The discrete TC-7520(SE)(+) line output

Nope, best explanation ever! Add me to your list Stan. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by StanleyB

The Gator maintains all the functionality of the stock audio PCB. So fixed, variable, and headphone output are all present and unaffected.
In other words: the first opamp on the stock board has been replaced with discrete transistors. Everything else is the same. That includes the connections and signals to every pin on the connectors.
Or to put it another way: the Gator does not remove the variable output, nd does not override the muting circuit.

Have I missed anything in the explanation?

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Please add me too Stan.

The impedance in my Rotel RB-1552 power amp is 33 kOhms. I use the Caimen as pre. I have to turn the knob to "12" while listening. I'm worrying about the -3db in gain. Do you think the passive mod can work for me or should I consider the gator board? I never use my headphones.

The Gator would be your best option. If you don't use the headphone output it's not a problem.

Thanks for your fast replay. I would really like one then :)

Hi GG,

What's your first name? Please add it to the signature on your profile - cheers! :cool:

Marco.

Sorry I've come late onto this one. Out of the country in the middle of nowhere dodging strangers in funny clothes.

I'm not a 'phone user and haven't done the passive mod. I do seem to find, playing around with the op-amps that the headphone op-amp seemed to have an effect on the line out too.

Would this be the same with this board (or am I barking up the wrong baobab)

Hey Leo,
Have you been slacking? You said you were going to try more caps on the Gator board but you have gone quiet.
Not having a week off are you?:lol:

Re: Volume controls..

In the good old bad old days, the optimum volume was set with the control at 12 o'clock to 2 o'clock (7 o'clock being minimum). Somewhere along the line, the log laws were changed (it may just have been the advent of CD players with much larger outputs as well) and optimum volume on so many amps seems to be at 9 o'clock by comparison, thereby crushing most of the control's range in the first third of rotation..

If the passive mod drops the output by 3db, then that brings the output down to that of your average vintage tuner or tape deck unless I'm mistaken. The Gator mod looks to be just the thing though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Covenant

Hey Leo,
Have you been slacking? You said you were going to try more caps on the Gator board but you have gone quiet.
Not having a week off are you?:lol:

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A week off ??? I bloody wish :lol: been busy with work mate.
I had some 10uf MKP 2000's arrive yesterday which I'm currently trying out in the Gator before the Sabre dac . Theres others to try yet too , I just have to wait for them to arrive.
These MKP2000 caps so far are sounding pretty good and are cheap to boot. Their not massively huge in size but still not an ideal fit in the Caiman when using the Gator. I found them to sound a little forced at first when new but they are improving with use, bass is pretty clean although lacking a little in weight.
They sound more tidy than the cheap and very compact 10uf 50v Wima.

With the Electrolytic types I still prefer the grey jacket Rubycon BP's, others tried include Elna SilmicII, Nichicon BP, Nichicon FG, Nichicon KZ, Blackgate FK, Blackgate N, Blackgate standard, Panasonic FC, Rubycon ZL anda few general purpose types. I just feel the grey Rubycon gave the best overall sound out of the electrolytics , the film caps like polypropylene etc are even better but have the disadvantage of being larger and more expensive . The advantage with films is their lower distortion

Like the passive out mod it maybe worth seeing how low in values you can use in your own setup , obviously the lower values will be smaller in size and cheaper, if you don't mind running the caps on the outside you can use what you like