X-CAN V8P plus tweaks / mods

[Deleted]

Absolutely Chris. They look friggin' great together. I'll have to get the camera out and do some photos for the wedding album!!

[PinkFloyd]

Hopefully, it's giving more welly now?

If anything she is giving more of what she gave before Ian...... This is a "classy" listen with a good voice.... think more along the lines of rogers ls3 5a nearfield than Tannoy Westminster

A very intimate / revealing listen.

I will say no more..... you let me know what "you" think when she returns to base..... if you still want to sell her give me first refusal

[Deleted]

Ok Mike. Looks like the V8 is a different beast compared to the others. I think my hearing is pretty similar to yours (which is very useful for me, at least?) so I will most likely hear similar stuff to yourself.

I presume you are listening on hd250? If you are, I presume it's giving out that sub bass? One thing that I noticed with my tired ones was that it gave less down there than other amps. I felt that the addition of the SE would help with that. K701 was also a slightly 'edgy' listen on it.

For me, the V8 has been an on/off thing, Good clean listen but had you craving for more guts after a while.

It'll be really interesting to hear changes.

Home today thank goodness. Away from all this noise!! You wouldn't believe the traffic noise in a tiny village and bird watchers looking in the windows on their way past.

To use the internet here, I have to sit right on a window or else I don't get a signal so when I'm sitting here with AT A500's on my head typing on a computer, they must think I'm a nutter!!

Back to normal this afternoon. (And my X-Cans ...)

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

bird watchers looking in the windows on their way past

Perverts? Wearing macs? Candid photography? peeping toms? You better get out of that window Ian, you may get a few gays thinking you are advertising your wares in the window

I can't do with all that traffic noise now.... so used to total silence..... when I used to visit the Welsh woman she lived near a dual carriage way.... bloody hell, vroom vroom vroom 24/7! and then there were the "neighbours".... bloomin' "strimmers" and lawnmowers going all the time, car doors slamming, alarms going off..... nah, I prefer total silence these days.

[Deleted]

Well, I'm home ....... Back to peace and quiet. The only pervert here is me! (so I know where I'm coming from ;-)) So quiet, even the internet doesn't work so I'm down to a mobile phone.

So nice to hear my V1 and 2 again. Back to normality. So if I'm quiet, I haven't got the 'ump. Last time I had a problem, I got loads of emails asking if I was ok!! It's blasted BT again.

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

WHAT a difference a day makes! I wasn't really tenting last night listening to the V8, it sounded great but slightly "thin".... Oh MY GOD, 24 hours burn in under it's belt and it has blossomed something crazy!!

You asked about the sub bass Ian..... it has appeared! I have been listening to a few select Yello tracks this evening and, for the first time in a long while, have heard things in the recordings I have never heard before, the detail retrieval is SUBLIME

I am NOT going to say anymore here, I hate blowing my own trumpet, and will leave it up to you to make of it what you will Ian.... just one more little tweak tomorrow (remove the input coupling caps) and that should make it an even MORE revealing listen..... what source will you be using? Before removing the coupling caps I need to know that your source has no DC on it's output (it shouldn't have if it's a relatively good quality one)...... I hope to ship back to you on Tuesday.

[Deleted]

Aha the bass has kicked in! Filling all those capacitors with petrol. That's what it is. The reason I asked about the bass was the fact that you noticed it big time on the last V8 and my feelings were along the lines of combining the 'glass' type clarity of the V8 with deep bass and it must sound good. Sounds like the bass has indeed kicked in. Great!!!

I'll be using two sources - cd player (Naim) and lossless/wavs from IPod Classic via dock connection.

I had a feeling it would get fruity!!

Just thought - another source will probably be the Mini Ape for wav files and the iPod for compressed stuff.

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

Apr 16, 2011 21:20:46 GMT @iancraig10 said:

Aha the bass has kicked in! Filling all those capacitors with petrol. That's what it is. The reason I asked about the bass was the fact that you noticed it big time on the last V8 and my feelings were along the lines of combining the 'glass' type clarity of the V8 with deep bass and it must sound good. Sounds like the bass has indeed kicked in. Great!!!

