I've bought two of these boards in the last year, replacing the output coils (with heavier duty Wurths), input caps (with Daytons and old PIOs) and rail caps (with a sextet of Panasonic FC 1000uF/35V). I haven't done it yet, but replacing the heatsink/fan combo with a Zalman passive device should be helpful. A good power supply is essential, about 27V to 32V. Sure Electronics sells the oddly-named Meanwells, which are a great deal in themselves; for US$50, you get a hash-free SMPS that doesn't flag under load. My Meanwell's fan has never turned on. For well under US$150, you can enjoy listening to a real giant-killer. I've owned ASL tube monoblocks and a Triode Electronics modded ST-70, and I like the Sure more, much more. The Sure is a fabulously rich-sounding and dynamic amplifier. Smooth, too.
Naturally, my statements are based on my opinions, though I've sprinkled in some relevant facts.
YMMV, etc., etc.
--Alan
Originally Posted by musicmatters
I've bought two of these boards in the last year, replacing the output coils (with heavier duty Wurths), input caps (with Daytons and old PIOs) and rail caps (with a sextet of Panasonic FC 1000uF/35V). I haven't done it yet, but replacing the heatsink/fan combo with a Zalman passive device should be helpful. A good power supply is essential, about 27V to 32V. Sure Electronics sells the oddly-named Meanwells, which are a great deal in themselves; for US$50, you get a hash-free SMPS that doesn't flag under load. My Meanwell's fan has never turned on. For well under US$150, you can enjoy listening to a real giant-killer. I've owned ASL tube monoblocks and a Triode Electronics modded ST-70, and I like the Sure more, much more. The Sure is a fabulously rich-sounding and dynamic amplifier. Smooth, too.
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