Budget Emu 1212m mod?

[markanini]

Hi everybody!
I'm getting an Emu 1212m and I understand that Emu had to make some compromises in order to get prices down. So some people have succesfully modded it to get the highest potential sound quality. I'm intrested in getting my Emu 1212m modded, but I'm on a low budget. Some have said that the biggest issue with the design is the opamps, so only getting these changed to better ones would make the biggest differences and be cheap? So if I don't want to spend more than say 50€ on a mod which mod should I get done?

 

[Mr.Radar]

Chaing the opamp and output capaciters makes the biggest difference with the EMU 1212m from what I remember Iron_Dreamer saying, and only doing those mods to the analog section of the card should cost less than 50 Euro's in parts.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

In order of effectiveness:

Change the output capacitors
Change the ouput opamps
Change the power supply capacitors
Change the decoupling capacitors for the DAC chip, add them for the opamps
Change digital card capcitors around the clock crystals

These can be as cheap or expensive as you want. You can use $0.5 opamps or $30 ones, and so forth. Doing everything with the most expensive parts could cost $200+ for parts alone.

 

[markanini]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer In order of effectiveness: Change the output capacitors Change the ouput opamps Change the power supply capacitors Change the decoupling capacitors for the DAC chip, add them for the opamps Change digital card capcitors around the clock crystals These can be as cheap or expensive as you want. You can use $0.5 opamps or $30 ones, and so forth. Doing everything with the most expensive parts could cost $200+ for parts alone.

Can you say that the two first did major dimprovements while the other did relatively minor improvement? Or three first? Or just first? Or Four etc...
Can you give any recommendations for specific capacitors and opamps?
I will use this card for listening to music and producing/recording music. I don't want to spend money on anything that would only make a barely audible differance. Of cource this depends on how good ears and other equipment you have got, but relative to the other mods?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I would say the first two are dramatic, the next major, after that the differences are minor but definitely present.

I like to use Blackgates standard series caps (or FK, more expensive, but better sound) for the power and decoupling caps, N/NX series for output (though you could use film, or more esoteric types), and the LT1364 opamp. I also like using poypropylene capacitors for extra decoupling around the opamps and DAC chip.

 

[cadobhuk]

Do mods make it less analytical?

 

[kalzone]

what would be the charge for labor?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadobhuk Do mods make it less analytical?

Yes, mainly the opamp makes the difference there, making the sound smoother and more flowing, especially in the mids. I instantly noticed it with vocals on the first song I played, the first time I popped in the LT's.

Kalzone, send me a PM if you're interested in having me do it for you, and we can discuss what you'd want and how much it would be.

 

[markanini]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer I like to use Blackgates standard series caps (or FK, more expensive, but better sound) for the power and decoupling caps, N/NX series for output (though you could use film, or more esoteric types), and the LT1364 opamp. I also like using poypropylene capacitors for extra decoupling around the opamps and DAC chip.

I talked to a guy that has a buissness that specialises in modding CD-players and he claimed that "Audiophiles tend to like BGs even tho there are more modern and smaller caps. BGs arent used in industrial applications where the are high demands."
What do you think about that?
Heres a link to his site: http://harmonydesign.se/
He did give me the impression that he doesnt talk a lot of audiophile BS.

By the way, I don't wan't my sound card to sound musical or anlytical, I just want it to sound clean and honest

 

[lan]

Don't forget to factor in the recording section into the mods cost. Most people don\t mod that section since they don't need it. i\d upgrade all the capacitors. i don't\ know how much $ wouldbe left for opamps.

 

[BackHand]

Hi Iron Dreamer!
 
I'm very impressed with your mod!
Could you please list the exakt component names/article number you used for these mods:
 
Change the output capacitors
Change the ouput opamps
Change the power supply capacitors
Change the decoupling capacitors for the DAC chip, add them for the opamps
Change digital card capcitors around the clock crystals
 
So I can find them here in Sweden and buy them
 
Thanks!