[SonicTrance]

Ok, thanks for your answers guys. I wont be using this tube.

 

[Maxx134]

When I first recieved my new MK8,
One tube brought the meter all way to 100!
It glowed intensly and got hot fast!
this tube worked normal for first few minutes...
So the meter is actually an excellent feature in theae Little Dots..

 

[Sam-Fi]

How does a modded MK VIII stack up against the competition of high end amps with the HD800?

 

[Redge78]

How does a modded MK VIII stack up against the competition of high end amps with the HD800?

Maxx will be the "man who knows".
We should have the first batch of mods done this weekend, we will have a clearer view of how well the MK8se performs after that.

 

[Maxx134]

Well, I think with what me and "Redge78" have done in last few months,for me it will be "last" mods lol.

I feel I must thank Redge78 for much knowledge and help in boosting the MK8se to new territory.

We have entered modding past the usual coupling cap and plate resistor mods..

In fact, every area of the board was scrutinized by me and especially Redge78 who took on a more technical approach..
We both also had tube designers to ask for precious input.
I had a Russian(of little use lol) and he had a French person to consult.
Anyways, with his help and my quick implementation much was done..
Suffice to say with mods any tube amp will not only improve, but take on a more noticable character..
The character of an MK8se, is one of air and delicacy.

Final enhancements shoulf be completed by weekend,
and then we both have to burn in, and do listening trials..

My version is the compact stock size,
yet high quality and nothing overlooked version...

Redge78 version is a more all-out, no holds barred version.

I would say this is truley end game level for higher impedance cans.
Still, considering the massive improvement in power reserves,
I would not hesitate to use planars on Redge78 version!

 

[Maxx134]

How does a modded MK VIII stack up against the competition of high end amps with the HD800?

Aha!
I see your post in sale thread:
"The amplifier won 1st prize in a major competition in Hong Kong.
And In this whole set up has great reputation in most China Headfiers.
The upgrades in the amplifier included better CSPs, better soldering material, better cable and the famous Mullard tube."

So I assume your question was in regard to what you had as modded Mk8se..

We have taken a larger approach..

I have researched China threads and learnt about the various upgrades they offered,
and that the MK8, by winning at that meet, had this potential.

The newer mods increase speed, detail, air, and transparency & power of stock tubes..
Yes, stock power tubes are more transparent.

1-upgrade & change of power supply area components.
2-upgrade & change of driver tube circuit components.
3-upgrade & change of power tube circuit
4-addition of components to the power tubes.

This is not just an update of higher quality parts,
but an actual change in parameters of each section to more optimal design.
It should be noted that the original design is a masterpiece which was muted down for consumer affordability,
as chinese market is alwasy cost cutting & competitive,
so all our mk6/8 units have potential to optimize..
The best part of all this discovery made,
is that it can ALL BE IMPLEMENTED ON BOTH MK6 AND MK8se!

So naturally, we will have to make a new thread for this "Ultimate mod"..

 

[SonicTrance]

Aha!
I see your post in sale thread:
"The amplifier won 1st prize in a major competition in Hong Kong.
And In this whole set up has great reputation in most China Headfiers.
The upgrades in the amplifier included better CSPs, better soldering material, better cable and the famous Mullard tube."

So I assume your question was in regard to what you had as modded Mk8se..

We have taken a larger approach..

I have researched China threads and learnt about the various upgrades they offered,
and that the MK8, by winning at that meet, had this potential.

The newer mods increase speed, detail, air, and transparency & power of stock tubes..
Yes, stock power tubes are more transparent.

1-upgrade & change of power supply area components.
2-upgrade & change of driver tube circuit components.
3-upgrade & change of power tube circuit
4-addition of components to the power tubes.

This is not just an update of higher quality parts,
but an actual change in parameters of each section to more optimal design.
It should be noted that the original design is a masterpiece which was muted down for consumer affordability,
as chinese market is alwasy cost cutting & competitive,
so all our mk6/8 units have potential to optimize..
The best part of all this discovery made,
is that it can ALL BE IMPLEMENTED ON BOTH MK6 AND MK8se!

So naturally, we will have to make a new thread for this "Ultimate mod"..

Pics, we need pics I'm still waiting for my Mundorf caps to arrive. Really looking forward to hear that upgrade.

 

[Maxx134]

Ok I would like to present things in a structured way and posting pics can Be intimidating or cause more questions than can answer now..
The mods are not optimal in this thread.
It truley deserves its own thread.

Also, none of my pics are current, well,
actually will not be current once I do my last updates this weekend.

Also another point not discussed,
the input wiring which I feel is sub-par..

 

[SonicTrance]

Ok I would like to present things in a structured way and posting pics can Be intimidating or cause more questions than can answer now..
The mods are not optimal in this thread.
It truley deserves its own thread.

Also, none of my pics are current, well,
actually will not be current once I do my last updates this weekend.

Also another point not discussed,
the input wiring which I feel is sub-par..

All good. Start a new thread, good idea.

 

[SonicTrance]

So, I've now upgraded the four caps by the driver tubes to Mundorf M-Cap Supreme silver/gold/oil 0.68uf 1000vdc. 
 
Here's some pics:
What it looked like before the upgrade

 
And after..

 

 

 
I also drilled for 120mm fans and put them on the outside.

 

 
I'm letting things burnin for the moment but I already like what I hear! Getting the board in and out of the chassis was the hardest part and it was really a tight fit to get it back in. The hardest thing was to get the tube sockets aligned with the holes on top of chassis. I'll report back about the sound after a little burnin

 

 

[SonicTrance]

I'm only about 10h in on these new caps but they really lifted the amp to a whole other level! Increased sound stage and clarity, everything is better really. I'm having a hard time putting it into words, lol. One thing is for certain though, no amount of tube rolling can ever impact the sound like these caps have

 

 

[Maxx134]

Excellent work as those
are one of highest rated caps.
Right now Im busy re-wiring my unit with heavier guage silver plated aerospace wire for input, and Norne OCC copper for output ..

 

[SonicTrance]

Excellent work as those
are one of highest rated caps.
Right now Im busy re-wiring my unit with heavier guage silver plated aerospace wire for input, and Norne OCC copper for output ..

Thanks! The amount of detail is amazing with these caps. They're worth the cost!

 

[Redge78]

Thanks! The amount of detail is amazing with these caps. They're worth the cost!

I think we have a new "Mod addict" here 

 
And congratz, the Mundorf S/G/O are the best choice until you win the lottery and go for Duelund.

 

[SonicTrance]

  I think we have a new "Mod addict" here 

 
And congratz, the Mundorf S/G/O are the best choice until you win the lottery and go for Duelund.

I think we do I still can't believe the difference it made, lol