Work in progress

[Deleted]

Mike,

can you explain to me "in laymans terms" why those 1967 Russians, make such a MIND BLOWING improvement in SQ in my XCAN V3, over the later model ones, i usually hook my V3 up to my 701`s, but i have just tried the moded 681`s, with fantastic results, just dont understand how the same model of Valve can sound so different

[PinkFloyd]

Feb 10, 2010 22:39:32 GMT @heliharris said:

Mike,

can you explain to me "in laymans terms" why those 1967 Russians, make such a MIND BLOWING improvement in SQ in my XCAN V3, over the later model ones, i usually hook my V3 up to my 701`s, but i have just tried the moded 681`s, with fantastic results, just dont understand how the same model of Valve can sound so different

Hi Mick,

The earlier versions used the "EB" framework..... the 1969 versions you have are built like tanks..... take a trip back in time and remember 1969.... Concord, the cold war, man on the moon.... valves HAD to make the grade back then..... need I say more?

You've got one HELL of a rare Russian there.... enjoy

[PinkFloyd]

Feb 9, 2010 1:46:46 GMT mrarroyo said:

Hi Mike, today I received the X10-D I won on eBay. I hope it is fine since the previous owner sent me a 12 VDC PSU, different from the one he showed on the eBay advertisement. I have already contacted him and he swears it was an honest mistake (the correct PSU will be sent) and that he never used the 12 VDC PSU.

I did fire her up w/ one of your Little Pinkies PSU and she is working. So I would like to ship it to you for your magic. I would like you to:

1. Replace the red light with a purple one to match the X-Can V2 I have.
2. Replace the diode w/ the ultra fast ones.
3. Replace all the caps as you normally do.
4. Replace the two tube sockets w/ a pair of ceramic sockets.
5. I would like to buy from you a pair of Russian 6H23-EB tubes.
6. Replace the phono sockets with a new Gold Quad Phono Socket.
7. Installation of the damping stuff you put on the caps.

If it is ok with you I will pack the board and ship it to you next week. Please send me a PM with the total so I can pay for the parts, labor, and shipping.

Thanks.

You have a PM

[mrarroyo]

Thanks mate! Do you use a portable amp?

[PinkFloyd]

Feb 11, 2010 2:00:40 GMT mrarroyo said:

Thanks mate! Do you use a portable amp?

Hi Miguel,

No.... I never go anywhere and, when I do, I prefer to have my wits about me.... nothing worse than sitting on public transport with headphones on.... I prefer to talk and listen to people..... anyways.... no, I have no use for a portable other than sticking it in the amp museum

[PinkFloyd]

23rd February 2010 - Charles Fox's X-Can V3

Panasonic FM / FC, Samwha VA series (130C), Evox / Rifa, Input coupling caps removed and replaced with radial ferrite inductors, output coupling caps 1000uF non polar, UF 4001 Ultrafast diodes, new gold plated quad phono sockets and pair of 1976 vintage 6H23N Russians.

[PinkFloyd]

01st March 2010 - Miguel's X-10D

This post will be updated in the next few days as I am awaiting parts but here is the work, so far, on Miguels X-10D.

How it looked when it arrived:



A TOTAL stripdown:



And a good clean with isopropyl:



OK...... time to start populating the board...... first to go in is a pair of top quality ceramic valve bases:



The 2.1mm DC socket was looking a bit oxidized so I fitted a brand new one:



Next to go in are the diodes, I have fitted 100V / 47nF snubber caps onto them:



Diodes in position:




Next I fitted some EVOX / Rifa 470nF polypropylene coupling caps to replace the stock 220nF metal film types:



And then added a couple of 10uF non polar CapXon caps:



And a new purple LED assembly:



A couple of Panasonic FM / 1200uF:




And a nice shiny new gold plated quad phono socket:



So, it's looking like this at the moment:



Next up (as soon as they arrive) are a pair of EVOX 4.7uF coupling caps (to replace the stock 2.2uF metal film caps), a bank of 1800uF Panasonic FM caps (to replace the 470uf / 1000uF stock Jamicons) and a 2.5 ohm Mills non inductive power resistor (to replace the stock wirewound type).....

Tuesday 02nd March

The caps and resistors arrived Unfortunately the 1800uF they sent were too "fat" in diameter to fit so I decided to go with my stock 1200uF Panasonic FM instead) The EVOX / Rifa 4.7uF were also very large and it required shifting 4 resistors and a couple of links to get them to fit "comfortably" :



I decided to use a Kiwame (Japanese made / lovely sounding) power resistor.... the Mills was pretty much overkill for the application:



Panasonics in situ:



That's pretty much it! Got her on test now and, Miguel, prepare to be amazed! She sounds absolutely glorious Please do fit a pair of the Philips 6922 I'm sending in the X-10D, they're better than the stock 6DJ8.

A few more pics of the finished article:















Before:



After:

[mrarroyo]

Darn Mike, that is one awesome looking unit. It will sound amazing when paired the X-Can V2 you did for me back in 2006. Sure look forward to hearing it. Thanks.

