Mod your Beresford 7520

[leo]

It only happens when there is music playing (randomly) and only on the optical. It doesn't happen on the co-ax. I've tried different sources on the optical and it's the same. Weird or what?

Hmm, thats interesting, well it does narrow things down a little and gives a few options to test and check, I'd start with basics, you may have already mentioned you tried these things but I'm not reading through all the thread

Anyway

(Removed, already tried it)

Is the optical lead ok, no cracks in the lead or muck etc on the ends

Is the optical socket ok, no fractured or dry joints giving intermittent connections

If the voltage supplying the optical input isn't consistant it could cause problems

Whilst music is playing try gently tapping the dac to see if it increases the popping

Maybe the optical level is slightly too high and causing random clipping

It should be possible to find the problem, it may just require a bit of time

[trailer]

I'll have a check of those and let you know.

Thanks again Leo.

[prenzlberger]

... my first modding attempt?

I have received three 4562s for my 7520, one, in case I screw up.
Could someone perhaps post a picture of the 7520 insides and mark, which pieces I need to exchange?
Any special trick in removing and installing these tiny bits?

Sorry, to barge in with such basic questions, but I don't want to destroy the 7520

ciao for now

eckhard

[StanleyB]

There are several pictures in this same thread that show the exact things you are after. So you'll have to browse through the whole lot I am afraid. It takes time, but well worth it.

Stan

[sponge]

Just received the Wolfson WM8716 DAC chip in readiness for the upgrade. I am a little pushed for time at the moment and I don't want to rush it so I'll keep you informed of the swap when I get round to it.

Also in the mailing I ordered a AD826 op-amp which I have just installed in the headphone socket.

I'll leave it burning in but first impressions are very good - I have been looking for the word to describe the sound - And that word is "Refined" with a capital R!
This chip is without doubt the best I have tried to date IMHO - really makes the K701's sing - Not a hint of bad manners like the 4032, it just reproduces music - And how.

I advise you try one (or two). I can hardly wait to hear how this is going to sound with the Wolfson DAC - Ooooh I fell quite excited - Guick nurse, the screens....


Ken

[trailer]

I don't get any popping issues on my TC-7520 with WM8716.
I got a set of the 49720 from Simon (YP53 on ebay), and hope to try them over the weekend. He has bought a TC-7520 for opamp testing, so hopefully we'll get some more useful info from that direction.

Stan

How did you find the 49720's Stan?

[sponge]

My TC-7520 is now Wolf powered!

I have just completed the swap - And it's not a job for the faint of heart. Getting the old chip out was pretty straightforward, but installing the WM8716 proved a challenge and no mistake .

It's quite difficult to hold the soldering iron steady whilst reaching into the guts of the 7520 - And the DAC's pins are only 0.65mm between centres. If you decide to tackle the job yourself, make sure you have some de-soldering braid and some liquid flux - The job would not be possible without them I don't think.And try not to snag a pin with the braid like I did - Took ages to get it back in position.

But - Was it worth the effort?

Too right it was !!

The difference is not night and day, but to me the music sounds much more natural. Instruments can be positioned better and the whole soundstage is wider and more "airy". And this is just from the headphone out - I haven't tried the line out yet.

I have tried all inputs though, and they all behave fine - No sign of Trailer's "popping" problem.

I'm just going to give the WM8716 the once over with the 10X loupe and if all's OK the lid goes back on the 7520 to stay ...... Until next time

Ken

[trailer]

My TC-7520 is now Wolf powered!

I have just completed the swap - And it's not a job for the faint of heart. Getting the old chip out was pretty straightforward, but installing the WM8716 proved a challenge and no mistake .

It's quite difficult to hold the soldering iron steady whilst reaching into the guts of the 7520 - And the DAC's pins are only 0.65mm between centres. If you decide to tackle the job yourself, make sure you have some de-soldering braid and some liquid flux - The job would not be possible without them I don't think.And try not to snag a pin with the braid like I did - Took ages to get it back in position.

But - Was it worth the effort?

Too right it was !!

The difference is not night and day, but to me the music sounds much more natural. Instruments can be positioned better and the whole soundstage is wider and more "airy". And this is just from the headphone out - I haven't tried the line out yet.

I have tried all inputs though, and they all behave fine - No sign of Trailer's "popping" problem.

I'm just going to give the WM8716 the once over with the 10X loupe and if all's OK the lid goes back on the 7520 to stay ...... Until next time

Ken

Excellent Ken. It will be interesting to hear what your choice of op-amp would be now.

[sponge]

Excellent Ken. It will be interesting to hear what your choice of op-amp would be now.

Funny you should mention that - I said in a recent post I have fitted an AD826 in the headphone position and I love it - It's the best I have tried so far, bar none. So at the moment I am using an LM4562NA in the Line-out, but I will definately be trying an AD826 next time I put an order in.

Just been listening to a couple of tracks with the Senn HD600's from the USB - Super smooth in silk stockings

Ken

[StanleyB]

How did you find the 49720's Stan?

With the WM8716 it reminds me of the Koetsu Gold I used to own.