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| iBasso P3 Heron | |
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| Topic Started: 9 Sep 2008, 03:04 PM (9,308 Views) | |
| ahdui | 9 Sep 2008, 03:04 PM Post #1 |
aux!
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 Looks like a very great addition to the iBasso line as this will probably attract all the Dr. Xin amp fanboys over. Personally, I'm quite convinced to buy this baby due to the op-amp rolling abilities. The P3 Heron is ready except the enclosure. Once we get the enclosure supply, we will release the P3. The P3 has 8 sockets for opamps and buffers. It can load single or dual opamps. It is powered by 6 AAA batteries or the adapter. We will provide a free opamp rolling kit including some opamps and buffers for the P3 owner. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| ahdui | 22 Sep 2008, 02:39 AM Post #2 |
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aux!
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Main Features: - Four Channel + Buffer architecture - Totally 8 gold-plated DIP sockets for opamps and buffers rolling - 2-Setting Gain Jumper for impedance matching - Two 3300uf NCC big capacitances. - Powered by either 6 AAA batteries or external power adapter. - Measures 55*21*92mm, and weighs 122g - Comes with one silver and one black enclosure, also comes with power adapter leather pouch, connection cable, warranty card, owner's manual, and opamp rolling kit. (includes AD797*2, LM6172*2, LTC6241HV*1, NE5534*2, Dummy adapter*2, Transistor BUF*2, empty adapter*2)    
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| ahdui | 5 Oct 2008, 02:34 AM Post #3 |
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aux!
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 iBasso P3, size is pretty decent but can be pretty heavy with 6 AAA Batteries. It's rather generous of them to provide a "DIY Kit" but the opamps they gave is like -.- (the default op amps which was used int he older models). Inside:Extra Knobs, "Pincer", "el cheapo Interconnect", Torx Screwdriver for unscrewing and some hand-screws which are given as per normal but they have also provided extra black case (Comes with the silver one as default). A nice leather pouch is provided to protect your amplifier. The downside of this amplifier is THERE IS NO CHARGING CIRCUIT!!! Well, going for 100+hours with 6 AAAs is pretty decent, so it's pretty ok.  The Equipment I used for testing: - iRiver H120 (Rockbox 3.0) along side with the LCD remote, no time to change the battery and HDD to either bigger capacity or to CF card adapter. - Cryo-Treated 22AWG Copper Interconnect - iBasso P3 Heron (default) -Shure e500 with Westone UM56 custom moulds.   Not that big when stacked together with my iRiver H120. Planning to customised a leather pouch.  Out of the box, the iBasso P3 is rather amazing. Rather spacious and full bodied, having the sound signature of AD8397 opamp. Will burn it in further and later play op-amp rolling. Stay tuned! |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| theory_87 | 5 Oct 2008, 02:41 AM Post #4 |
I Need More Money To Spend
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Nice... Guess we will have to find a day for tea and have a nice comparison between P3 and SR71A |
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Source: Sansa Clip x 2 | iAudio U2 | Rio Karma | iPod Nano 4GB Gen 1 x 2 | iMod 60GB iPod Photo | iPod Gen 5.5 x 2 | iRiver H140 | HP Pavilion dv6121TX Amp: Xin SuperMicro IV | theory_87's DPA1 | iBasso D10 Modded | iBasso fi.Quest | Onkyo TX-SV919THX | Yaqin CD1 Tube Buffer w Mullard E88CC | AMB CK²III Heaphone/IEM/Speaker: CrossRoad MylarOne X3 | SoundMagic PL30 | Modded Altec Lasing im716 | Fischer Audio Eterna w modified UM56 | Custom Ultimate Ears® super.fi 5 Extended Bass™ | Custom Ultimate Ears® #4/1000 triple.fi 10 Pro™ + mid driver| ACS T1 | JBL PS100 & Yamaha VS10M Others: xxx red series 3.5mm & RCA IC | DIY HGA 3.5mm IC | DIY Jena Cryo 3.5mm IC | DIY ALO SXC 3.5mm IC | Custom Optical IC | Ridox contact protector/enhancer | DeoxIT ProGOLD | Mapleshade SilClear | |
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| ahdui | 5 Oct 2008, 02:42 AM Post #5 |
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aux!