[charlie]

Hi Mike

Modded X-can V3 and little pinky safely recd thanks, and now burning in. LP is smaller than expected and sits neatly out of sight on top of v3 in my rack. Glad it does not have a neon as the on off status is displayed by the switch and the V3 blue neon. Really useful to have an on/off switch on the PSU as opposed to having to pull the MF unit out of the power strip.

Curious as to why you have fitted the 1976 6H23N Russian valves. What changes in sound quality/balance do these typically bring over the standard Phillips valves?

Regards
Charles

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2010 3:08:55 GMT mrarroyo said:

Darn Mike, that is one awesome looking unit. It will sound amazing when paired the X-Can V2 you did for me back in 2006. Sure look forward to hearing it. Thanks.

Miguel,

Whatever Mike has done to my V2 has been a revelation in sound compared to the earlier modded version I had. I don't know how close my V2 was to yours but it is a completely different animal now. It has a huge, powerful valvey sound with an amazing attack on both transients and lower bass notes.

It has an awesome bass depth that just isn't reproduced in anything else that I have. It also has a sweetness to the sound that stays sweet with no harshness as the volume is increased. Imaging is really excellent - and that's something I have had a problem with for years on headphones. It makes the V8 seem thin in comparison.

The amp has a completely new character which is so dramatic, that I wondered whether Mike had put something else inside. I had a look and it even had the same valves so it has been done totally through component mods.

The K701 is breathtaking from the V2. It's definitely a top notch mod and puts the V2 into an even higher level. I would never have thought this standard of sound would ever emanate from the metal sausage.

Pictures of its internals are on this thread but the sound has to be heard to be believed.

It's worth doing big time. I can't turn it off now.

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

Mar 2, 2010 11:02:14 GMT charlie said:

Hi Mike

Modded X-can V3 and little pinky safely recd thanks, and now burning in. LP is smaller than expected and sits neatly out of sight on top of v3 in my rack. Glad it does not have a neon as the on off status is displayed by the switch and the V3 blue neon. Really useful to have an on/off switch on the PSU as opposed to having to pull the MF unit out of the power strip.

Curious as to why you have fitted the 1976 6H23N Russian valves. What changes in sound quality/balance do these typically bring over the standard Phillips valves?

Regards
Charles

Hi Charles,

I fitted them because they are "new" and I wasn't sure about how many hours you'd had on the stock 6922..... I consider it a job half done if I ship a freshly modded amp with used valves (even though they may be perfectly good).... you also have the benefit of using the 6922 or the Russians as spares Feel free to roll the 6922 back in and see what you prefer.

I would allow the V3 a "good" 200 hours to cook before expecting any major change in SQ (it "will" happen ) and that goes for the 6H23N as well.... they have been sitting in a box since 1976 so require a good few hours before they'll blossom.

The difference between the Philips 6922 and 6H23N? I'll let your own ears tell you Let the 6H23N cook for a few hours and then roll in the the 6922 for a listen (it's easy to open the amp up and a breeze swapping the valves)..... you won't do any damage.

Let me know how you get on Charles.

[PinkFloyd]

Miguel,

Update...... your X-10D "turbo" is now complete It has been a pleasure working on it and I hope you enjoy the sound.

Mike.

01st March 2010 - Miguel's X-10D

This post will be updated in the next few days as I am awaiting parts but here is the work, so far, on Miguels X-10D.

How it looked when it arrived:



A TOTAL stripdown:



And a good clean with isopropyl:



OK...... time to start populating the board...... first to go in is a pair of top quality ceramic valve bases:



The 2.1mm DC socket was looking a bit oxidized so I fitted a brand new one:



Next to go in are the diodes, I have fitted 100V / 47nF snubber caps onto them:



Diodes in position:




Next I fitted some EVOX / Rifa 470nF polypropylene coupling caps to replace the stock 220nF metal film types:



And then added a couple of 10uF non polar CapXon caps:



And a new purple LED assembly:



A couple of Panasonic FM / 1200uF:




And a nice shiny new gold plated quad phono socket:



So, it's looking like this at the moment:



Next up (as soon as they arrive) are a pair of EVOX 4.7uF coupling caps (to replace the stock 2.2uF metal film caps), a bank of 1800uF Panasonic FM caps (to replace the 470uf / 1000uF stock Jamicons) and a 2.5 ohm Mills non inductive power resistor (to replace the stock wirewound type).....

Tuesday 02nd March

The caps and resistors arrived Unfortunately the 1800uF they sent were too "fat" in diameter to fit so I decided to go with my stock 1200uF Panasonic FM instead) The EVOX / Rifa 4.7uF were also very large and it required shifting 4 resistors and a couple of links to get them to fit "comfortably" :



I decided to use a Kiwame (Japanese made / lovely sounding) power resistor.... the Mills was pretty much overkill for the application:



Panasonics in situ:



That's pretty much it! Got her on test now and, Miguel, prepare to be amazed! She sounds absolutely glorious Please do fit a pair of the Philips 6922 I'm sending in the X-10D, they're better than the stock 6DJ8.

