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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2010 8:43:46 GMT
That LED mount (1mm hole) is real nice and classy touch to the amp.
Way better then an illuminated switch IMO
Damn... that square pad at the top left of the volpot picture in reply 171 is AWWWfully close to the track that runs past it.
a trick for desoldering this stuff is to use (in this case) 2 pieces of electrical wire (the hard stuff that's used in the electrical wiring in the house)
make it just as long as 3 pads in a row and use plenty solder to connect the 3 pins to the piece of wire.
Do the same thing to the other row of 3 pins.
Now heat the solder by going up and down on the piece of wire till all solder is 'fluid'.
Then quickly heat the other row and then quickly heat the solder on both wires by switching rather fast from 1 strip to the other till all the solder is melted.
Now the volpot should fall out (or can be pulled out) without damaging the board.
using 2 irons to heat both 'strips' at the same time is even better but you would have to own 2 soldering irons of at least 40W.
This trick works nice for getting IC's and connectors out too.
Desoldering stuff on Multi layer PCB's using desolder-gun or litze always leaves some solder in the throughhole metalisation itself and you can easily pull off the pad or even pull out the metalisation can on the component side of a PCB.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 12, 2010 14:54:36 GMT
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 12, 2010 19:49:10 GMT
This amp is just amazing and I do not use that word lightly... the sound has that "polypropylene" quality about it, so elastic and bouncy. It really is a high end sound.... the depth, the scale, the slam, the grunt.... it has all of them in bucketloads. Going over to the Panda from the V-Can is like going from a pair of Rogers LS35A near field monitors to a pair of Tannoy Westminsters.... it's a MUCH grander presentation. The balance from low to high is absolutely seamless, everything is beautifully integrated and no one frequency jumps out and bites at your ears. The bass is subterranean and extremely fast but hangs on when it "should". I have never heard "Touch Yello" sound so energetic and detailed as this.... Ian, you MUST have a listen to the Panda, I think you will cream your pants BIG style  Not another one of these amps where there are "slight" improvements in sonic presentation.... this is a major leap forward in every respect. We misuse the term "sound quality".... what does that mean exactly? It all sounds the same to my ears  "Sonic presentation" is a totally different thing, how is that sound "presented" to your ears? Via the Panda, to my ears, it is presented absolutely PERFECTLY. Everything is just spot on. This amp has been designed by a real music lover, you cannot (and don't) get this type of sonic presentation by throwing a few ideas into a computer.... this has obviously been very well thought through and the choice of parts very well chosen. It's the first amp EVER where I have bolted the lid down and it's staying down.... I don't want or need to add a different sonic signature to the Panda as it is PERFECT! Ian, if you would like a listen let me know. Mike. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 12, 2010 19:57:55 GMT
Claus / Mick....... I have ONE 50VA / 18V transformer and I will be sending it over to Claus on Tuesday. I am ordering 30 x 12V toroidals and will ask for another 50VA / 18V sample to be sent I'll get that over to you Mick but it's going to be 10 days before the 12V toroidals are ready to go (they haven't made them yet)...... I'm using a 100VA / 18V toroid but 50VA is ideal for this amp and cheaper for you too (ie: "free"  )..... I'll point Adam (the guy who makes the transformers) over here once you've got your amps up and running and we can all tell him how good the transformers are Mike. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 12, 2010 20:06:28 GMT
Just another thing before I go off and pull my entire CD collection out (for a REALLY good listening session)..... IMO, it is a good idea to fit a class X2 cap across L/N and a class Y2 cap between L/E and N/E.... it "may" be my imagination but the sonic presentation has added depth with these in situ. It is also a good idea to fit a 275V varistor between L/N to protect your beloved Panda in the event of a, potentially, amp destroying power surge.... Belt and braces PLUS tight fitting trousers so there's no chance your arse will ever be exposed in a public place..... same goes with smoking... I always carry THREE lighters.... one gas, one petrol and a box of matches. If the flints go in both of the lighters or you run out of gas / petrol you bring the matches out.... belt and braces folks! Belt and braces |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2010 20:15:00 GMT
As always Mike, it looks absolutely stunning. Always so meticulous. You sure you need glasses?