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I have to say that the P3 matches up very well with my DIY amp very closely when I do a brief listen to it. Will do a more detailed listening when I finish up my stuff later at night. How fast i bought the amplifier explains very well how good the amplifier is and I can say that I did not hesitate much. Being able to match up well against my own DIY amp and have yet switched to better op-amps. It might sound even more amazing in the future! |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| ahdui | 5 Oct 2008, 03:45 AM Post #6 |
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aux!
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Did Some testing with a 2hours burnt-in iBasso P3 Album used:The Bird And The Bee - Please Clap Your Hand (ALAC) Song used: How Deep Is Your Love This song has very extensive vocals along with a very deep hitting bass beat when the main song kicks in. Compared side by side with ahdui's DIY Amp: Overall Sound Signature: Sounds rather similar but the mids is slightly thicker and everything sounds more forwarding. Soundstage: Sounds rather similar to my amp but it doesn't extends as much to the back of my head. As for the left and right, both extends similarly. PRAT: Sadly, my amp hits in deeper and the highs reaches higher, but its only a very very minor advantage. The iBasso P3 sounds more filling in all areas but I have the say that my amp sounds more transparent and natural. One advantage which the iBasso P3 has is that it is speedier than my amp. I'm sure that after some more burning in and change of op-amp, this amplifier can improve in leaps. Overall Rating: 7.8/10 Will be doing further impressions of the sound after more burning in. Will also attempt to change capacitors when I'm done with op-amp rolling. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| flu_fighter | 5 Oct 2008, 11:16 AM Post #7 |
TERROR.DEATH.WORSHIP!!!
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I have to agree that the bass does not quite reach as deep and for now, it still sounds a bit thinner than your DIY amp. Have not quite looked at what the default caps are, might consider using Elna Simic caps or Sanyo Oscons. As for the default opamps, not quite sure what the default ones are, thinking of using the LM4562 and see how they sound after i have fully burnt in the default set first. |
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Team DT 150 Team Big Mini Team Belden Team Portaphile Team Tekkeon Team "> One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars Only" per Portable Audio Rig Team "SAY NO TO KITCHEN APPLIANCES" Klub Karma MySpace 
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| ahdui | 6 Oct 2008, 11:46 AM Post #8 |
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aux!
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List of Standard op-amps given: AD797 x2 (Single) LM6172 x2 (Dual) <-- I've found out that flu_fighter has LM6171 x2 (Single) instead funny? LTC6241HV x1 (Dual) NE5534 x2 (Single) Dummy adapter x2 Transistor BUF x2 empty adapter x2 Capacitors Used: 3300uF Nippon ChemiCon <-- rather slim for 3300uF, will be hard to find caps which are suitable for rolling. There are also 2 jumpers for impedance matching from what I heard from flu_fighter. Which I have no idea when I need to use it. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| kschong | 6 Oct 2008, 02:33 PM Post #9 |
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 http://cgi.ebay.com/new-5PCS-JVC-Capacitor...908124033r29592 Try these JVC caps... thin and 3300uf. Maybe too long. 
