aball

Responses from aball

Can anyone help me save my Kora Explorer 90Si
I don't know what you are talking about.  I have emails showing me helping you even beyond the repair itself.  Your amp required a ton of work and you never once spoke of any issues you had with it after completion.    
Kora Amp and Preamp Repair
It is true that the EL84M is more robust, due to the fact it can handle high anode voltages better than the regular EL84 can.  Kora used transformers that are designed for 115V primaries when we commonly have 126V available today. This means that ... 
Gallium Nitride GaN Class D Amplifiers
@aw-agd If you read my post you will see that I’m assuming linear operation. I made the same mistake you did: I didn’t read carefully. Also, it turns out you actually agree with my statement you said you disagree with, since 800k is high frequen... 
Amp — Leave on or turn off
The power-up condition triggers failures due to inrush current.  In standard failure theory, the starting condition is always the toughest (it's the same for mechanical systems).  Electrolytics are typically rated for 85C, which is actually quite ... 
Amp — Leave on or turn off
@jl35  I'm like them - we don't care if your amp is worn out. This information is for those who want to know what really happens inside.  
Gallium Nitride GaN Class D Amplifiers
GaN FETs are for high frequency (>500 kHz) switching circuits and are not really meant to be run in saturation with a Q point.  They have low parasitics, but that only applies at high frequencies, not audio.  Using them is more marketing than a... 
You don't lack bass, you have too much treble
Dead rooms are boring.  Subwoofers are essential.  
Devialet Expert Pro w/ Klipsch La Scala AL5
If you are worried about background noise, then you don't need to worry as the Devialet was dead quiet on my 104 dB sensitive horns.  Impressive for a Class D output stage, in fact.  
Tidal lowers its monthly fee
I have tried them all, and in my system it's clear to me (and my buddies) that Tidal is the clear winner.  It sounds so good!!!  Qobuz is a close second.  
What’s wrong with these McIntosh Monoblocks?
I am an electrical engineer who restores vintage audio equipment as a hobby.  The previous posts are not really correct - the MC40 does not need a load connected to verify the DC circuit voltages, as the circuit is perfectly stable at idle.  Just ... 
Amp — Leave on or turn off
@jl35 I've repaired over 50 amplifiers.  Leaving them on 24/7 definitely shortens their lifespan due the wet-electrolytic power supply capacitors failing.  Pass knows this, but the failure is gradual (takes about 2000 hours) and he figures you won... 
Amp — Leave on or turn off
@soix You can look up ripple capacitor ratings yourself.  Also, McCormack doesn't care if your caps are shot or not lol.  He's in the business of selling amps.  The degradation is gradual so you probably won't realize it until they bulge and blow ... 
sub rec. for McIntosh 275
There are lots of good options out there.  I use a Velodyne DD15 with my MC240 and love it.  
Luxman leaves me wanting
The L590 left me feeling the same way - no real emotion and lacks soundstage depth.  Not my style.  
Value of a preamp?
I’ve gone back-and-forth with this since moving to high-sensitivity speakers. I've determined that an active preamp is essential.  Current gain is key even if you don't need extra voltage gain.