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Post by krisno on Jan 18, 2009 14:19:44 GMT
Hi guys I just received my X-canV2 from ebay. The guy said 'mint', I would say something else. It is also very microphonic, and my god the volume knob on that V2 is cheap stuff. I need to get a nicer knob for that... any ideas?  The DAC is a NOS based on 8xPhilips TDA1543... it is the most musical I have ever heard. Wide but still this coherent soundstage.(this was when using yulong as amp!) Have a look at the Rubicon caps, and the little silver box beside the heatsink there is a 1ppm 12.000mhz reclock module. You also see some Philips tantalum output caps I guess and something else.   For the X-canV2 I am using the stock power supply, but waiting for some Tungsram military 6922 tubes + the Elna mod kit and vol controller. So how does this sound? Not bad, but with solid state it sounded much better. I really hope a tube upgrade and mod will make the V2 better. I liked the V3 better I think, it was lusher, or maybe the memory is tricking me. It sounds a bit more realistic than solidstate, but not much more body at all vs the yulong. that suprises me.... and some stuff which sounded so fun on solidstate really is missing now on the V2. This thing really is bright..... and there is no foot tapping. hehe I have spend alot of money on this now, and been through like 3 tube amps... hehe... But hell, lets hope the 'mod' thing is worthwhile doing, and hope I manage to do it. If not I have to sell it and will get a good solidstate amp. The Solo is too expensive, so not sure what to get. The soldering iron even cost me a £50 hehe... well well.... K |
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Post by krisno on Jan 18, 2009 15:48:30 GMT
But the thing is kinda boring compared to even the cheap solidstate yulong, and its damn so bright.
I have allready orderd all the 1-5 points you are saying + Tungsram military grade 1971 nos tubes. But waiting for it both to arrive...
Will the thing with the mods become better, its so sharp..... and still laid back(like all tube equipment).
I think I have to get either a rudistor or Stello HP 100, but both are so intensly expensive.
But it feels like the V2 stock has better separation than V3.
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Post by dejanm on Jan 18, 2009 16:30:41 GMT
Brief remark: if you upgrade ZTX transistors (as described here) and if you put larger elkos in PSU then you have to go for better (stronger) transformer. Something like Little Pinky is necessary ... 1A is needed ...
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Post by krisno on Jan 18, 2009 16:34:07 GMT
I won't do that upgrade....
I start to get that tubes really is too much hassle.... its that harshness which just is not in solidstate. And solidstate is alot of fun in movies... this V2 sounds more solidstate than v3. But well, I orderd the mods. will see how that works out.
Anyone know where one can ordera Stello HP100 for a good price?
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 18, 2009 20:00:59 GMT
"bright", "microphonic" etc. etc........ all this points to the valves and is not generally indicative of the X-Can v2 experience..... I know EXACTLY what you're describing and, believe me, a simple valve roll will cure the problem. Expensive is not the word here..... a good pair of 6N23P is all you need (ie: a brand new pair of NOS) to get the v2 singing. Unless you are absolutely CERTAIN of your source don't waste money on so called NOS "boutique" valves, likelihood is you will receive used valves that have been "pulled" out of obsolete equipment.... as far as I am concerned unless the valves have been in storage in sealed cartons / factory boxes since the day they were produced then they are NOT NOS, they are USED. The cap kit will certainly inject life into the old girl, you can be assured of that, as will rolling in a new set of valves. The stock potentiometer is crap, agreed, if you fit a new ALPS pot (which you have ordered) you can fit a much better knob (which I have supplied with the pot  ) I've trimmed the pot shaft so it's simply a matter of soldering the pot into position and fitting the knob. Most of the v2's I have come across (had sent to me) sound pretty dire for one reason or another but 99% of the time a cap upgrade, PSU upgrade or valve swap sees them leaving me sounding like the dog's bollocks and, to date, every last person who has had the mods done has had nothing but good things to say about them ranging from "fantastic" to "orgasmic"...... Don't give up on this amp Kris, it's a little beauty but, like all fine instruments, requires fine tuning before it gives it's best....... All the best, Mike. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 18, 2009 20:02:59 GMT
Jesus man....... what the hell kind of camera are you using? it looks like you've smeared the lens with lard  |
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Post by krisno on Jan 18, 2009 20:57:47 GMT
Hi Mike.. thanks for lengthy reply.
