iMOD LOD advice

[musicmaker]

I just purchased an iMod 5.5g. Haven't been able to locate a reasonable priced LOD w/ caps, so thought I'll just make my own. Here are the parts I think I need. Feedback/suggestions welcome:

- "Type E" Dock connector from Ridax
- 2 x Blackgate 47uf 6.3v NX HiQ
- Mogami neglex or vampire cast copper wire
- Switchcraft miniplug

Have I missed anything ?

I'm hoping to fit the caps in the dock connector. Are there better capacitor choices that I could fit in a little external enclosure ? I dont want to get too fancy and spend an arm and a leg on caps. But if there's something in the $20-30 range I can buy that would be noticeably better than the blackgates then i wouldn't mind carrying an additional case. Please suggest.

thanks.

 

[joneeboi]

Maybe some heatshrink and hot glue with a decent hot glue gun would useful. With caps, you're not going to find many boutique types that are good and small as the NX Hi-Qs. Other than that, you're pretty much good to go.

 

[-=Germania=-]

I was wondering what would be the sonic difference of adding 47uF caps ( not black gates - but nicer panasonic) to an LOD meant for regular iPod. Would there be a difference?

I have a number of these connectors comming to me soon. (went and bought about $60 in connectors and heatshrink ~10 mini plugs, 6 LOD's, lots of heatshrink + some techflex).

My goal is to learn how to make a quality LOD and do some experimenting.

Would there be a difference?

 

[synaesthetic]

I am pretty sure the only reason the iMod LOD needs caps is because the iMod bypasses the caps inside the iPod itself. Adding more capacitors would not be a good idea...

 

[Lil' Knight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Germania=- /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was wondering what would be the sonic difference of adding 47uF caps ( not black gates - but nicer panasonic) to an LOD meant for regular iPod. Would there be a difference?

This will make your signal from the DAC passed by caps twice while it should only once. I don't think that's a good idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Germania=- /img/forum/go_quote.gif Would there be a difference?

Yep. Just worse.

 

[Boringz]

Would be buying a pre-owned imod, anyone kind enough to show me how to diy a imod LOD?

 

[J.D.N]

There is a pictorial post of two in the 'How to make a LOD' thread.

 

[joneeboi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Germania=- /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was wondering what would be the sonic difference of adding 47uF caps ( not black gates - but nicer panasonic) to an LOD meant for regular iPod. Would there be a difference?

If I understand you correctly, you want to use Panasonic 47uF caps instead of the Black Gates. You can really put whatever size cap you want in there as long as it fits. The DAC puts out at most 2VDC, so keep the voltage rating low on the cap. From the many DIYers' experience on these and other forums, there will be a difference, but it can be subtle ie. YMMV.

 

[musicmaker]

thanks guys for all the inputs. My iMod has arrived and I'll be ordering parts for the LOD pretty soon. My goal is to make the blackgate caps first and eventually make a vcap or sonicap version as well.

 

[musicmaker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by joneeboi /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I understand you correctly, you want to use Panasonic 47uF caps instead of the Black Gates. You can really put whatever size cap you want in there as long as it fits. The DAC puts out at most 2VDC, so keep the voltage rating low on the cap. From the many DIYers' experience on these and other forums, there will be a difference, but it can be subtle ie. YMMV.

Agree with the ratings although I think Germania was asking about adding caps to a LOD meant for a regular (non iMod) iPod. I don't think this is a good idea.

 

[digger945]

Hey I just picked up a 5g iPod 30gig at the pawn shop and it works perfect. I too have plans for an LOD of my own craft, after a diyMod as shown here in Head-Fi, but would like to ask Germania if there is a specific film cap in mind here, as the Predator I use also uses Panasonic film caps. If you would be so kind as to give me a size and brand I will be the first to try it. Also have you seen the Frankenstien Mod LOD with the huge V-caps?
Thanks all.

 

[dgbiker1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicmaker /img/forum/go_quote.gif Agree with the ratings although I think Germania was asking about adding caps to a LOD meant for a regular (non iMod) iPod. I don't think this is a good idea.

To be specific and nerdy, adding LOD caps with a regular ipod would add capacitance in series, reducing the overall capacitance of the loop and bringing up the -3dB point of the frequency response (you lose bass).
There's nothing wrong with adding more capacitors (see bypass mods), what's important is how you add them.

 

[musicmaker]

Update: I completed building my iMod LOD today. I used Ridax E type connectors, 28 AWG teflon insulated 6N purity copper wire, Blackgates 47uf caps, neutrik gold plated mini plug. It was a royal pain in the neck to build but its all done now. Burnt in for a few hours and it sounds great. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions guys.

My next project will be to build a portable vcap.

 

[wgr73]

Cool!! Glad you completed it!

 

[patton713MW]

Pics?