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Rig: CD5001 => VDH Hybrid III => beta22 3-channel /w active ground => DT880 Portable Rig: Ipod 5.5 => My custom IC => iBasso p3 Heron => FreQshow | |
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| theory_87 | 6 Oct 2008, 08:59 PM Post #10 |
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I Need More Money To Spend
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I just tried P3 out. Not quite my taste. |
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Source: Sansa Clip x 2 | iAudio U2 | Rio Karma | iPod Nano 4GB Gen 1 x 2 | iMod 60GB iPod Photo | iPod Gen 5.5 x 2 | iRiver H140 | HP Pavilion dv6121TX Amp: Xin SuperMicro IV | theory_87's DPA1 | iBasso D10 Modded | iBasso fi.Quest | Onkyo TX-SV919THX | Yaqin CD1 Tube Buffer w Mullard E88CC | AMB CK²III Heaphone/IEM/Speaker: CrossRoad MylarOne X3 | SoundMagic PL30 | Modded Altec Lasing im716 | Fischer Audio Eterna w modified UM56 | Custom Ultimate Ears® super.fi 5 Extended Bass™ | Custom Ultimate Ears® #4/1000 triple.fi 10 Pro™ + mid driver| ACS T1 | JBL PS100 & Yamaha VS10M Others: xxx red series 3.5mm & RCA IC | DIY HGA 3.5mm IC | DIY Jena Cryo 3.5mm IC | DIY ALO SXC 3.5mm IC | Custom Optical IC | Ridox contact protector/enhancer | DeoxIT ProGOLD | Mapleshade SilClear | |
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| ahdui | 7 Oct 2008, 02:37 PM Post #11 |
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aux!
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Spent an afternoon doing some research with kschong and we did found a lot of usable capacitors and op-amps to play around. Will be posting them up soon. Anyway, My current combo is using: - transistor buffers in the buffer section - LTC6241HV for grounding path op-amp - NE5534 x2 for signal path op-amp My imaginary ideal setup will probably be(not confirmed yet): - buf634 x2 in buffer section - OPA2134 for grounding path op-amp - AD8397 for signal path op-amp Thinking of trying out the JNM o-amps from New Japan Radio. Undoubtedly, the iBasso P3 is not near to my type of sound signature but op-amp roll-able at such an affordable pricing. WHY NOT!?! lol. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| ahdui | 13 Oct 2008, 07:39 PM Post #12 |
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aux!
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I've tried out a couple of combinations just now with kschong. Default setup: - Bypass chip in the buffer section - LM6172 for grounding path op-amp - AD797 x2 for signal path op-amp The sound signature is rather focused on the highs and the bass is lacking. Soundstage is rather flat. Using the available default op-amps: (Best) - transistor buffers in the buffer section - LTC6241HV for grounding path op-amp - NE5534 x2 for signal path op-amp It gives a very tubey and warm signature and gives a rather good slam. But rolls off at the lower spectrum(the bass doesn't seem to hit deep enough). Soundstage is improved, more depth. Kschong's Current Ideal Setup: - transistor buffers in the buffer section - AD847 x2 for grounding path op-amp <-- providing the high speed signature - AD823 for signal path op-amp <-- for huge soundstage Cymbals sounds very addictive with this combo. The sound signature is speedy and the highs are very smooth. The soundstage is also very very 3D-like. Later on, we introduced the OPA2134 into the combination and fooled around. Sample 1: - transistor buffers in the buffer section - AD847 x2 for grounding path op-amp - OPA2134 for signal path op-amp Much improvement in the lower spectrum, felt the the impact and bass going deeper but still more to improve on. It sounds like everything is in front of you. Sample 2: - transistor buffers in the buffer section - OPA2134 for grounding path op-amp - AD823 for signal path op-amp The bass impact is still there. However, the sound signature is rather grainy and harsher. The soundstage did improved, there is more depth but not as good as "kschong's current ideal setup". Sample 3: - transistor buffers in the buffer section - OPA2134 for grounding path op-amp - AD847 x2 for signal path op-amp In sacrificial of getting more speed, the sound signature is rather dull. Not recommended! The next post, I will be introducing the AD8066 into the combinations and later play with capacitors which I've bought in Koba. - ELNA 3300uF (short and has the same thickness as the default caps) - Sanyo 3900uF (Rather fat but possible to squeeze in) - JVC 2700uF ( I later found out that this caps is too long even though it has the same thickness as the default ones.) - Teapo 3300uF (Same results as the JVC caps, not a very reputable brand too, probably abandoning it) FYI: Kschong changed his capacitors from the original Nippon Chemicon 3300uF to Pannasonic 220uF. Didn't detect any differences in the sound signature though. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| kschong | 15 Oct 2008, 11:39 AM Post #13 |
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Lol nice write up for what we fooled around yesterday afternoon! :lol: The bass response problem could be due to the small red metallized caps. Otherwise I don 't see why such a simple circuit amp cannot get better than average bass. Maybe there's something else around there. And also, like to point out that my setup has a slightly 'loose' bass. Opa2134 has a more tighter bass. Anyway, hope to hear impressions from your other op amps. If you look at the top most picture, you realise the two caps we currently have are actually the 2 yellow caps above? They swapped out the yellow AVX ones for something else... Datasheet for AVX http://www.avx.com/docs/Catalogs/bf-bq.pdf P.S. still waiting for your order to farnell! |
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Rig: CD5001 => VDH Hybrid III => beta22 3-channel /w active ground => DT880 Portable Rig: Ipod 5.5 => My custom IC => iBasso p3 Heron => FreQshow | |
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| ahdui | 15 Oct 2008, 01:15 PM Post #14 |
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aux!