I used this NOS DAC with my Yulong before I got this x-canv2 so I know how the dac should sound, and its 'dark' actually also, still this V2 is bright as hell.
1: The gain on this thing seems totally out of proportion. I adjust the volume above 1/4 and it kills my ears. The output on the DAC is up to spec, and no problem on yulong. It seems to distort when going above 12oclock. It is WAY louder than the V3 ever was,,
2: This thing is so damn bright, to be honest... I never ever heard a more fatiguing or worse amp in my life. The new V3 I had and the V8, amazingly better..
3: With a wash, (thanks for new knob btw) potentiometer and input jack it might look better, but design could been better..
It's too late for me to get one of your russian tubes. I heard that those russian tubes are a little laid back so I went for the tungsram(will send you pics once I get them) since this DAC is nos and little laid back. But that could have been a mistake.... as this V2 is the most forward thing I ever heard...
To be totally honest... my laptop jack output is much less fatiguing, and my new stock v3 using cheap DVD player sounded better...
But you think its the tubes which is killed? and the guy said he never used it...
I am happy I took the ELNA if they are somewhat warmer than Panasonic...
If the amp isn't 100% transformed with tubes, then I must just get the Stello HP100(discreete, looking nice SS) and call it a day!
This V2 doesnt sound like tube amp at all really...
hehe...... It really was a big let down, but we will se after tube + cap upgrade (+ soldering iron = £150 upgrade!!!!).
I used my cell phone... sorry.... Those nos 1543 phillips really turn hot btw. That heatsink is so warm...
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Post by krisno on Jan 18, 2009 21:11:26 GMT
I should have gotten a couple of tubes from you Rock .. hehe... I never listen. But maybe this guy on ebay is legit, I have no way to test the tubes once I get them.
Mike; If Tubes + mod really make this as nice as every one of you people are saying(and I trust you and noone else..) then you will get a order for another PSU. IF it really does improve sound? It actually has quite a bit of bass this thing even on stock power.
That will be my third damn little pinkie in less than 1 year... so maybe its discount time?!.. hehe ;D
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Post by krisno on Jan 19, 2009 12:59:53 GMT
I just received my MOD package from you Mike(!). Very nice looking parts, but damn, they are soo small, especially that volume controller. Maybe I could seek a electrician to do the work, will I really manage this? But maybe its simpler than eye surgery?!
Those 10uf caps also, smallest I have ever seen.
Btw, is solder enough to keep that volume controll stuck in place, do I need to glue it also?
Sultan 440uf output caps looks nice... !!
Hmm, that soldering will be very scary stuff.... Specially the pins on VOL control. So close and so small..I am gonna use a 3mm antec soldering iron
K
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Post by krisno on Jan 19, 2009 14:55:52 GMT
I have a positive thing to say.... dunno why, but compared to the stock V3(maybe it's the dac, I guess not), but even if the worst I have ever listned to(this xcan), the separation and spatial presentation is better on this than I ever thought tube could be.
So it is promising....!
mrarroyo, is a x-can2 PSU worth it you think, its not bad with this stock psu... except that its crap hehe
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Post by krisno on Jan 19, 2009 15:17:19 GMT
Oh no! Mike.... You have forgotten the LED! That little detail........ whattodo hehe... Where can I get one, 'blue light'.. Tell me, how many mm wide is that LED in the V2? I can order a 5mm led here in Norway, will it fit?? it is 5VOLT.... or what width must it be? www.microplex.no/aspx/produkt/prdinfovnet.aspx?plid=5549 |
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Post by krisno on Jan 19, 2009 20:23:35 GMT
Is this a monolog?? The X-canV2 is coming along nicly. I just took out the internal organs and cleaned the faceplate and front screws with some steelwool, cleaned the chassis also. It looks like new! Take a peek guys...   But I had a look at the circuit board. I will be able to do the caps mod, but that volume pot guys, how on earth am I going to solder that with a 3mm solder iron without shorting any of those circuits? Or can I short the solderings which are just opposite each other, as long as they don't cross? I had a look at it and it seems atleast 2 of those solderings are really into each other? what you guys say. How do I approach this volume pot, I don't dare to change it I guess.. but I must, it is really so crappy.. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2009 20:27:24 GMT
Exaggerated treble can give an artificial boost in soundstage, and apparent separation. Perhaps some modification performed by the previous owner has done this ?
