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Post by PinkFloyd on Oct 28, 2006 18:48:31 GMT
It's taken me long enough to get round to this but, at last, I'm satisfied that the ultrafast versions of the 1N4007 diode (the UF4007) make quite a big improvement in the X-CAN amplifiers. I've been playing about with quite a few types over the past couple of months and the UF4007 are definitely the ones I prefer. Their addition in the circuit brings about a definite improvement in timing, superb flow to the music and inky black silence between start / stops. The sonics have taken on an almost liquid character with these guys on board, a most noticeable improvement indeed... so much so I will be offering these in kit form along with a comprehensive installation manual. After much trial and error I find the UF4007 sounds best with a 10N ceramic capacitor paralleled onto it so the kit will come complete with these capacitors already soldered into position (see pic)  They're pretty much a breeze to install you simply desolder the existing diodes and solder the new UF4007's into position observing orientation (clearly marked on the PCB) and that's you good to go.... plug and play, if you like  You'll need six UF4007 modules for the V2, seven UF4007 modules for the V3 or five UF4007 modules for the X-10D. As I say, the modules I will be offering in kit form (with fitting instructions) will come ready soldered together so just a case of soldering them onto the PCB. Full details to be uploaded to www.rock-grotto.co.uk/xcanpropage.htm shortly. Pics of some UF4007 modules in a V2:    |
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rickcr42
Fully Modded
Rest in peace my good friend.
Posts: 4,514
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Post by rickcr42 on Oct 28, 2006 18:59:30 GMT
Lie mike,let the poor guy get some peace for cripes sake  |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Oct 28, 2006 19:09:29 GMT
Mike, would the same mods be an improvement on an X-Can V3? Please God let him say no!!! Otherwise I will have to ship my X-Can V3 accross the pond. Yes, most definitely, these ultrafasts have taken me by surprise just how big an improvement they make. As I say, I've been dabbling for a couple of months with my guinea pig amps (V1 V2 and V3) just to make sure they're 100% plug and play stable and they sound good... they are and they do. You won't have to send her over the pond just to get the diodes replaced Miguel, it's quite a simple procedure (honestly) as long as you've got a soldering iron? Obviously I'll be fitting this mod into your V2 when she arrives, combined with the cap mods the improvement is quite mind blowing compared to a stock amp, I'll send you 7 UF4007 modules back over with the V2 and you can fit them onto the V3 board no problems. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Oct 28, 2006 19:10:58 GMT
Lie mike,let the poor guy get some peace for cripes sake I couldn't do that Rick! And, may I say, the UF4007 has made quite the improvement.... simple but most effective |
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Post by bennyboy on Oct 29, 2006 17:31:30 GMT
Hey Miguel, Just get a 25 watt iron and a can of air, when you see the solder go shiney, blast it with the air and you'll get a perfect solder pad for the replacement part. (this is how I can do a full cap swap on a V3 in less than 20 mins). when your finished soldering, use your fingernail to remove the excess solder(it will fall off with ease).
Benny.
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Post by sometrolls2 on Oct 29, 2006 18:46:08 GMT
What difference do the 10N caps make?, also what voltage are you using there?
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Post by PinkFloyd on Oct 29, 2006 19:31:00 GMT
What difference do the 10N caps make?, also what voltage are you using there? Basically there to short out high frequency nasties, IN4007 are pretty grubby when they switch on and off and tend to radiate HF rubbish all through the amp... these ceramic snubbers help to reduce that a lot. Can also fit a resistor as well as the cap but I didn't bother... the diode and cap, I think, sounds better than just the UF on its own. 10nF X7R dielectric ceramic (100V / 125c) are good but you can use any type of 10nF ceramic as long as the voltage rating is 50V or more. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Oct 29, 2006 23:08:26 GMT
I'll be making these available as upgrade kits (capacitor will be soldered onto UF4007 by me) at very reasonable prices. Just working on the installation instructions now.
Mike.
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Post by sometrolls2 on Oct 29, 2006 23:18:58 GMT
thanks, its great when items costing pennies can really help
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Post by bennyboy on Nov 3, 2006 21:33:55 GMT
Thanks Mr. Pink! I broke down and installed the cap/diode upgrade and the sound of my V3 is yet raised again! Will the tinkering ever end?