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Yup, I've also suspected the 2 red caps interfering with the signal path. Will look deeper into it and we shall solve the lower spectrum roll off problem. Just tried out the AD8066 (Dual) with my configuration: Sample 4: - transistor buffers in the buffer section - AD8066 for grounding path op-amp (Adds punch, impact and texture. I love this op-amp) - OPA2134 for signal path op-amp Gives very good impact and slam sound signature but still it doesn't goes as deep as I am expecting. It also has a very good texture added to the sound signature. I guess that an op-amp with a sound signature of wide and 3D like soundstage and good details will be more suitable for the signal path. Will be playing around with more configurations when I am free and update you guys again with the next post. Stay tuned for more op-amp rolling fun and capacitor rolling. List of 1st batch of capacitors I'm going to roll: JVC 2700uF 16v: Overly long but same thickness, will be rolling it on flu_fighter's set because he doesn't use batteries inside, I have all the space in his 6 AAAs compartment. Very keen about the results as I see a lot of Japanese DIYers using it for their portable amplifiers. ELNA 3300uF 6.3v: 2 times shorter than the default Nippon Chemicon 3300uF 6.3v, same thickness. I suspect this will probably be the best pair of capacitors among this first batch. Sanyo 3900uF 6.3v: About the same length as the Default capacitors, but very thick. Good news is that it can still fit in the casing with ease. Another pair of capacitors which has a good potential. Teapo 3300uF 10v: same problem as JVC, too long but same thickness. Found out from flu_fighter that Abit motherboards with teapo cap have high RMA rate within the 2years. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| ahdui | 9 Nov 2008, 05:17 PM Post #15 |
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aux!
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Finally, I managed to have some free time to get messy with my soldering iron and the op-amps which i need to solder. Sample 6: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD2134 for grounding path op-amp - OPA8397 for signal path op-amp (Gives the power and life into music, my favourite op-amp) Failure Combination, soundstage sounds very weird even though the ends are rather extensive. Sample 7: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - OPA2134 for signal path op-amp Adding AD8397 really gives power and life into my music. It opens up everything. Bass sounds rather bloated on this configuration. This 2 op-amps doesn't match that well. Sample 8: (My current favourite) - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - OPA8066 for signal path op-amp The best configuration I've ever heard so far. The Bass whack in hard and big, spreading out "roundly". This configuration makes my music sound very open and fun. Not forgetting that the texture is superb. Sample 9: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - AD843 x2 for signal path op-amp (speedy and nice high) Makes the details of my music much more defined but due to the removal of OPA8066, the "shiokness" of the music is not there anymore. It also adds a very good speedy decay which makes cymbals very addictive. Sample 10: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8066 for grounding path op-amp - AD843 x2 for signal path op-amp Without AD8397, the fullness and liveness of the music is somehow disappeared. But this configuration gives a very accurate and neutral signature. Wide soundstage with a good slam on the lower spectrum and instruments can be heard very distinctively. More updates to come soon especially rolling of capacitors. Stay tuned! |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| kschong | 19 Nov 2008, 07:33 PM Post #16 |
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Small follow up from me. Some new op amps came from Farnell today. OPA2134, THS4032, ADA4841-2 and AD843. OPA2134 is cheap and good and can be utilised equally well in signal L/R or GRD. THS4032 is more revealing and the good thing is that it can reproduce upper and lower frequencies with relatively much ease. Nice to listen to and not fatiguing. However it comes in SOIC package so need to solder on the empty adaptor that iBasso provided. I was totoally pwned when I saw the ADA4841-2 because I thought it would come in SOIC package (didn't check). It turned out to be even smaller (MSOP package)! Its half the size of the SOIC package and I had to spread the legs to reach the pads on the ibasso adaptor. Anway I did it and phew! It sound greats with lots of detail. Much like THS4032 but even better in all aspects. |
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Rig: CD5001 => VDH Hybrid III => beta22 3-channel /w active ground => DT880 Portable Rig: Ipod 5.5 => My custom IC => iBasso p3 Heron => FreQshow | |
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| ahdui | 20 Nov 2008, 08:28 AM Post #17 |
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aux!