The box looks class as well.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 12, 2010 20:49:46 GMT
As always Mike, it looks absolutely stunning. Always so meticulous. You sure you need glasses? The box looks class as well. Do I need "glasses"? I need a fekkin' TELESCOPE to see what I'm doing these days! In the workshop I move about a lot (and also dance when a good tune comes on the radio.... mostly air guitar / dead dog type of thing)...... Let me give you an example.... I'm working on something, with my "reading glasses" on, a good "boppy" tune comes on the radio so I rush over to the receiver to crank the volume up to ear shattering levels.... glasses off / glasses on / glasses off / glasses on  I want to see what the markings on a surface mount component are.... out comes the "illuminated" magnifier..... I spend my entire day looking through "lenses" of one sort or another and it's pissing me off BIG TIME  All these "aids" you need when you get older.... what next? a tube up my dick with attached bag to collect the pish? I used to brag about my eyesight Ian.... I could spot a penny on the pavement 100 yards away.... there was even one time I clocked a bundle of wet "notes" in the gutter..... £210..... That was back in the 80's and £210 was a fortune...... I was always "told" to "enjoy it while you can" by old people and, SHIT, I now know what they meant..... the ONLY part of my body that seems to be still working A / OK are my "ears"..... if I EVER have to wear a hearing aid I'll jump off the nearest cliff and say "bye bye" as I plummet to my (hopefully INSTANT) death.... Knowing my luck I'll just be "stunned" and some nosey dog walker will call in air sea rescue and I'll spend the rest of my life being spoon fed in a nursing home by a sadistic nurse who beats the fekk out of me everytime I shit myself This "getting old" lark is an ACTUAL event...... I always thought they were joking / it would never happen to me..... I hate it! |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2010 22:10:41 GMT
I've got the itch baaaad with this but MUST resist. New main amp required and not enough "pocket money" to even come close Mike, stretch your neck over the block and go for it... Is this amp, overall, outperforming ANY other you know. I mean completely, no reservations like, hmmm-well the XYX has better mids or the gold-monkey-dung-special is less fatiguing blah, blah. Ya no wadda mean? Lay it on us baybee |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2010 22:19:57 GMT
I know what you mean about the ageing thing. I was a fit, solid sports machine before marraige. Now, I'm piggin' unfit, if i had to run for a bus now I'd end up in the ambulance instead! As for eyesight, I couldn't spot a pig in a pen, never could, been blind as a mole and wearing glasses since I was seven, bastard things drive me nuts sometimes. Can't ware contacts and am too chicken sh1t to go for laser surgery.  |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 12, 2010 22:25:55 GMT
I've got the itch baaaad with this but MUST resist. New main amp required and not enough "pocket money" to even come close Mike, stretch your neck over the block and go for it... Is this amp, overall, outperforming ANY other you know. I mean completely, no reservations like, hmmm-well the XYX has better mids or the gold-monkey-dung-special is less fatiguing blah, blah. Ya no wadda mean? Lay it on us baybee In all honesty Chris..... WAD HD-83 - Panda trounces it BIG time SCHA with JLH - Panda makes it sound like a transistor radio X-CAN V2 - Panda absolutely craps all over it Graham Slee Solo - Panda destroys it etc. etc. etc. etc. We are talking MAJOR high end sonic presentation with the Panda.... I have NEVER (and I've heard a few amps) heard it this good.... in my opinion, and to my ears, this is the best sounding amp currently available on the PLANET at ANY price. I will send it to Ian in a couple of weeks time and he can have a month with it.... I can safely say, Chris, that this is the type of sound / sonic presentation I have been searching for, for over 30 years, this is MOST definitely THE numero uno IMO.... it's eargasm city. Mike. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 12, 2010 22:30:10 GMT
The most musically engaging listen I have experienced through headphones bar NONE!