I'll be using two sources - cd player (Naim) and lossless/wavs from IPod Classic via dock connection.

I had a feeling it would get fruity!!

Just thought - another source will probably be the Mini Ape for wav files and the iPod for compressed stuff.

Ian

OK..... I have removed the input coupling caps and, "woweeee!!", yet another window has been opened.... I could say the window has been cleaned but that would be an understatement..... I would rather say "open window" or if we really want to get down in a caveman style..... NO window

Be warned..... from "cold" the V8 is no great cheese, it requires a GOOD two hours to really come on song and I would be tempted to leave it on 24/7/365 if you are using it as a "permanent" amp Ian.

I wouldn't normally advise this but with military grade valves and 105C "long life" caps under the bonnet this is a prime candidate for "always on" duty, the Special Edition Pinkie doesn't even get "lukewarm"....... perfectly good to leave this combo powered up all the time and "essential" if you want the ultimate SQ "on tap" the moment you put your headphones on.

The gain is just perfect for me (HD-600 / HD-250ll linear) and my sweetspot is about 11 o' clock though I wind down to about 9 o' clock if I'm at the computer "multi tasking"..... I can't reply to e-mails (concentrate) when things are too loud.

Ian, I will send you over a pair of HD-250ll linear with the amp / Pinkie.... they are VERY close to my reference pair, maybe "slightly" (and I mean VERY slightly) less bassy but more info going down in the midband.... See how you get on with them, they have about 250 hours on them so are pretty much bedded in.... they may well blossom with further use .

I'll send back the "1969" 6N23P.... they measure good on my tube imp and I reckon they will sound the dog's nads in the V1..... I plan to ship on Tuesday morning (special delivery) so you will have the package on Wednesday.

Mike.

[PinkFloyd]

Ian..... I have set the output impedance @ 10 ohms.... the MF "1" ohm OP was a bit unusable (IMO)..... Please do try the amp with the inline impedance adaptor I sent you a while back.... (120 ohm)

I am in the process of making a switchable impedance adaptor but it will only work with headphone amps that have a close to "zero" impedance output to start with.... ie: Zero / 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60 / 70 / 80 / 90 / 100 / 110/ 120 settings.....

All sounds much the same to my ears but, yes, when you concentrate, there are slight differences.

[Deleted]

OK Mike. Thank you SO MUCH for all the work you've put into the V8. It'll be really interesting to hear the differences since this is the only X-Can I've ever heard in stock form and it was basically the V2 that made me feel that something was missing with the V8. I guess it just didn't sound as involving.

To be honest, I find the V2 gets better after an hour or so warm up as well. I tend to leave it running on weekends or if I'm around for longer periods of time.

I've been using the AT A500 for a short while now and that has quite a thunderous sounding bottom end. It kind of replaced the Senn 250 for me. I feel the mids are a bit recessed in the Beyer DT770 and the AT has more in that region although not as extended in the treble and not as low in the bass. It works well with the V2 which surprised me because although it is a low impedance headphone, it does take quite a lot of current to drive it well. Attaching it to an IPod without amping shows that well, it kind of gets compressed sounding but the V2 brings the dynamics to life.

The adapter that I have is 38 ohms to match the Panda to K701. Funnily enough I can (just) hear a difference somewhere in the treble and only on the K701. I guess the top end of the AKG would show differences in treble more than most headphones.

I always feel a craving for more bass though after listening on K701 for a while. The bass is there; especially on the Panda but I miss that deep impact and slam that you get with the likes of HD250. The AT-a500 gives a good whack but doesn't match the more extended treble of the HD250.

Really looking forward to V8 and SE!! Big dynamics and the clarity of the amp.

Many thanks Mike. It's really appreciated as you know!!!

