Reference Amp recommendations

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by rhythmdevils, Sep 13, 2021.

  1. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    My bad then. In what way would you say it is not neutral?

    In just in my past experience most iFi stuff sounding fairly neutral, but maybe this Zen stuff is not in the same vein as their previous stuff.
     
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    How much gain did you set your WHAMMY to?
     
  3. Beefy

    Beefy Friend

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    Single board builds are convenient, but proximity of the mains transformer is always going to be an issue with the WHAMMY. When I was using an unshielded transformer in close proximity to my M3, I had a little hiss that was easy to detect with sensitive phones and IEMs, even at 2x voltage gain. Moving to a magnetically shielded transformer, and it is now dead silent, even at a higher gain.

    I'd bet building a wallwart case and umbilical to feed low voltage AC, and removing the on-board transformer, would cut the noise entirely.
     
  4. Pancakes

    Pancakes Friend

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    It's the default gain. Lowering it is the next thing I'll do and possibly trying Sparkos regulators.

    I've added the C2 and C7 caps (they're optional to help with stability in some op amps) but that didn't help. All internal wiring is now shielded and I've added a copper shield around the trafo. I also have a .01uf cap to try across the op amp V+ and V- per this Burson tech note https://www.bursonaudio.com/burson-ss-opamp-101-part-1-mkp-cap-tweak/
     
  5. Pancakes

    Pancakes Friend

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    Thanks @Beefy I'll try that.
     
  6. Beefy

    Beefy Friend

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    Copper shielding is great for radio interference, but not magnetic. Try and find something iron-based to cover the transformer, that will tell you whether magnetic interference is an issue, and whether moving the transformer will help.
     
  7. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Well I took a chance on the Monoprice Liquid Gold X and it is exactly what I wanted. I just thought I would update this thread since you all were kind enough to offer so much advice. I'm pretty sure the LauX is exactly what I was looking for and will serve me well. I just wish I could own one of the original Cavalli made ones.

    My review of the amp can be found here
     
  8. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    The original Cavalli made ones would cost way more and be harder to repair if something went wrong. At least you have 5 year warranty. My beef with these is just like the LP...the volume pot. At least the power supply is easily replaceable.
     
  9. Ruprit

    Ruprit New

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    I wonder if there is enough room to mod in a small, but higher quality, volume pot? Something like a TKD stepped pot. I know they make one that's pretty small. Granted, I know it would be easier said than done
     

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