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Post by nobo on Nov 30, 2011 13:37:15 GMT
Hi,
I have 2 DAD M100 Pro HT class D monoblock amps. One of them has now developed a fault: it distorts quite severely, with more distortion the higher the input level.
Flying Mole are no longer in business, so I was wondering whether anyone had any recommendations as to who would be able to repair it. I am based in London. Many thanks in advance.
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Post by JohnnyBlue on Nov 30, 2011 14:46:00 GMT
I have never heard of your amps, but I have heard good things about a chap trading as Witch Hat Audio (or similar) who is based in theTonbridge/Tunbridge Wells area. I gather he works mainly on Naim gear, but I'm sure he'll be able to help you, or make an appropriate recommendation. (BTW, it doesn't look like Flying Mole are out of business.)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2011 15:10:44 GMT
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Post by nobo on Nov 30, 2011 16:10:28 GMT
Thanks both for your replies. I've emailed FM directly (about a week ago) but had no response. They might not be out of business - (apologies if I'd got that wrong), but they were taken over in 2009 and stopped making the DAD 100. The UK suppliers don't seem to stock them either. Will see who I can track down on the repairs front since I imagine it's fairly simple and I can't afford to buy another DAD 100 (yet alone replace both..!). Do keep the suggestions rolling in!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2011 18:27:20 GMT
Canford still list Flying Mole amoungst their lines for special order! herecontact
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Post by nobo on Nov 30, 2011 18:34:45 GMT
Canford still list Flying Mole amoungst their lines for special order! Ta. I've emailed Canford but I suspect, given that the item is discontinued, it's a no go (as it was with another discontinued product I emailed them about recently). I'm also hoping that a repair will be substantially cheaper than the £400 odd these monoblocks used to go for. (Or am I being naive?). It seems the amp works fine, save for distortion on the input, making me think it's not a major issue...
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mrarroyo
Been here a while!
Our man in Miami!
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Post by mrarroyo on Dec 2, 2011 11:42:31 GMT
I have had good results with class D amps from Virtue Audio and from HLLY.
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Dec 3, 2011 16:59:48 GMT
Actually, class D amps are quite reliable as they are very efficient in their power usage and are not hot and stressed given their high power. Seriously, this is the first time after many years of class D appearance that I read a class D amp kaput when used properly. Actually, to get it serviced, any good electronic technician having a good grasp of Class D amp will be able to get it running again. Where is our dear Prof Frans?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2011 18:58:35 GMT
Class D and T (which is class D but slightly different) is mainly there to create small sized amps with lots of power. NOT because it is that good, it's a VFP (value for power) thing. The fact that they are switching makes them susceptible to go defective after some years of usage even more so than linear amps (IMHO). Similar to switch mode power supplies. They work great for a number of years and then go defective. Just what the manufacturers want ... a small ticking time bomb in the gear so they can sell again after a number of years.
I am with Alex when it comes to class D/T. They can sound pretty good though, but this is because our hearing isn't nearly as good as most think it is and thus the obvious shortcomings cannot be heard easily.
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Post by nobo on Dec 6, 2011 17:58:34 GMT
No joy so far on any of the feelers I've put out so far, whether to Flying Mole, Witch Hat Audio (he only services Niam and couldn't recommend anyone else) and various others.
I gather than, rather unhelpfully, the components in the FM aren't labelled so even if the problem is traced, finding replacements could prove a challenge.
Any other suggestions as to who I should contact would be most welcome.
Buying a replacement monoblock doesn't seem to be an option. So I'm faced with repair or a hefty bill for a whole new stereo amp, which I don't have the funds for at the moment .... though if I do have to go down that last route, what would you recommend? I'm using the Moles with PMC TB2+ as studio monitors and for general listening and they've been great (especially for the money). I fear I'd need to shell out quite a bit to get something that performs as well.
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Dec 7, 2011 5:00:34 GMT
Actually, where are you? In UK, can all UK members please help out as to any tech around you that can do Class D amp job? If not, the nearest is our dear Prof Frans in Holland if he has the time. But then that will incur heavier postage cost. You don't have to send the whole Mole except for the PCBAs.
Do PM solderdude (Prof Frans) to see if he has the time and can help you when all things fail. He's the best around here for all things technical. A nice guy too in going all out to help members here.