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

All ready to go Ian, I'll get it posted tomorrow (if I don't collapse on the way to post office with the weight of all these packages.... 7 to send tomorrow) I have put everything in one large box so make sure you don't chuck anything in the bin.... the headphones are inside some foam but I marked everything

I have JUST noticed that the rubber strips on the Pinkie are going to be problematic..... I went to dust my own Pinkie and the strips had slightly "migrated" from their position.... not good so I am going to replace them with rubber feet.

Pretty much a sticky mess when you remove the strips but if you run your thumb along it it will come off..... I am not going to open your box at this hour so when the Pinkie arrives, remove the rubber strips..... I will send you replacement feet as soon as they arrive (I have just ordered a batch).....

Let everything warm up for an hour or so.... hope you like it

Mike.

[elysion]

Apr 17, 2011 21:51:05 GMT @iancraig10 said:

To be honest, I find the V2 gets better after an hour or so warm up as well. I tend to leave it running on weekends or if I'm around for longer periods of time.

I made the same experience. I've measured also the temperature of the case (outside). I did this with the V2 and V3 and both had about an hour to warm up and finally stabilize at operating temparture. Initially, the temperature rises rather fast, but it needs up to an hour to settle at the final temperature.

Miguel made similar experiences.

[Deleted]

Apr 18, 2011 21:31:35 GMT PinkFloyd said:

All ready to go Ian, I'll get it posted tomorrow (if I don't collapse on the way to post office with the weight of all these packages.... 7 to send tomorrow) I have put everything in one large box so make sure you don't chuck anything in the bin.... the headphones are inside some foam but I marked everything

I have JUST noticed that the rubber strips on the Pinkie are going to be problematic..... I went to dust my own Pinkie and the strips had slightly "migrated" from their position.... not good so I am going to replace them with rubber feet.

Pretty much a sticky mess when you remove the strips but if you run your thumb along it it will come off..... I am not going to open your box at this hour so when the Pinkie arrives, remove the rubber strips..... I will send you replacement feet as soon as they arrive (I have just ordered a batch).....

Let everything warm up for an hour or so.... hope you like it

Mike.

Many, many thanks Mike. I'm really looking forward to hearing changes since until now, it has been one of my weaker amps in terms of bass clout.

Hopefully the V8 will arrive with a new BT hub so I can get back on to the Internet rather than use a phone!! Poking around on a small screen is a pain and I've been on this now for nearly two weeks.

I'll get back as soon as it all arrives.

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

Shipped today Ian and from the most northerly post office too! "west end stores" Port Skerra.... I had some real bulky packages today so decided to go up there as Kenny (the bus driver) always gives me a hand into the post office if I have a load.... anyways, it is guaranteed for delivery tomorrow so let's see what time it arrives after it's 700 mile journey to you!

I am a GREAT fan of the Royal Mail, to think I can post a package from the northern most post office on mainland UK and you will receive it the next day is just incredible.... I have NO time for these couriers who are as good as useless up here AND they charge the earth..... no way could they do next day to the Highlands but the Royal Mail always deliver on time.

Officially on "holiday" for a week now so may take a boat over to the Shetlands for a few days, it will give me an opportunity to try out some of those earbuds you sent me Just going over for a look and will check out the Folk festival next year ( www.shetlandfolkfestival.com/ ) they reckon it's one of the best experiences you can have.... I think a LOT of drink is involved though Some pretty hot acts there this year www.shetlandfolkfestival.com/bios.php I'm really surprised you haven't been Ian.

[PinkFloyd]

Apr 19, 2011 9:56:16 GMT @iancraig10 said:

Apr 18, 2011 21:31:35 GMT PinkFloyd said:

All ready to go Ian, I'll get it posted tomorrow (if I don't collapse on the way to post office with the weight of all these packages.... 7 to send tomorrow) I have put everything in one large box so make sure you don't chuck anything in the bin.... the headphones are inside some foam but I marked everything

I have JUST noticed that the rubber strips on the Pinkie are going to be problematic..... I went to dust my own Pinkie and the strips had slightly "migrated" from their position.... not good so I am going to replace them with rubber feet.

