View Full Version : Quad 33 and offboard PSU?
Anyone any experience with this set up?
For various reasons I want to run my 33 without using the onboard power kit. Have done a provisional foray with a 12v 2amp wall wart and it works fine (if sounding a bit thin and with some faint hum)
Would a higher voltage be better? (DADA recommend 16v with some minor tweaks) I have a variable regulated supply kicking about the garage somewhere which, from memory, would cover this range and more.
The Barbarian
24-04-2015, 12:49
Net audio do a new higher voltage Power supply for it..
Net audio do a new higher voltage Power supply for it..
They did ... I looked into that some time back but the external PSU is 'no longer available' on the NA site - just the upgraded internal one.
Apart from that, it was also dependent on their adapted tape board which I have no interest in.
Was really wondering if anyone had tried simply using an external PSU without a complete remodelling and had any tips
Bit the bullet ... removed the onboard PSU and Bulgin and fitted a 2.5mm socket fed by my cleaned up regulated 16v supply
Spent an hour this morning listening in quiet rapture to some of my favourite tracks - a definite step forward :smoking:
Now for the next step:
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8782/17289034542_bca5e01818_z.jpg
Bit the bullet ... removed the onboard PSU and Bulgin and fitted a 2.5mm socket fed by my cleaned up regulated 16v supply
Spent an hour this morning listening in quiet rapture to some of my favourite tracks - a definite step forward :smoking:
Now for the next step:
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8782/17289034542_bca5e01818_z.jpg
Interesting - though were I to go to the trouble of replacing the DIN sockets with RCA phonos (which I would not BTW), before I did that I would upgrade the components (resistors and especially the capacitors) on the the three plug in boards.
Interesting - though were I to go to the trouble of replacing the DIN sockets with RCA phonos (which I would not BTW), before I did that I would upgrade the components (resistors and especially the capacitors) on the the three plug in boards.
Already completely upgraded with a DADA kit Barry :)
I also updated all the transistors to modern equivalents while I was at it.
As I have no equipment with DIN outputs and have to use adapters for everything bar the connection to the 303 the old sockets are pointless. I'm only retaining the phono one because space is limited in that corner.
As far as 'originality' goes I don't give a fig but if there is a good reason to not change them in terms of sound detriment ... I'm all ears :)
Nice neat job there Mike.
Nice neat job there Mike.
Not done yet Andrew, unfortunately this is just a Photoshop mock-up.
No doubt I'll end up bodging it in real life ..... as usual :lol:
All done ;) - not quite as planned in the mock-up but suits my needs perfectly....
Finished and back together late this afternoon - in time for a quick test blast through my Topping 2 and desktop speakers.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7733/17136379430_08a534a3c6_z.jpg
Also tried with headphones and all in all a sight better than it was before with the failing onboard PSU and arcane DIN sockets.
Tomorrow will see it's maiden flight with the 303 ... fingers crossed :lol:
Neat work - well done! :)
Thanks Barry :)
Pretty straightforward really apart from getting the plastic back off without the tool to ease the spring clips and drilling out the rivets securing the DIN fittings without showering the innards with swarf .....
Well - been running this for over two months now and must say I'm right happy with the outcome.
Earlier this week I got my other 'stock' 33* back from servicing at Huntingdon so have been able to run them side by side into the 303 and my modded box is the definitive winner ... a tad more clarity but infinitely better separation and staging. Compared to the stock model the stage is more forward from the speakers and more present when listening through my Senn HD600. All this without losing the characteristic 33 soul that has always captivated me.
Definitely a winner and highly recommended ;)
Just for reference the modifications were the full DADA 33 mod package including upping the voltage to 16v - - - additional to this I replaced the onboard PSU for an external regulated supply and swapped the DIN Tape and Radio inputs for RCA sockets.
(The stock 33* used for comparison has had all el-caps replaced including the suppressor)
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