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I just received a big bulk of op-amps from flu_fighter to do some testing and also soldering them onto the SOIC-DIP8 adapters. Indeed, the OPA2134 is great for its value but the AD8066 is definitely a better choice over the OPA2134 in almost every aspects. The AD843 is also another good op-amp which I've tried. I do have like a few of THS4032 but sadly, I do not have time to solder them yet. Some new samples I've tried yesterday using Sample 8 as my benchmark. Sample 11: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - LT1361 for grounding path op-amp - OPA8397 for signal path op-amp Bass is not as rounded and doesn't hits deep. The sound signature is fast and accurate and the highs are rather tamed. However, there is a lack of decay. Sample 13: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - OPA2604 for grounding path op-amp - OPA8397 for signal path op-amp The bass slam and impact is there but the sound signature is kinda warm and slow. The decay is rather draggy. The highs are rather extensive but rough on the edges. It gives a very "i your head" feeling. Sample 14: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - OPA2107 for grounding path op-amp - OPA8397 for signal path op-amp Very full-bodied and warm sound signature The highs are extensive yet tamed...NICE! Sad thing is that the bass doesn't hit deep but the imaging of instruments is very good. Sample 15: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - LT1469 for grounding path op-amp - OPA8397 for signal path op-amp Slow and dull signature. Bass doesn't have much impact but the lower spectrum can still be felt and heard. On the downside, the highs are quite rolled off. Sample 16: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - OPA8066 for grounding path op-amp - AD743 x2 for signal path op-amp It gives a very "in your face" kind of imaging. It is probably the op-amp which can produce the best kind of highs to my reference. The kind of sparkling highs which is not piercing at all. However, the soundstage is rather narrow. It is a fast reacting op-amp yet with a nice good decay. More to come soon when I have more time to mess around. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| denging | 21 Nov 2008, 04:28 PM Post #18 |
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hi there gurus... i try figure out this combo : L/R AD8937 + iBasso Buffer Transistors + Ground THS4302... what do gurus think (or feel) about that combo? |
| Lucian: I've lived by their rules my entire life. I've protected them. Envied them. And for what? To be treated like an animal. We are not animals! Is this what you want? We can be slaves, or we can be... LYCANS! | |
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| flu_fighter | 21 Nov 2008, 06:03 PM Post #19 |
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TERROR.DEATH.WORSHIP!!!