Pretty much a sticky mess when you remove the strips but if you run your thumb along it it will come off..... I am not going to open your box at this hour so when the Pinkie arrives, remove the rubber strips..... I will send you replacement feet as soon as they arrive (I have just ordered a batch).....

Let everything warm up for an hour or so.... hope you like it

Mike.

Many, many thanks Mike. I'm really looking forward to hearing changes since until now, it has been one of my weaker amps in terms of bass clout.

Hopefully the V8 will arrive with a new BT hub so I can get back on to the Internet rather than use a phone!! Poking around on a small screen is a pain and I've been on this now for nearly two weeks.

I'll get back as soon as it all arrives.

Ian

On the subject of BT...... I wouldn't touch them with a BARGEPOLE, they are a bunch of crooks! I had major probs with them back in 2001 (read here: www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2001/09/24/watchdog-barks-at-btopenworld-tactics-2095876/ ) and wouldn't trust them with my internet service as far as I could throw them....

[Deleted]

Not a lot of choice here Mike. This place is a conservation area and so I'm not able to put a tv aerial up so it has to come through cable. Virgin can't deliver tv to this area but BT can.

However, as you say, it's a shite service. I complained to them at the start because they connected my phone line to the wrong address. They couldn't find my address. So I had no phone or Internet for quite a while at the start. Now the wireless hub they gave me has a fault (They think). Internet is very slow here in any case. Oh well. I might get back on soon.

Hope you have a good time up there Mike. The change of scenery will do you good.

That amp will have travelled 1200 miles with Royal Mail!! Amazing when you think about it. When I drove to Scotland from down here, I couldn't believe how far it was. Coming home was strange. I felt that I'd reached the south when I got to the Lake District. Only ever drove once. Any other trips have been flying visits. It's just too far on a road!!

I nearly died at Loch Lomond. I went for a walk along a ridge close by. A bit of wind blew up and I literally had to crawl on all fours to get across the ridge to get back. The wind was so strong, it could easily have blown me off.

Only did short visits to Scotland and away again. Half the time not knowing where the he'll I was!!!

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

Did you have a look at the Shetland festival Ian? www.shetlandfolkfestival.com/thefestival.php This year is out (for me) but I'm definitely going over for it next year.... you are welcome to come along and there is always a warm welcome at my home.

[Spirit]

Apr 19, 2011 20:51:45 GMT @iancraig10 said:

When I drove to Scotland from down here, I couldn't believe how far it was. Coming home was strange. I felt that I'd reached the south when I got to the Lake District. Only ever drove once. Any other trips have been flying visits. It's just too far on a road!!

;D
We used to take family holidays in a place called Weipa in far north Queensland. We'd take the boat up, and go fishing. Left the boat up there one time. Dad and I brought it back in 2 days. 1,100kms the first day, 1,500kms the second. For the second stint, the longest we stopped was to refuel once.

[Deleted]

Florida is also much larger than it looks on the map. The roads are really straight and go on forever. I escaped from a hurricane in Miami by driving up to Orlando. Very fast and straight roads most of the way. Visibility was ridiculously low and cars were getting blown off the road into swamps!!

I also did a drive from a place called Homestead to Key West. Again, a long straight road with alligators all over it.

There's so much space in America that when you come back to UK, you feel that everything is so small.

Scotland is different again. Bigger spaces with unbelieveable views. Lovely people too, although if you get on the wrong side of 'em, they'll let you know very plainly!!!

I had always thought that the UK was a tiny place until I drove to Scotland which was an awful drive because not only is it a long way, but we don't have USA type roads that are straight and fast so we don't tend to have cars with cruise control because it's not long before you're slowing down for a corner or turn.

I mustn't forget Australia with it's wide spaces. The only thing there is if you break down, in some places there is literally no-one around to help and you could fry in some places or even get eaten by something nasty!!

Ian

[Spirit]

Scotland does indeed have lovely views!
When we lived in the UK, we took a holiday up to the Isle of Skye for a week. Beautiful place.

