[Ampersand]

Hello all,

I'm looking to do a few extra mods to my cd25.2 besides the well documented op-amp upgrades. I know underwoodhifi does mods as well as RAM audio, but I'm looking to just do a few minor DIY changes. I'd like to replace any caps or resistors where they will most likely have the greatest impact. I've seen many threads asking for schematics with no luck. Does anyone have pics (besides the 6moons pics) of upgraded caps/resistors on their CD 25.2?

Thanks.

 

[yotacowboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ampersand /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hello all, I'm looking to do a few extra mods to my cd25.2 besides the well documented op-amp upgrades. I know underwoodhifi does mods as well as RAM audio, but I'm looking to just do a few minor DIY changes. I'd like to replace any caps or resistors where they will most likely have the greatest impact. I've seen many threads asking for schematics with no luck. Does anyone have pics (besides the 6moons pics) of upgraded caps/resistors on their CD 25.2? Thanks.

I replaced the PS diodes with some Fairchild "stealth" diodes, as well as replacing a few of the caps in the output section with BG's on my old CD25. There's a few caps (i think 6?) near the opamps that are in the signal path... results were noticeable, but not huge. Less noise, and a bit better dynamics. The case may be damped, but be careful not to overdamp it - there was a point where the player got a bit too bright for my taste, which was remedied by removing a sheet of sorbothane I had doubled up on the lid. I'd also suggest some soft footers - dig around on McMaster.com for 30 shore A bumpers as they're only a few bucks a piece and are the same as the Isonode feet. I tried using spikes to couple the CDP to my old rack, and again, found the player to get harsh and bright.

 

[Ampersand]

Thanks for the reply yotacowboy. Did you happen to dampen the transport mechanism at all? Also, did you do both the power supply mods and signal path mods at the same time? If not, which had the bigger impact?

mike

 

[yotacowboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ampersand /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the reply yotacowboy. Did you happen to dampen the transport mechanism at all? Also, did you do both the power supply mods and signal path mods at the same time? If not, which had the bigger impact? mike

I used some Blu-tak type stuff on the transport. the order I did everything:

Footers, case/boards/transport damping, BB OPA-627's, PS diodes, BG signal caps, nicer RCA outs.

I think the biggest bang for the buck were the footers, and the op amps (but only because I got the op amps for $8 a piece). Every mod seemed to "tighten things up", but to a point where the overall sound of the player was a little too Hi-Fi for me.

 

[bundee1]

Quote:

I'd also suggest some soft footers - dig around on McMaster.com for 30 shore A bumpers as they're only a few bucks a piece and are the same as the Isonode feet.

Do you know the part number? I found the page but I didnt know which ones they were.

 

[yotacowboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bundee1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do you know the part number? I found the page but I didnt know which ones they were.

8215K3 is the part I've used in the past, but search for "Load-Rated Adhesive-Backed Rubber Bumpers" and you'll find an assortment of different diameters, load capacities and durometers.

 

[bundee1]

How do you use them? Do you place them under the existing feet? How many do you use? Which side goes up? I know Ive got a lot of questions, thanks for being patient with a noob tweaker.

 

[yotacowboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bundee1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif How do you use them? Do you place them under the existing feet? How many do you use? Which side goes up? I know Ive got a lot of questions, thanks for being patient with a noob tweaker.

on the cd25 the stock feet just unscrew from the bottom (if i remember correctly) - not sure about the cd25.2's. I just unscrewed the stock feet and applied the adhesive backed McMaster feet in similar positions - no big deal at all and completely reversible if need be.

 

[bundee1]

Thanks, yota. Ive been looking for replacement spiked feet but I dont know if anyone makes them in the same screw size as the stock feet. Any leads?

 

[yotacowboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bundee1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks, yota. Ive been looking for replacement spiked feet but I dont know if anyone makes them in the same screw size as the stock feet. Any leads?

I think if you're looking to go with spiked feet you could forego the screws entirely - maybe just use something like a little blob of Blu-tak to hold the spikes in place? I've done that in the past with other components. Another way could be to place the spikes pointed up on the stand, and then (gently) place the CDP on the spikes.

 

[bundee1]

I know underwood mods them with replacement spiked feet so maybe Ill experiment. Ill try and get the thread size somehow.