A few more pics of the finished article:















Before:



After:

[PinkFloyd]

Mar 2, 2010 21:42:16 GMT @iancraig10 said:

Mar 2, 2010 3:08:55 GMT mrarroyo said:

Darn Mike, that is one awesome looking unit. It will sound amazing when paired the X-Can V2 you did for me back in 2006. Sure look forward to hearing it. Thanks.

Miguel,

Whatever Mike has done to my V2 has been a revelation in sound compared to the earlier modded version I had. I don't know how close my V2 was to yours but it is a completely different animal now. It has a huge, powerful valvey sound with an amazing attack on both transients and lower bass notes.

It has an awesome bass depth that just isn't reproduced in anything else that I have. It also has a sweetness to the sound that stays sweet with no harshness as the volume is increased. Imaging is really excellent - and that's something I have had a problem with for years on headphones. It makes the V8 seem thin in comparison.

The amp has a completely new character which is so dramatic, that I wondered whether Mike had put something else inside. I had a look and it even had the same valves so it has been done totally through component mods.

The K701 is breathtaking from the V2. It's definitely a top notch mod and puts the V2 into an even higher level. I would never have thought this standard of sound would ever emanate from the metal sausage.

Pictures of its internals are on this thread but the sound has to be heard to be believed.

It's worth doing big time. I can't turn it off now.

Ian

Hi Ian,

Basically, I sprinkled a bit of magic dust into it Nah, seriously, I bypassed the input tracks and fitted some twisted CAT5 wires, added some more capacitance to the PSU board and a couple of other minor tweaks......

Oh..... almost forgot..... I fitted a ferrite clamp to the Pinkie's output lead but that, according to Solderdude, won't make an iota of difference......

Just put it down to the magic dust

Mike.

[Deleted]

It's the most dramatic change I've ever heard in an amp. Also due to the fact that I knew its sound well because it's been used so much. I can't get over its sound and it's total lack of noise.

The K701's seem to have developed a huge bass that goes unbelievably deep too. It's a fantastic match.

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

Mar 2, 2010 22:03:15 GMT @iancraig10 said:

It's the most dramatic change I've ever heard in an amp. Also due to the fact that I knew its sound well because it's been used so much. I can't get over its sound and it's total lack of noise.

The K701's seem to have developed a huge bass that goes unbelievably deep too. It's a fantastic match.

Ian

May I recommend a relatively "cheap" tweak that will bring all you have into even MORE focus? Try one of these They work wonders with the sausages

Mike.

[mrarroyo]

Mike, only one word describes the work you have done: MAGIC!

Thanks, I will post the wonderful experience to be had. I hope I get to work instead of just listening to music!

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2010 22:42:10 GMT PinkFloyd said:

Mar 2, 2010 22:03:15 GMT @iancraig10 said:

It's the most dramatic change I've ever heard in an amp. Also due to the fact that I knew its sound well because it's been used so much. I can't get over its sound and it's total lack of noise.

The K701's seem to have developed a huge bass that goes unbelievably deep too. It's a fantastic match.

Ian

May I recommend a relatively "cheap" tweak that will bring all you have into even MORE focus? Try one of these They work wonders with the sausages

Mike.

One on order now!!

I have stuff on spikes, but the V2 is a bit hard to spike up.

Cheers Mike,

Ian

[Deleted]

Mar 3, 2010 18:28:17 GMT @iancraig10 said:

One on order now!!

I have stuff on spikes, but the V2 is a bit hard to spike up.

Cheers Mike,

Ian

Ian,

It is possible! I did it here ;D
I thought with good results too.

Those platforms do look the ticket though, trouble is I could easily buy a few of them of different sizes, better give the wallet the week off...

[Deleted]

Not bad at all at £30. The V2 has become such an enjoyable listen, it's just got to have my best gear on it and a reasonable support.

I've got to buy some of that magic dust 'cos it works big time!!

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

Miguel,

It was better light today so here are a few more pics of your X-10D (it will ship tommorrow BTW)








Crap soldering as usual





I've been listening to her strapped onto the NAD T585 into a Mr. Doudou Singer amp and it blew me away..... this is one SERIOUSLY nice sounding X-10D

[mrarroyo]

Looks awesome, I look forward to mating it w/ the X-Can V2 you did for me about 4 years ago. Thanks.

[itsinthecan]

Hi Mike,

I have sent you an order for some valves and made a paypal payment. Looks as if you have not received the emails, although I have confirmation of the payment. Please can you look into this please.

Thanks,

Gau Naik.

[PinkFloyd]

Mar 5, 2010 17:39:17 GMT itsinthecan said:

Hi Mike,

I have sent you an order for some valves and made a paypal payment. Looks as if you have not received the emails, although I have confirmation of the payment. Please can you look into this please.

Thanks,

Gau Naik.

Hi Gau,

Shipped this morning, should be with you tomorrow.

Mike.

[itsinthecan]

Thanks Mike.

G.N.

[PinkFloyd]

Mar 5, 2010 22:25:15 GMT itsinthecan said:

Thanks Mike.

G.N.

No probs man By the way, I have checked my spam filter and no sightings of an e-mail from you there..... I don't know what's happened there

Mike.