Arcam Alpha 5

[aquapiranha]

Will do Leo. I have already changed 10 PSU diodes on the main board to Schottky's so no problem wielding a soldering iron!...





sorry, I am no David Bailey!

[leo]

Ok, first audioboard, its pretty simple tbh but worth a try, parts won't leave you poor

Where do you order your bits from, Farnell? The film caps I used to like are no longer available so will need to try a few alternatives to compare

Of course we can go further, much further with the audioboard but isn't easy, some things need to be built on veroboard like a new output stage

Things like the clock and voltage regulation does benefit from upgrading but will add much more to the cost

[aquapiranha]

Great thanks Leo! I do have an account with Farnell, who I find to be very well priced. The two opams you have arrowed, I have already changed the NE's to OPA134's. (if you look closely you can see the sockets I added) I was thinking of trying a couple of others, but I will leave that until I have done some more of the mods you suggest. (have you seen the bloody price of OPA627's???)

Thanks again, I will get ordering tomorrow...

Oh, what does NHG mean?

[leo]

main board

and Farnell parts, obviously some come in packs of 5



1000uf 50v NHG (9 needed) http://uk.farnell.com/panasonic/eca1...50v/dp/9693009

100uf 25v NHG (2 needed) http://uk.farnell.com/panasonic/eca1...25v/dp/9692827

10uf 25v oscon (4 needed) http://uk.farnell.com/sanyo/25sc10m/...25v/dp/9188690

Can't find 3300uf, I think its 25v? been a while since I been inside this cdp
You can use what you like, worth changing mainly for reliability

I personally liked OP27 best in both I/V position and the output but use what you like best
I wouldn't waste money on OPA627, its not that great IMHO, vastly overpriced

[leo]

You want to try NOS??? you loose the digital output but some swear by NOS in these players

[aquapiranha]

cheers Leo, I will have a look at Farnell tomorrow. And thanks very much for taking the time and effort, even to the point of getting me the part numbers!great!

Steve

[leo]

NOS mod can be done so its reversable but it requires care

[aquapiranha]

I have seen one or two NOS option by the likes of netaudio, I do not need the digital out so was considering it!

[leo]

I have seen one or two NOS option by the likes of netaudio, I do not need the digital out so was considering it!

all it costs you to try is a soldering iron, solder, desolder wick or pump ,steady hand, a few bits of wire

[aquapiranha]

all it costs you to try is a soldering iron, solder, desolder wick or pump ,steady hand, a few bits of wire

Really? I was under the impression it meant the addition of components, not the bypassing of them!



Oh, I prefer a pump, though a freind likes the wick