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Post by clausdk on Sept 13, 2010 8:02:04 GMT
Claus / Mick....... I have ONE 50VA / 18V transformer and I will be sending it over to Claus on Tuesday. I am ordering 30 x 12V toroidals and will ask for another 50VA / 18V sample to be sent I'll get that over to you Mick but it's going to be 10 days before the 12V toroidals are ready to go (they haven't made them yet)...... I'm using a 100VA / 18V toroid but 50VA is ideal for this amp and cheaper for you too (ie: "free" )..... I'll point Adam (the guy who makes the transformers) over here once you've got your amps up and running and we can all tell him how good the transformers are Mike. Then I hope to be in Pandaworld next weekend  Thanks Mike I have made a more discrete box for it, pictures will come when it is finished.. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 13, 2010 8:44:15 GMT
Talk about speaking too soon ........ I was sitting grinning like a Cheshire cat last night, really enjoyng some Floyd when the left channel stopped working Blooooody hell! It's obviously to do with the power as the left channel's heatsinks are cold to the touch. If a component is going to go tits up it will usually fail in the first few hours.... I hope it's something simple |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 13, 2010 10:37:24 GMT
Found it after much probing and prodding Every time I touched one of the diodes the relay clicked so I spent half an hour tearing my hair out at that section getting nowhere fast..... Next I decided to test all of the components starting with the resistors.... all ok apart from the 1k5 directly behind the pot.... it was loose! Stupid me! When I was checking the pot I "snipped" the lead off the 1K5 so I could get access to the pot's screw (saved me removing the pot from the board.... well, guess what? I had only pressed the 1K5 back into position and hadn't resoldered it Phew! panic over  |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2010 11:03:27 GMT
Claus / Mick....... I have ONE 50VA / 18V transformer and I will be sending it over to Claus on Tuesday. I am ordering 30 x 12V toroidals and will ask for another 50VA / 18V sample to be sent I'll get that over to you Mick but it's going to be 10 days before the 12V toroidals are ready to go (they haven't made them yet)...... I'm using a 100VA / 18V toroid but 50VA is ideal for this amp and cheaper for you too (ie: "free" )..... I'll point Adam (the guy who makes the transformers) over here once you've got your amps up and running and we can all tell him how good the transformers are Mike. Thanks Mike, but i insist on paying the full cost +postage for it, then i can ask for any other bits i need, if required. Thanks again. Mick. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 13, 2010 18:47:07 GMT
What's the state of play Mick, have you populated the board as yet? Claus, your toroid will ship tomorrow.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 13, 2010 19:07:12 GMT
Claus / Mick....... I have ONE 50VA / 18V transformer and I will be sending it over to Claus on Tuesday. I am ordering 30 x 12V toroidals and will ask for another 50VA / 18V sample to be sent I'll get that over to you Mick but it's going to be 10 days before the 12V toroidals are ready to go (they haven't made them yet)...... I'm using a 100VA / 18V toroid but 50VA is ideal for this amp and cheaper for you too (ie: "free" )..... I'll point Adam (the guy who makes the transformers) over here once you've got your amps up and running and we can all tell him how good the transformers are Mike. Thanks Mike, but i insist on paying the full cost +postage for it, then i can ask for any other bits i need, if required. Thanks again. Mick. Mick, I can't "charge" you for a free sample, it's not good practice.... I will accept your offer of payment for the postage. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 13, 2010 19:40:24 GMT
By the way you two..... I strongly recommend that you take your time to ensure that each and every component is fitted correctly and well soldered into position. Don't be impatient to get it up and running or it may NEVER run. This is a seriously good amp and I want you both to hear it as "Panda" intended You will both have smaller transformers so don't "butt" the board up as close to the front panel as I have..... leave about two inches between the front panel and the PCB. You will need some screened hook up cable, I'm happy to send you some Evolution pro to do the job. If you are going to use a couplier to extend the shaft then you can get a couplier extension kit here: www.hificollective.co.uk/catalog/extension-kit-p-2195.html they are a bunch of "typical" boutiquerobbing bandits (over ten quid for a rod and a mounting bush) but this gives you an idea of what you are looking for. As I say.... I have plenty of "Rod" for you both so if you can source the front panel mounting bushes then just do that. There are "two" standoffs supplied with the enclosure and these are the exact height if you are going to use a couplier on the pot shaft. Claus.... if you are going with the home made enclosure you're probably better mounting the pot directly onto the chassis and running hook up wires from the PCB to the pot. Before you house everything do an initial fire up and check the measurements as shown on the ebay ad..... I have set the voltage across the 1K5 resistor to 1.2V per side. You will have to experiment with the DC offset settings..... do NOT measure them from cold, allow the amp to warm up for half an hour and then adjust to as close to 0.00mV as possible. Leave the amp on for a further half hour and measure again.... try to get it down to as close to zero again (if it has drifted). When you've got it at around 0 - 3 mV per channel that's the job done. Don't get confused if you turn the amp on from cold and notice it has drifted to 20mV (for example)..... this is perfectly normal... it will drop back to as close to zero again once the amp warms up. With the headphones connected it will measure 0.00mV at all times don't ask why, Frans may like to explain this one...... so don't get too anal with the DC measurements. Mike. |
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jkeny
Been here a while! 