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You can always try and let us know how it sounds. The reason why AD8397 is always used with the bypassed buffers is because if I recall correctly AD8397 has an in-built buffer. |
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Team DT 150 Team Big Mini Team Belden Team Portaphile Team Tekkeon Team "> One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars Only" per Portable Audio Rig Team "SAY NO TO KITCHEN APPLIANCES" Klub Karma MySpace
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| denging | 21 Nov 2008, 06:12 PM Post #20 |
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i am now listening to this combo : AD8937 + bypass+ 3 (NE5534)/ 4 (AD797)... since i've been told that the 3/4 channel does have something to do with G/VGND... the sound is quite pleasent to my ear... warm, full with adequate highs and thick bass... the mids (vocal) somehow more intimate... |
| Lucian: I've lived by their rules my entire life. I've protected them. Envied them. And for what? To be treated like an animal. We are not animals! Is this what you want? We can be slaves, or we can be... LYCANS! | |
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| ahdui | 21 Nov 2008, 08:08 PM Post #21 |
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aux!
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I will only know about the sound signature of THS4032 this coming weekend when I have sometime to mess around with my soldering iron again. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| ahdui | 25 Nov 2008, 03:21 AM Post #22 |
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aux!
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 Will be messing with more op-amps and I will also be starting on capacitor rolling too. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| denging | 25 Nov 2008, 05:47 PM Post #23 |
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i've also got those green-gold [M] matsushita X-Pro caps (3300uF, 16v) to recap the PSU along with Black Gate PK 0.1uF (2) ; Black gate NX HiQ 0.1uF (2) - to recap the red cap / wima, and coming from ebay the Rubycon ZL 3900uF, 6.3v.... OPA627BP ; OPA2066 |
| Lucian: I've lived by their rules my entire life. I've protected them. Envied them. And for what? To be treated like an animal. We are not animals! Is this what you want? We can be slaves, or we can be... LYCANS! | |
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| ahdui | 25 Nov 2008, 10:56 PM Post #24 |
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aux!
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Have you tried rolling the red ceramic caps? seems like a pretty dangerous job. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| denging | 26 Nov 2008, 05:57 PM Post #25 |
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well, i intend to... i did trace the red caps, it seems those caps are coupling/decoupling caps (CMIIW) that connected to NCC 3300uF... 
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| Lucian: I've lived by their rules my entire life. I've protected them. Envied them. And for what? To be treated like an animal. We are not animals! Is this what you want? We can be slaves, or we can be... LYCANS! | |
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| ahdui | 2 Dec 2008, 11:50 AM Post #26 |
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aux!
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I've tried it. I'm sure that the iBasso Transistor buffers are the components that hinders the performance of the AD8397. The combination is pretty accurate and has a nice presentation but the bass just doesn't hit deep down. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| ahdui | 2 Dec 2008, 07:23 PM Post #27 |
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aux!
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Sample 17: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - AD8620 for signal path op-amp My first impression is that the soundstage is rather narrow and the bass is rather boomy. It has lack of body and impact but it is rather extensive. The downside is that it is slow. Sample 18: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - AD4841-2 for signal path op-amp The impact is clean and deep. It gives a very warm and full-bodied sound signature. The highs performs very well on this opamp and it is fast sounding yet with a good decay. Sample 19: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - A8397 for grounding path op-amp - LT6234 for signal path op-amp I notice that the sound signature is draggy and slow. The music becomes rather veiled but bass hits deep still. Another plus point is that the op-amp has nice decay. Sample 20: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - AD8656 for signal path op-amp This op-amp gives a very bright signature when I first tried. The bass impact is accurate and nice. It is fast reacting and a very "in-your-face" presentation. When your volume knob is at 0, you may hear loud buzzing sound but as you bring the volume up, the buzzing sound will not be present. Sample 21: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - LT1028 x2 for signal path op-amp This op-amp has rather nice highs and presentation of instruments is very rather good. The bass hits deep down and has a nice decay. Sample 22: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - THS4631 for signal path op-amp A warm sounding op-amp with a very good texture in the music. The decay is just right and decent. The bass also hits deep enough. Sample 22: - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - Intersil 55002C for signal path op-amp Its a slow and draggy op-amp. There is a good mid bass hump but lacking in the lower spectrum. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| ahdui | 4 Dec 2008, 07:00 PM Post #28 |
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aux!