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Dec 7, 2011 5:11:11 GMT
Alternatively, can you diy? You might be interested in these VFM Class D kits that will surely outperform the Mole in all parameters. I had heard them locally and they are that good. Even if you cannot diy, get any electrical or electronic tech to fix it up for you. This should be a no problem for all electronic techs even if they don't know how to repair a Class D amp. It's basic electronics, btw. Here: classdaudio.com/index.php/
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2011 7:57:57 GMT
Solderdude has..
a: no time b: no schematics The insides are anything but standard and quite complex (switch mode powersupply and as stated certain part numbers erased, with most likely parts that cannot be obtained through normal circuits. It's anything but straight forward... so not many techs will be able to repair nor want to burn their hands on attempting I am afraid.
Ask the manufacturer for advise/repair. If they can't help invest in another amp, maybe not switching but conventional. They usually last much longer and are easier to repair.
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Post by nobo on Dec 8, 2011 12:19:20 GMT
Thanks for the replies. Flying Mole are definitely out of business and unable to help. PMC are also unable to assist. So repair, sadly, seems out of the picture. Frustrating, since I imagine it's actually a very simple repair ... IF you know what the component values are (which no one seems to). I'd still be keen to explore the repair route, but I've yet to find anyone willing to look at it. Seems my options are: i) Build a DIY class D amp (or get someone to do it for me) - e.g. 200 watt Hypex UCD or classdaudio.com/250w-x2-500w-x1-amp-large-power-supply-transformer.htmlii) Buy a conventional amp iii) Try to find a new/s/h FM DAD-100 Pro (not much luck so far) I'm not really keen to take a step down in quality, but I also can't afford to throw much at this. Any thoughts on my best bang for buck / best solution? Many thanks
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Dec 9, 2011 8:50:40 GMT
Hi again, Forget about buying another mole if your are going to start afresh. You will end up with the same problem now as the mole are out of biz. Also, mole is a quite old class D tech now and class D had moved on quite markedly. Present class D will outgun the mole in all parameters. Check their specs. If you like the sound of class D, go get a tech to fix one up for you after you buy a kit. Kit form is definitley cheaper and you can add those boutique cables, etc as you fancy. Don't underestimate class D amps with a fixed mindset about them thinking they are still the first generation class D. You'll be surprised at what they sound now as I had. But I'm not too sure about poor reliability as reported by our dear Prof Frans though. Based on his technical explanation there is every right in his reasoning. But so far, I have not got a reported failure, when you use them properly, from local owners of class D (highend included ). I myself have a pair of Sonic Impact class T 7 watter at 8ohms since 2005 or thereabout and it's still running. It's all about designing a reliable product and I'm sure our Frans will not disagreed on this statement. Of course, I have moved on to a pair of higher power Parasound A23 mainly because for more power to drown my Hifi ego. When I have the time, I will be going for the even higher power urled class d amp or Hypex as you had mentioned. I had heard both in different systems and they were good sounding and powerful. Only a matter which match better with your current system. Your choice and budget (conventional amps included). I will be comfortable with both class D modules.
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Post by ridethebarfpony on Jul 16, 2013 9:35:15 GMT
This guy can fix your Flying Moles. He repaired mine, which suffered from the same issue: www.jonsnell.co.uk/
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Post by bjkalahann on Sept 18, 2013 17:45:16 GMT
hello, same problem with my FM DAD-M100 Pro.
I cannot get in touch with that guy.
Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:
info@flyingmole.co.uk
Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:
info@flyingmole.co.uk
That's crazy we cannot get this amp fixed up.
Cheers
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2013 22:31:47 GMT
Did you check the contact in the post immediately before yours?
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Post by bjkalahann on Sept 18, 2013 23:55:58 GMT
Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:
jonsnell@jonsnell.co.uk
yes, sorry.
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Post by blackglass on Apr 15, 2014 13:51:56 GMT
If you are still looking for someone to work on this amp try www.valveamprepair.co.uk/ Go to the contact page and give the guy a ring to ask him if he can help. Even if he doesn't answer his mobile immediately, he will get back to you. He is a very experienced amplifier engineer. He works on a lot of valve amps and did a brilliant job on mine, but he also services solid state amps so he may take it on. His name is Dave Lane and he's in Gravesend.
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