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 3, 2006 22:44:09 GMT
Thanks Mr. Pink! I broke down and installed the cap/diode upgrade and the sound of my V3 is yet raised again! Will the tinkering ever end? Nice one Benny This may be my imagination but I'll run it by you anyway..... I changed the diodes on my very own V2 and there was an improvement, yes, but I was surprised how things improved further over a period of two days. It could have just been my imagination or it's possible those little ceramics need a few hours on them, just like the electrolytics, before giving their best sonically... let me know if you find much the same thing it'll be interesting. Mike. |
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Post by bennyboy on Nov 4, 2006 4:38:14 GMT
I installed them around 1030am, let the V3 warm up for 90 mins and than gave it a listen for about 45 mins. Left the amp on loud all day, got home about 6 hours later(had to go see Borat) Almost died laughing)and I've never heard the amp sound anywhere near this good! So I do think a little run in time is a plus. Benny.  |
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Fergus
100+
Done a David Ike and is now known as Godkin 
Posts: 197
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Post by Fergus on Dec 17, 2006 22:53:01 GMT
Completed the diode upgrade today. Also removed the 10uF bi-polars in the input stage as there was very little DC coming from the X-DAC V3. The X-CAN V3 has been running in for about six hours and it sounds fantastic. The soundstage has been opened up again - bags more detail and definition, but especially in the upper regions of the music. If you own either the V2 and V3 versions of the X-CAN this upgrade is a must. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 17, 2006 23:12:16 GMT
Completed the diode upgrade today. Also removed the 10uF bi-polars in the input stage as there was very little DC coming from the X-DAC V3. The X-CAN V3 has been running in for about six hours and it sounds fantastic. The soundstage has been opened up again - bags more detail and definition, but especially in the upper regions of the music. If you own either the V2 and V3 versions of the X-CAN this upgrade is a must. I was getting worried about you Fergus, thought you'd been electrocuted..... thank god you haven't removing the input caps does make an improvement, as do the UF4007..... glad you like it mate. Mike. |
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FauDrei
Been here a while! 
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Post by FauDrei on Mar 1, 2007 17:20:01 GMT
Have run across some X7R ceramics, 22nF, rated 100V. Are those any good in bypassing the UF4007s? You do use 10nF ceramics - will double capacity filter something that shouldn't be filtered?
Can they, after all, be used to bypass anything else in an X-Can V2 (have a whole bunch of 22nFs)?
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Post by jelosno on Mar 1, 2007 20:56:11 GMT
Mike,
do you still have these 1N4007 replacement 'kits'?
I want to upgrade 9 of the 1N4007s (8+1).
If you still have 'em I would like to go for 10 pieces.
Any suggestion to replace 4x 1N5401? They are next to the 1N4007s.
As for shipment it will go to Germany. I have a collection point there now ;D
Stefan
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FauDrei
Been here a while!
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Post by FauDrei on Mar 1, 2007 21:51:19 GMT
Hmm... By applying the same logic (and by checking RS Components web site) the "fast" version of 1N5401 diode should be UF5401 (or UF5402, UF5403...). Pretty much the same situation as with UF4007 diodes except UF54XX have 3 A current rating. Can't believe that I am getting used to this... Just a couple of days ago that was "double Dutch" ((C) PinkFloyd) to me. |
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Post by jelosno on Mar 1, 2007 22:35:58 GMT
Hmmm, still gibberish to me I will learn when I have more time. Promise! What bypass would I use then? Maybe I can source the stuff locally. Doubt it though ;D I also plan to replace the caps in the PS.  The three big ones are Rubycons (spelling?) but not BGs. Values? The others? I have to open the CDP A G A I N... Stefan |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Mar 2, 2007 12:52:51 GMT
Mike, do you still have these 1N4007 replacement 'kits'? Hi Stefan, Sure. I don't bother stitching the snubber caps on now as, to be quite honest, I couldn't detect any great deal of difference with them in place so I just fit the UF4007 bareback now...... PM me your details Stefan. All the best. Mike. |
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FauDrei
Been here a while!
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Post by FauDrei on Mar 9, 2007 11:13:12 GMT
Hmmm... no bypass for UF4007 from now on...
Still have load of 22nF 100V X7R ceramics. May I try them as bypass for UF4007s or any cap in X-Can V2? Is 22nF too big for bypassing? Is X7R ceramic type good enough for that?
...and another one: Can UF4004 be used instead UF4007 (UF4004 is rated 400V; UF4007 1000V)?
Thanks...
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