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 This is what I've played around during the previous weekend.  Aside from soldering op-amps and capacitors, I did some bypass chips for flu_fighter and Ryner for their iBasso D1  This is my iBasso P3 with the capacitors rolled to Elna 3300uF 6.3v from the original Nippon Chemicon 3300uF 6.3v. You can see my favourite configuration: (since 1month ago and after trying many other op-amps) - Bypass Buffers in the buffer section - AD8397 for grounding path op-amp - OPA8066 for signal path op-amp With this op-amp combination, I could achieve a very good bass response (great impact and hits deep) and very wide and 3D soundstage from the OPA8066, The nice warmth, superb texture and airy-ness from AD8397 which opens up everything and the bypass buffers that doesn't restrict any of the op-amps ability. (Do note that the AD8397 has a very high mV output as compared to many other buffers available for rolling). I doubt any commercial portable amplifier of current productions within this price range could fight it. Personally, it beats even the big runner amplifiers like RSA SR-71A, Rudistor JX-03 and etc. Not much improvement I've heard from the change of capacitors. The overall sound is much smoother and airy.  This is what I did with flu_fighter's P3. I rolled the capacitors to Sanyo 3900uF 6.3v from the original Nippon Chemicon 3300uF 6.3v. The improvement is quite good I must say. I can sense an obvious improvement in the 3D-ness of the music. The highs and the lows are much more tamed and smooth. The bass becomes very controlled (very good combo with the AD8066 op-amp). After changing to the Sanyo caps, I have to file down the insides of the iBasso P3's casing so as to not damage any components. This configuration still works as per normal w/o any expense of space at the battery area. My next plan will be introducing bigger capacitors and making use of the area to house the 6x AAA batteries. Following by messing with the small red wima caps. |
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Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530 Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod) Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530 Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000 Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5 | |
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| theory_87 | 4 Dec 2008, 07:22 PM Post #29 |
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I Need More Money To Spend
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Nice. And lots of opamp for you to play with. Some day I will play with opamps too. =) |
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Source: Sansa Clip x 2 | iAudio U2 | Rio Karma | iPod Nano 4GB Gen 1 x 2 | iMod 60GB iPod Photo | iPod Gen 5.5 x 2 | iRiver H140 | HP Pavilion dv6121TX Amp: Xin SuperMicro IV | theory_87's DPA1 | iBasso D10 Modded | iBasso fi.Quest | Onkyo TX-SV919THX | Yaqin CD1 Tube Buffer w Mullard E88CC | AMB CK²III Heaphone/IEM/Speaker: CrossRoad MylarOne X3 | SoundMagic PL30 | Modded Altec Lasing im716 | Fischer Audio Eterna w modified UM56 | Custom Ultimate Ears® super.fi 5 Extended Bass™ | Custom Ultimate Ears® #4/1000 triple.fi 10 Pro™ + mid driver| ACS T1 | JBL PS100 & Yamaha VS10M Others: xxx red series 3.5mm & RCA IC | DIY HGA 3.5mm IC | DIY Jena Cryo 3.5mm IC | DIY ALO SXC 3.5mm IC | Custom Optical IC | Ridox contact protector/enhancer | DeoxIT ProGOLD | Mapleshade SilClear | |
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| denging | 4 Dec 2008, 07:25 PM Post #30 |
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boy, i finally did mess around with those reds... recaped it with BG 0.1 NX HiQ... at first it was astounding with my combo of OPA2604 + transistor buff + THS4302... but suddenly it went berzerk with big screeching noise... then it went pitch dark... my oh my it must've been my messy soldering job... perhaps somehow i shortcircuit one or more pad there... re-recaped to those reds and... everything went back to normal again.... well, i intend to mess it around tomorrow i guess.... hihihi ( i hope my BG NX HiQ arent dead)
Edited by denging, 4 Dec 2008, 07:28 PM.
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| Lucian: I've lived by their rules my entire life. I've protected them. Envied them. And for what? To be treated like an animal. We are not animals! Is this what you want? We can be slaves, or we can be... LYCANS! | |
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