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Post by jkeny on Sept 13, 2010 20:08:14 GMT
pinkfloyd, I was thinking about your rant on getting old as I filled my car up with petrol & I had to laugh when I finished - after shaking the pump several times it still dribbled down the car when I took it out |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2010 21:24:07 GMT
Yep. That also happens when you get old. be sure to shake well. Knowing my luck I'll just be "stunned" and some nosey dog walker will call in air sea rescue and I'll spend the rest of my life being spoon fed in a nursing home by a sadistic nurse who beats the fekk out of me everytime I shit myself Mind you that IS really funny to read, but sad if it ever happened. Honest Mike, you sometimes sound like old Rab C himself!!! I will send it to Ian in a couple of weeks time and he can have a month with it.... I can safely say, Chris, that this is the type of sound / sonic presentation I have been searching for, for over 30 years, this is MOST definitely THE numero uno IMO.... it's eargasm city.omg. Thanks Mike. Now I'm worried about my V2. I might have to get some telescopes fitted to my eyes and buy a soldering iron..... drop solder on the carpet ...... upset the wife ....... continue working on it ...... get booted out ...... move to Scotland ....... jump off a cliff (or put a bag on my head while eating an orange) ...... maim myself and end up in the bed next to yours.........Tell you what, we can have long straws and share the whisky!! |
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Post by clausdk on Sept 13, 2010 23:07:25 GMT
Claus.... if you are going with the home made enclosure you're probably better mounting the pot directly onto the chassis and running hook up wires from the PCB to the pot. Before you house everything do an initial fire up and check the measurements as shown on the ebay ad..... I have set the voltage across the 1K5 resistor to 1.2V per side. You will have to experiment with the DC offset settings..... do NOT measure them from cold, allow the amp to warm up for half an hour and then adjust to as close to 0.00mV as possible. Leave the amp on for a further half hour and measure again.... try to get it down to as close to zero again (if it has drifted). When you've got it at around 0 - 3 mV per channel that's the job done. Don't get confused if you turn the amp on from cold and notice it has drifted to 20mV (for example)..... this is perfectly normal... it will drop back to as close to zero again once the amp warms up. With the headphones connected it will measure 0.00mV at all times don't ask why, Frans may like to explain this one...... so don't get too anal with the DC measurements. Mike. I will be using an xtensionrod, it will be easier than mounting the socket in the wood As a coupling I will use some silicone hose (aquarium airtube) it fits nice and tight and will allow a bit of "wrickeling".. I mount the PCB on a pair of skis and then glue the skis in the box, easy and then it is made so that it can come out if that is wanted..(the skis will stay put) the box will be covered by a mesh, the type that keeps flies out so it will be a "faraday cage". Should I make a screened compartment for the torridial ?? I have had loads of time planning out the box It will be similar to this  just "standing" on the end instead of lying down, I will make it wallmounted and put it on a outside wall so it will be a bit colder than if it sat on the table.. I am also thinking about making it with 3,5 mm jack as input and put that on the top, then I could have my player lying on top and connect it easy to the amp.. I do not even got a CDplayer so the RCAs are a bit obsolete |
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mrarroyo
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Post by mrarroyo on Sept 13, 2010 23:27:10 GMT
Nice case there, bet it took a lot of TLC sanding and finishing.
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jonclancy
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Post by jonclancy on Sept 14, 2010 10:00:05 GMT
a trick for desoldering this stuff is to use (in this case) 2 pieces of electrical wire (the hard stuff that's used in the electrical wiring in the house) make it just as long as 3 pads in a row and use plenty solder to connect the 3 pins to the piece of wire. Do the same thing to the other row of 3 pins. Now heat the solder by going up and down on the piece of wire till all solder is 'fluid'. Then quickly heat the other row and then quickly heat the solder on both wires by switching rather fast from 1 strip to the other till all the solder is melted. Now the volpot should fall out (or can be pulled out) without damaging the board. using 2 irons to heat both 'strips' at the same time is even better but you would have to own 2 soldering irons of at least 40W. This trick works nice for getting IC's and connectors out too. Great tip!!! Thanks! |
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jonclancy
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Post by jonclancy on Sept 14, 2010 10:08:05 GMT
As for eyesight, I couldn't spot a pig in a pen, never could, been blind as a mole and wearing glasses since I was seven, bastard things drive me nuts sometimes. Can't ware contacts and am too chicken sh1t to go for laser surgery. Completely O/T, but my mate just had his done this week, Chris. Having worn glasses for the past 45 years, he now has better than 20/20 vision and is delighted!!! Go for it, mate!   |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 14, 2010 21:18:31 GMT
As for eyesight, I couldn't spot a pig in a pen, never could, been blind as a mole and wearing glasses since I was seven, bastard things drive me nuts sometimes. Can't ware contacts and am too chicken sh1t to go for laser surgery. Completely O/T, but my mate just had his done this week, Chris. Having worn glasses for the past 45 years, he now has better than 20/20 vision and is delighted!!! Go for it, mate! No good for people like me who just need "reading glasses"..... laser correction will not work, specs are the only solution. |
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"Sonic presentation" is a totally different thing, how is that sound "presented" to your ears? Via the Panda, to my ears, it is presented absolutely PERFECTLY.
