ECP Torpedo III [indexed in first post]

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by FlySweep, Nov 2, 2015.

  1. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Heh. I think most of us DIYer's struggle with the case work. I've certainly gotten better / more creative over the years - I even almost enjoy it. But, not quite :)
     
  2. HitmanFluffy

    HitmanFluffy Hoping to see real genitals someday!

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    Hand-drilling openings (not much in the way of equipment out here) in an aluminium case for inputs/outputs was soul-draining.
     
  3. dsavitsk

    dsavitsk Friend

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    The overall build is pretty straightforward, but you do want to go slow and in order or it can get tricky. Additionally, with any project, but particularly with a high voltage project, it is a very good idea to work with someone who has some experience to help guide you. Learning good habits around high voltage takes time. That said, the two SMD parts can be left off if they are troublesome and the casework is done for you.

    The T1 is also still available :)
     
  4. HitmanFluffy

    HitmanFluffy Hoping to see real genitals someday!

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    I can't overstate how great it is that casework comes with the kit, having to worry about case considerations and costs killed many a DIY project for me.
     
  5. fierce_freak

    fierce_freak Friend

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    EVOs are in and cooking. Impressions will have to wait again.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I added some additional spacers and supports here and there to solidify things after these pics were taken.
     
  6. HitmanFluffy

    HitmanFluffy Hoping to see real genitals someday!

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    Amazed they fit. My wallet screamed in agony just glancing at those caps.
     
  7. kapanak

    kapanak Canucklehead - Friend

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    Damn, they fit! Nice! You work clean, maybe I should send mine in for you to build for me haha :D
     
  8. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    haha clever fit
     
  9. fierce_freak

    fierce_freak Friend

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    Thanks I appreciate it. I actually feel it's slightly messy, but to be expected after a few years without picking up the iron. I've got the bug again, though. A gamma 1.5 on the bench next, then will decide where to go from there for a dac. Maybe y3. Anyone else have a suggestion for good non-sabre diy dac?
     
  10. Priidik

    Priidik MOT: Estelon

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    I built a Soekris Dam and love it!
     
  11. fierce_freak

    fierce_freak Friend

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    In the interest of keeping temps down on the caps:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I'll have to find some mesh or perforated metal to place there for safety, of course. Probably also going to need to refinish the case - I managed to knick and scratch it up a bit while making the hole.

    Also wouldn't recommend all this to anyone. Casework is the devil.
     
  12. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Hey dsavitak - does the TIII circuit make use of the on/off control on the NJM2396 regulator?
     
  13. fierce_freak

    fierce_freak Friend

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    There's a shop somewhat local that does powder coating, so I'm going to get a quote to refinish the case. Anyone suggest anything other than a file to try to make the hole as square and smooth as possible?
     
  14. FlySweep

    FlySweep Friend

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    A Dremel?
     
  15. dsavitsk

    dsavitsk Friend

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    No.
     
  16. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Thanks mate.
     
  17. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    Waiting on impressions eagerly...

    This is on the top of my list.
     
  18. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Well. Impressive. Built it stock with Cinemags - testing with both HD800's and HE1K's. Yea, I place this amp with Cinemags in the 'summit-fi' range. My highly modded S7 edges it, but it edges my mainline (no long own, from memory, take with more than a few grains) in dynamics, and a bit in tonality. Freak - looking forward to your impressions of the cap upgrade.

    I'm going to swap out the NJM2396 with a Belleson, though I honestly don't expect much improvement.

    In this design, power supply noise couples directly through the tube load resistors, gets buffered by the follower transistors (whether NMOSFET or NPN) to the parafeed transformer. To the extent the differential halves don't match, all residual noise will couple directly to the output. In theory it might help (10x lower noise), but we'll see.
     
  19. badf00d

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    Finished mine last night. Sounds great, especially for not being burned in at all. Good dynamics and bass for sure.
     
  20. fierce_freak

    fierce_freak Friend

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    So hard to say. The sound seemed to shift around a lot for the first few hours. Things sound very slightly more intimate (or direct), and sounds seem even more accurate. Still very dynamic, maybe more micro dynamics. One thing that stood out to me was how right (and beautiful) piano sounds post caps. Maybe a bit of a cheat, but things just sound that bit more real.

    I'm not sure it's worth the 60 something percent increase to the amps cost, but I'm happy to have them for sure. I'd be very curious to compare with the aluminum in oils which are much more reasonable. Pain to put in, though.


    I'd love to hear your thoughts on the belleson when you do the swap.
     

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