Interesting topic. While I didn’t actually sit down with a soldering iron and perform the work myself, I did have a long discussion with the engineers at Jolida Audio (now Black Ice) about modifying a Jolida Glass FX DAC DSD to my exact specifications. We settled on a blend of mods starting with a factory Level 1 upgrade which is simple upgrades to resistors, diodes, capacitors and vacuum tubes (the Glass FX DAC uses 12AX7 tubes in the analog pre-amp section to “sweeten” the D/A conversion) upgrade. Then I requested that they add a ByBee Rail. The ByBee Music Rail reduces the noise floor with internal power conditioning. Last, I replaced the standard Mullard Gold Lion tubes with Tung-Sol Gold Tips for a slightly brighter output.
Feeding the Glass FX is a Cambridge Audio CXC CD Transport. The CXC does not have a built-in D/A converter, so it requires an external unit. The accuracy of the sole purpose transport is amazing and the sound signature is breathtaking. It beats the doors of any streamed musical source.
Do you build anything for your high fidelity system? If so, what do you make?
After some self assessment and introspection on my own high fidelity habits I discovered that I build or make things for my stereo/audio room. Some examples of these things are;
1 Tore out carpeting/padding/floor tiles in the addition to my house (audio room) and painted the cement floor with epoxy paint and clear coat. Placed out a Turkish area rug.
2 Made cherry wood speaker stands on wheels.
3 Had made custom speaker covers and stereo stand covers for when I am not listening to audio to keep away dust. Thanks to my seamstress....
4 Custom made Paduak wood cover (with legs) with two low speed exhaust fans for my tube amp
So curiosity got the best of me. Have you made anything for you stereo system or room? If so what did you make and why?