FS: MHDT Labs Istanbul

Discussion in 'Closed (Archived) Sales' started by Luckbad, May 21, 2018.

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  1. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    [SOLD]

    http://www.mhdtlab.com/Istanbul.htm

    This is (was) the "coworker" version of the Istanbul, which is the same as the Eagle version but uses parts from all over the MHDT shop instead of the stock parts. What that really means is that a bunch of the capacitors are different and the DAC chips are J grade like the Stockholm instead of K.

    I acquired a bunch of capacitors and DAC chips to bring it up to the Eagle version and a bit beyond. I have PCM61P-K chips installed right now, which are the 18-bit version of the 16-bit PCM56P. I'll also include a pair of PCM56P-K chips as well as the PCM56P-J chips it came with.

    Anyway, this thing is outstanding, but I have to either sell this or the RME ADI-2 DAC within the next month to buy a Monolith Cavalli Liquid Platinum when it comes out. If the Istanbul doesn't sell in the next few weeks, I'll list the RME and grab a Schiit Eitr to use the Istanbul instead.

    Tubes I'll include: Tesla 6CC42, GE 5670 Triple Mica, 6N3P-DR

    Upgrades have now been performed:
    • RCA input uses a Murata DA101C transformer instead of caps
    • Input section caps are Panasonic OS-CONs (were Rubycon)
    • Output caps will be a matched pair of the rarer red K40Y-9 PIO caps (currently a lower grade Russian cap)
    • Power filter caps will be Epcos Sikorel (currently Rubycon)
    • 100uf Rubycon and Nichicon Fine Gold caps in the signal path replaced with Nichicon Muse
    • Replaced an additional Rubycon (not in signal path) that I didn't find in my initial assessment with a Nichicon Fine Gold
    Asking $700 + Shipping/PayPal
    10% off for Friends | 5% off for Contributors

    The unit can be easily changed to EU voltage but shipping would be costly.

    IMG_20180519_193129.jpg

    Update: Here's a picture of the ingredients for the upgrade. All have been tested.

    IMG_20180522_075733.jpg

    Update #2: I just finished upgrading the unit. Changed components have a green checkmark.

    IMG_20180522_204106.jpg

    Here's what it looked like BEFORE upgrades:
    IMG_20180214_221625.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2018
  2. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    Bah US citizens get all the fun... would like to get this otherwise.
     
  3. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    Changing it to your voltage only requires a jumper change. ;)
     
  4. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    It's more of a shipping+ customs problem. Want to have vacations around here?
     
  5. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    Just finished upgrading the Istanbul! It's now slightly better than the Eagle version. :)

    Sounds wonderful so far. I'll leave it running for a few hours before putting up the soldering equipment.

    See the first post for the "after" with check marks for everything that changed.

    Here's a BEFORE shot:

    IMG_20180214_221625.jpg
     
  6. BillOhio

    BillOhio Friend

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    Let me know if you end up needing an Eitr. I have one currently that's not being used.
     
  7. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    If someone here is flying to Europe (by any chance) give me and luckbad a hand pls.
     
  8. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    SOLD
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2018
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