 21:27:26 GMT bandit said:

You have mail ;-)

Bandit

I'll get back to you tomorrow evening..... it's 9:30pm in the UK and I am heading for bed

mIKE.