It is possible that Mike's modifications, which make a more laid back amplifier sound better, may even make the situation worse.
See if you can find evidence of previous modifications, and advise Mike, who is the expert on these units.
If you post some decent photos, somebody may be able to notice any difference to standard.
SandyK
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Post by krisno on Jan 19, 2009 20:30:08 GMT
It is totally stock, never been opened before. Everything is normal, and Jan phillip tubes...
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2009 21:13:26 GMT
That's all I had when doing these mods, all went very smoothly.
I read the notes Mike sent with the kit VERY carefully AND all the pictorials on the other parts of the site i.e. not just the forum, checking each step as I went. Definitely possible, with care, using a 3mm.
Easy does it and enjoy.
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Post by krisno on Jan 19, 2009 22:38:56 GMT
cjarchez .. did you hear any major difference? I guess my major improvment will be the tube swap...
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2009 22:53:30 GMT
Krisno,
I did the Elna upgrade and the valve change at the same time.
The collective upgrade was VERY worthwhile as per all other comments here.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2009 0:57:39 GMT
I understand Mike also produces a twin output Pinkie, I know where I'd rather spend my hard-earned!
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Post by krisno on Jan 20, 2009 14:17:43 GMT
Hmm.. If I don't get my Tungsram 6922, NOS , marked HOVEDSEG (special quality , very few are made), I am leading bidder but just with 1$, but they start to be exstremly expensive.
So Mike, I think I will make an order with you tonight(if you can ship fast), for 2 matched of those lovly new Russian tubes you advertise on your page + that little X-canV2 led!
I will wire you money for it this evenning, if I don't get those tungsram I should maybe never have orderd... my god, the price went from $12 to $60 in like 5 minutes. hehe. $60 is my last offer...
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Post by krisno on Jan 20, 2009 14:33:41 GMT
Got me some very nice signalcables today.. Hand crafted in the US... But well, with the damn NOS dac I might should have gotten some silver to flesh out the top-end   |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 20, 2009 14:33:43 GMT
Oh no! Mike.... You have forgotten the LED! That little detail........ whattodo hehe... Where can I get one, 'blue light'.. Tell me, how many mm wide is that LED in the V2? I can order a 5mm led here in Norway, will it fit?? it is 5VOLT.... or what width must it be? www.microplex.no/aspx/produkt/prdinfovnet.aspx?plid=5549PM me your details again and I'll send over a nice purple LED Kris. Do NOT attempt to solder the pot into position unless you are 100% confident in your soldering skills, those pads lift easily.... if you can then practice on an old bit of PCB (you can poach these out of old radios, video players etc. at your local dump) You do not need "glue" to hold the pot in position, the solder is all you need  |
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Post by krisno on Jan 20, 2009 14:47:47 GMT
PF, you don't have any blue leds left? I will do it togehter with the tubes...
Well, how the heck is going to help me with that volume knob if I won't be able to do it myself?.. that is like a major part to shift out. The stock pot is the worst I ever in my life has seen.
Those russian tubes are they military grade? Have you heard how they are sounding? Mighty nice looking...
K
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 20, 2009 18:25:36 GMT
PF, you don't have any blue leds left? I will do it togehter with the tubes... Yes, I have bags of blue LED's I will make you up a LED assembly for the v2. Yes, I suppose you could throw them at people if you ran out of bullets...... Absolutely beautiful.... a real good find even though I say it myself. |
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Post by krisno on Jan 21, 2009 13:56:57 GMT
I made an order for you Mike yesterday evening....
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Post by krisno on Jan 21, 2009 14:12:40 GMT
Guys, can you tell me something... when sombody says 'these tubes are grain free'.... what does that mean soundwise? No fatiguing sharp highs?? Is that 'grain'?
Thanks.
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) I've trimmed the pot shaft so it's simply a matter of soldering the pot into position and fitting the knob.
