ECP Torpedo III [indexed in first post]

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

  1. TheloniuSnoop

    TheloniuSnoop Friend

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    Just answered my own question. The test diagram in post 235 is not correct. Dummy me for not checking it before trying it.
    My boards are now working.

    drfindley If you tested yours by the diagram, then your reg's are blown.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2016
  2. TomB

    TomB MOT: Beezar

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    I think what's really not correct is the way the graphic displays the probes. The Black probe is normally associated with "COM," whereas the Red probe is plugged into one of the other sockets (depending on expected amps to be measured). The diagram sort of shows the opposite. So, if you are used to simply plugging the black probe into the "COM," then you are correct - the polarity on the battery would be reversed.

    Except for the color of the probes, I think Doug drew the polarity and the current flow directly. Negative should be current flow (arrows) INTO the meter, which should be connected into COM. Unfortunately, the position of the Black probe looks like it should be connected into one of the amperage sockets, but one would ordinarily connect it into the COM.

    I hope that makes sense and I was studying the diagram after reading of your experience. However, I haven't made an actual direct current measurement with a meter in a long time and I was a bit uncertain to mention the issue with the probe colors in that diagram ... but maybe I was right. :(

    We need to wait until Doug weighs in to be sure and whether you connected the probes as one would normally do - which is the key, I think.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2016
  3. TomB

    TomB MOT: Beezar

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    7062 should be a bit better that the 6829, 6414, and 12AZ7. The current is 200ma at 12.6V, whereas the 6829, 6414, and 12AZ7 are at 225ma - but we have mentioned these as somewhat OK for the amp. Just to be clear, all of those are higher than what the amp is designed for, however. So you should take appropriate caution in using them: don't leave the amp on unattended or running for an extended period. You may also find that the PT will produce more mechanical noise with those tubes.

    JMHO, as always - Dsavitsk may have more to add.
     
  4. dsavitsk

    dsavitsk Friend

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    Oh drat. That's mea culpa :( I'll fix the diagram.
     
  5. dsavitsk

    dsavitsk Friend

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    I uploaded a corrected diagram. Hopefully I got this one right -- someone should double check it.

    I don't see any major issues with these tubes that increase the heater current by a tiny bit. However, the more current drawn, the more chance of mechanical and electrical noise.

    Regardless of the tubes used, you should never leave a tube amp, or frankly anything you built, on and unattended.
     
  6. blackships

    blackships Friend

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    Aww, I was all ready to order but see that the Cinemag transformers aren't available. Any word on when I can order with those?
     
  7. TomB

    TomB MOT: Beezar

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    Just a reminder to you guys ... I have this Torpedo III in hand right now and it is totally silent with the recommended 12AY7 tubes. As mentioned above, use of the 6829/12AZ7/6414/etc. tubes is certainly possible, but you may get mechanical noise and hum. IMHO, some of these tubes are worth putting up with that, but others of you may not agree with that. In either event, be certain that you really are hearing a problem when it could be the use of tubes with heater currents a bit outside of the T3's comfort zone.

    The rest of us are anxiously waiting, too. ;) I'm hoping any day, now.

    P.S. There are some assembled ones available. ;)
     
  8. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    So on one end of my office, I have my recliner with the 'good' gear next to it; Studio, Yggdrasil (SE), REGEN, discrete PS for REGEN, HE1K. My 'secondary' rig is next to my computer workstation; it's TIII with mods, Gungnir Multibit, Regen, discrete PS for Regen. I have my HD800 plugged into TIII, but occasionally bring the HE1K over. Listening to TIII now with the HE1K, and the Brimar black long plates. Bottom line: TIII is bringing more enjoyment than my 'primary' rig. That's partly about all the 'schiit' that's gone on with Yggdrasil / T Studio lack of balanced compatibility, but it's also very much about the performance of TIII with mods. I honestly don't think I'm giving up very much if any plankton. Honestly Doug, if you're able to squeeze any more performance out of this thing, it'll be flat out amazing.
     
  9. drfindley

    drfindley Secretly lives in the Analog Room - Friend

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    Thanks for the updated graphic.

    And yes, the TIII is a fine amp that happens to actually perform well against the greats.
     
  10. Gray

    Gray Friend

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    Has anyone compared the Torpedo III with a Bifrost Multibit (SE outs only) vs the Gungnir Multibit (using the SE outs)? If I am buying a dedicated DAC for the TIII, it would be nice not to pay extra for the balanced outputs.

    I will be using this setup with a HD800 S and a Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 (both on order). Note: I already own a Yggdrasil, but I will be pairing that with a balanced amp in another room.

    Edit: Any other DACs using SE outs that would pair well with the Torpedo III (able to compete on price and sound quality with the Schiit Bifrost MB and Gungnir MB)?
     
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2016
  11. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Like other 'summit-fi' amps, TIII isn't inherently warm, and is capable of presenting whatever plankton a DAC is capable of serving up. I haven't tried it with Bifrost Multibit, but switching between Gungnir Multibit, Yggdrasil, dual mono AKM4495S, AKM4490 - it allows the subtle tonality differences between the DAC's output buffer to come through. Thus, TIII, to me, is one of those 'get the best DAC you can afford' amps.
     
  12. TomB

    TomB MOT: Beezar

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    The above is a great point. As a matter of fact, Doug is helping me upgrade to another DAC (after some begging). I was sort of embarrassed with my sources at the Atlanta meet. The T3 made my weak links pretty obvious (that included headphones, too). Thank goodness Purk let me borrow his Headroom DAC during the meet. I hope to get some building in this weekend on the new DAC, then maybe I can demonstrate the T3 a bit better.
     
  13. hifi01170

    hifi01170 Acquaintance

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    a bit off topic but what are those " dual mono AKM4495S and AKM4490 " dacs that you are mentionning? from JLsoudns?
    How do they compare to the Gungnir Multibit?

    cheers,
     
  14. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Yup. It compares very well. Message me if you'd like more info.
     
  15. hifi01170

    hifi01170 Acquaintance

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    messaged! :)
     
  16. dsavitsk

    dsavitsk Friend

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    Boards for the next mod (2 different mods, actually) arrived today :) Parts from Mouser won't be here until next week sometime, and I am behind on a number of other projects that are going to have to take precedence. But I am hopeful to have these tested next week.
     
  17. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Just wanted to pop in and say I'm really glad this thread has a home here on SBAF. I was talking to Marv the other day and this is the kind of thread I hope we continue to encourage.

    Is there anything we can do to improve the forum to make it more friendly for this? Should I move this into DIY?
     
  18. FlySweep

    FlySweep Friend

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    Can you give us a hint of what else you're cookin' for the TIII?

    I like it in the SBAF headphone amp section.. for visibility more than anything.. but I'm cool with moving it to DIY, too.
     
  19. TomB

    TomB MOT: Beezar

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    Admittedly, I'm a noob over here and I'm not that familiar with your DIY section. However, these days it seems the great dum-masses think DIY consists of pulling a shoelace over a cable or stuffing cotton into a headphone can. I vote for keeping it in the amp section. ;)
     
  20. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    We can leave it here but we do have a big separation between DIY work and headphone modding (which also has it's own section) :)
     

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