[Deleted]

Mike, the parcel arrived an hour ago and the V8 has been warming up before I have a listen. You are a MASTER of packaging. That must have taken some time to do. Everything absolutely pristine.

For the last hour, I've been listening on the V2 and just changed over to V8. Differences after just one hour? The bass is clearly more defined and hits harder than V2 with no 'overhang' discernible whatsoever. The amp has a beautiful bass response which just doesn't hang around so the rest of the spectrum is crystal. It actually makes my spine go when that bass takes off. It's unbelieveably clean sounding with that smacking bottom end. I can also hear the vibrations of bass strings so after the initial attack, you hear the stringy tone. Listening to a 'live' recording that know exceedingly well 'cos I was there (!) making the music is taking me straight there. It's so involving that it brings the occasion straight back to me. The bass immediately strikes you as a 'quality' sound.

I suspect the Little Pinkie has a lot to do with this. It's drop dead gorgeous Mike. Quiet as hell and obviously delivering big time to give that jaw dropping bass. Honestly, it has me shivering all over the place and making me into namby ps by wreck. It's so dynamic and involving.

The treble is clean but not as 'squeaky' as it was previously. I can easily hear snare drum 'pitch' and cymbal splashes also have pitch. It's not at all piercing and enables loud listening at life volume without strain. Again, this volume/power thing may be the Little Pinkie SE delivering because the dynamics and strengths of cymbal hits are easily shown.

Mike, you've really understated the differences. I knew the V8 sound in stock form pretty well and this is a totally different amp. In terms of dynamics and bass depth, it is indeed slightly better than the V2 and V1. It is also cleaner sounding and much more transparent.

Imaging is superb. I can hear on stage movement on this live recording so I know when it's me because I know where I was standing. I can also hear the feedback from the venue Walls.

I can't be sure whether all this dynamic power is coming from the amp or power supply. It certainly has developed hairs on it's chest now. If the SE is delivering the silence and massive dynamics now on this amp, then I would say it's a no brainer for all X-Can owners. The dynamics are enormous and absolutely shows the importance of the power supply on these types of amp.

If MF put them out like this, the V8 would have stayed. I feel that it has morphed into a classic. Are you not going to mod V8's Mike? I know you're busy but you have made into something quite awesome. You really played it down on here big time.

The SE has got to be a winner. It's solid as he'll and it just delivers a big sound. I'm REALLY chuffed with the whole package and you've made it into an extremely revealing amp.

Ian

[Deleted]

Not to mention the HD250!!! Deeeep bass has returned.

Many thanks Mike. You've done. Genius job on the V8.

Ian

[Deleted]

Another thing I've noticed today, Mike is that I am listening very loud without realising. When you turn up the wick, it retains it's effortlessness and keeps sounding totally at ease without harshness making you reach for the volume control. You really have understated what a difference the mods that you have done made. Been listening all day!!!

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

Aha! so she arrived then I'm not long in... been spring cleaning all day.... Thanks for your comments on the packaging Ian, I do my best.

I am so glad you like the V8 Ian, remember that it isn't burnt in yet so will get better over the next 500 or so hours... just leave it switched on for a few days.

I love the bass on it, not too much, just about right.... I didn't want to make it sound bottom heavy and vulgar, just MORE of what it already had.

You are right about the volume, it is SO easy to crank her right up and not even notice it as the sound is SO clean.... I found that too, would be listening and then notice she was cranked up to 2 o' clock!! sounds soooo effortless you just don't realise.... most other amps would have you reaching for the volco to turn it down!

I didn't say too much about the mods as there are a few people here who believe that "parts" (and more correctly, the "choice" of parts) don't make any difference.... well, you can make your own mind up on that one, your ears have already heard the evidence

The most influential mods were the 3300uF caps, the Mundorf power resistor, the Russian paper in oil caps and the MUSE output coupling caps.... I also removed the wiring "sockets" and hard wired direct to the board..... everything made a small improvement and, multiplied as a "whole", brought about quite stunning results IMO.... it came very close to me doing a "runner" with your amp I really enjoyed listening to it, amazingly musical and crystal clear.

