Audiolab 6000CDT Mods

[Gazjam]

Keep reading about how the 6000CDT is constantly getting recommended, love mine.
Thinking was that it would be replaced with a "better" transport at a later point?

Well, change of plan.

From research, reading many forum posts and some head scratching I think I'd need to "silly" to noticably better it, and even then possibly only by small percentages.
I've always found an Audiolab 6000CDT comparison thread on a forum somewhere; "it got really close" or "not sure which one I preferred".
Think the new 9000CDT would be better, stronger construction with different tray load CD mech, but still... by how much exactly for 3 times the price?
Happy with results of modding my Oppo 203 bluray player, much better performance than stock.

SO:
Decided to mod this transport to see how far I can take it, similar to what I did with my Oppo 203.
Looking into PCB changes, power supply tweaks, cap changes etc, as well as mechanical and RF/EMI treatment too.

Its getting quite a popular player, so maybe this thread could be helpful for others, similar to my Oppo thread.

Open to any suggestions from any DIY heads out there!
Heres the original PCB


Lots of space in the case too, scope to break out improved parts if that can be a thing.


Looking forward to this.
More to come.

[Gazjam]

Work begins tommorow.

Have a pack of this stuff coming, used it before its really effective.
Silent Coat 4mm aluminium backed Butyl constrained layer damping sheets.

Uses constrained layer damping to lower panel resonance and absorb structural vibrations, converting them into low level heat.

Previously I used the 2mm sheets to line the casework on my Oppo, worked great.
Didn't know they did double thickness 4mm stuff.
This will add even more mass and damping to the Audiolab's metal casework.

[brian2957]

I think you could patch a pothole with that stuff

[Gazjam]

If theres any left I'll let you know mate...

[brian2957]

Well I am considering a new driveway

[Jimbo]

Vibration is the enemy of all things Hifi so reducing it or eliminating it can only be a good thing. I used the thinner Silent Coat in my amps to great effect. Not only does it seem to cut down internal vibration getting through to the valves it also suppress external vibration. In fact I remove my valve rings as they sounded better without but with silent coat in the case.

I presume it will work well with all electronics including solid state gear as it has been proven that capacitors and digital clocks can benefit seriously from vibration protection.

Let us know how you get on with this extra thick stuff Gary.

[Gazjam]

Oo-er Mrs...

Will do James.

The 2mm stuff worked great in my Oppo,
used it to further damp the drive as well.

I'll do the same with the Audiolab,
the unit is really well put together but the case could be beefed up.

The drive itself seems a bit biscuit tin-ey, so see how damping that pans out.

[Gazjam]

Dammit.
Just my luck.

Audiolab's cheaped out and used really soft metal T6 Torx screws to bolt the case together.
Most of them have stripped heads from over tightening, I cant even crack open the case!

What a great start.

Tiny screw, head sits flush with the case, so my usual brute force methods wont work.


Time to get the Dremmel and cut those suckers out you think?

[Stryder5]

Cut a slot with dremel first and use a big bladed screwdriver.

[struth]

yup as above. you can also get a freeze lube that can free a stubborn or corroded bolt. think its aptly called 'crack it'