2. amps-preamps
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Mapletree Ultra 4A SE - mods

Any thoughts on replacing the stock PS to preamp umbilical cable with a better one? Revelation Audio's product (silver wire) is well known to improve the Mapletree's sound, but my DIY instincts are strong. Has anyone tried to used different wires and what was the end result? BTW, what is a good source for teflon shielded cryo silver wire?

2nd mod, how about bypassing the channel level controls? Don't need them nor use them. Easy mod to implement and reverse. Wondering if the sound would improve by removing this pot from the signal path.

Regards,
alex333

Showing 3 responses by alex333

alex333 OP
38 posts
 
Rockadanny, I have channel level control on the MC7200, so I can handle any differences in output that way. Actually, I'll be checking that now that you mentioned it, hadn't thought about it before, and I know for a fact the room is acoustically a disaster.

Re the umbilical cable, I've read and been told by multiple owners of the Mapletree that it makes a big difference in sound. The stock one is lamp wire, and going to silver is a good improvement. I've found VH Audio sells the silver wire, but I'm wondering if there are other sources I've missed.
alex333 OP
38 posts
 
Update, took the channel level controls (pots) out of the audio path. Result: noticeable improvement in overall sound.
alex333 OP
38 posts
 
RE the sound change, I would say I'm getting more air, more detail, cymbals sound crisper.

The "mod" took about an hour but only because I was extra careful.

Umbilical power cable upgrade to silver is next on the list. Still hunting for a better source for the 18ga silver wire.

Has anyone tried to dampen the bottom metal plate? I have Dynamat extreme laying around, but I'd hate to kill the dynamics or dull the sound.
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