I would like you to experiment with the OP impedance using that adaptor I sent you last time.... I was not at all happy with the stock "2 ohm" output impedance and ended up @ 10 ohm (Kiwame resistors) which seemed to work best with the HD-250ll.... still a VERY low OP but I felt it sounded better than 120 ohm with a wider selection of 'phones.... you may want to try the adaptor with the AKG K-701.

You can "tune" the sound even further by trying different valves..... just like capacitors, different brands of valves ALSO have their own house sound.... the JAN Philips 6922 may well bring out even more performance but only your ears can decide, I forgot to send them with the amp but will send a pair under seperate cover for you to try.

Other "little" tweaks were things like improving the chassis grounding..... quite simply "scraping" the paint off mating surfaces... it all adds up and is something that they wouldn't have time to do in the factory... attention to detail goes a long way to improving anything.

Try listening to Yello / The Eye..... track 5 "Junior B".... you'll notice (with the V1 / V2) that the opening bass line overhangs a bit... with the V8 it just stops clean.... there is also less bloat / bloom to the bass with the V8, it is generally tighter and better controlled.

I feel quite embarrassed sending you the Pinkie with the long rubber strips on the bottom, get them off ASAP or they will "cook" on and make a right sticky mess..... best way to do it is to strip them off slowly and then (if there is any tacky residue left on the enclosure) run your thumb up and down on it.... it will remove it.

The new feet arrived today and they are a LOT better, I will post a set over to you along with the JAN 6922 on Friday...... you can also use isopropyl alcohol and kitchen roll to remove the adhesive, it won't damage the finish as the enclosure is anodized..... please remove those rubber strips ASAP though, they are not performing as planned and the longer they remain in situ the harder they will be to remove cleanly..... fortunately, I have only sold 5 Little Pinkie Special Edition power supplies so far so it won't be a nightmare contacting people and sending them out new feet.

Glad you like the Pinkie Ian, again, I don't like blowing my own trumpet and it's nice to get some good feedback on it. Pretty rock solid design and I am happy to offer a 10 year warranty with it.... I am glad that I caught the "feet" early.... bloody expensive stuff that too! The manufacturer is apologising profusely and sending me all types of PDF documents about the properties of "glue" but I have told him I will go elsewhere for my feet

Anyhoooo..... give it all a good few hundred to bed in and don't be frightened to leave it on 24/7.... all good gear has been used and that amp is bullet proof for MANY MANY years to come

I got the HD-250ll from a guy in Norway.... they were too big for his head.... so they, too, only have a few hours on them..... I reckon they will be the classic HD-250ll sound with a few more hours under the belt, they were pretty close to my old dogs so 100% happy to send them to you as one of the "good" batches

Right.... I am off to do more spring cleaning

Enjoy the music mate!



Mike.

[Deleted]

Ok Mike. The rubber strips are off and I cleaned all the residue off. Once these power supplies go out and a few reports come back, I'm sure they'll go. it's quiet as a mouse - ie no noise. Runs as cool as a cucumber. In fact it's difficult to know it's actually on because it's so cool. It looks brilliant and the dynamics are enormous.

The V8 is the only X-Can I've heard stock and I stopped using it. Now it'll be the main amp simply because it has weight and a crystal clarity so even if you've put fire crackers inside, it now has more bass impact than the V2 and they're running side by side so that I can go between the two of them. Previously, the V2 was weightier but the V8 bass has great speed of attack so you get that initial sound, but it clears very quickly so that you can hear into the music more. The V2 is slightly 'slower' I'm that respect so it feels comparatively more 'colored', but I think it's more to do with the speed of the bass.

Anyway, the SE is legless and cleaned up. Those strips do leave a lot of glue behind so maybe the other 5 owners should get some gin in to clean it off.

Ian