[s1rrah]

Any of you modders in the states? I want to get some minimal upgrade components (output caps and whatever few other components some of the more experienced might suggest) and then pay somebody to do the solder work (I'm strapped with work at the moment and have no time to put towards solder practice). I know a guy at Hot Rod audio who has offered to mod my DAC but I'd rather a current Havana owner do it. PM me if your interested...
 
.joel.

 

[robeeert1]

Joel,
 
I would suggest you to borrow the upgraded DAC from someone if it is possible. I think shipping within US is not any problem.
You would be able to compare the DACs and think over the costs hearing the final result.
Full upgade is very expensive about $1000 - $1200 - components only (max quality - worth it),
Are you willing to cover the cost? I suppose you're not without the audition..
Advice: borrow, test, decide.
 
Cheers,

 

[loserica]

Quote:

Also I might be going back to the VCaps for my output caps, the Jupiter caps everywhere seem to be too much of a good thing...a little too mellow for my tastes. I'm going to let is burn in for awhile longer and see what happens.

To which V-Cap you refer (CuTF, TFTF or OIMP)? I don't remember what you had before in the output section.
 

 

[mako44]

By the way did someone tried Mundorf Silver/gold & oil output caps instead of Mundorf Silver/gold ? Wonder what can be the difference

 

[mako44]

That's what I plan to get personnaly except for the Jupiter Cap (I want somenthing more neutral) and vcap outputs (I plan to put Mundorf Silver/gold & oil ones like for 0.22 uf cap).
 
I don't want to make something too colored but neutral/realistic with tube advantages : liquidity, body... 

 

[LionelH2]

After many delays due to travel and work, I finally finished the R-Core transformer upgrade. A lot of work, but worth it.  I think Fathead described the benefits quite well: stunning punchy dynamics and lower distortion/better clarity across the board. 
 
I have the tube related resistors in hand and should have the Schottky diodes in a few days. Can one you guys show me the diode locations and any tips would be helpful. I'm very grateful to all for these great mods. 
 

 

[LionelH2]

Got it, thanks very much. I'll let you know how it goes in a few days. BTW, your summary of mods/benefits is right on. I went Mundorf for output caps, and I think you have changed out more yellow caps than me, but I'm close behind you guys. 
 
Quote:

The diodes go in this configuration...the ones behind the caps all face towards the rear.
 

 
 

 

[loserica]

Quote:

Here is my complete upgrade summary:
 

• -Upgraded PCM56P chips gave me more of the classic NOS Dac sound and increased extension
• -The R-Core gave me more impact and clarity across the spectrum [removing cap c5 and c25 is a must]
• -Jupiter Cap gave me an incredible lush textured sound but still clear presentation throughout
• -ELNA power supply Caps and throughout did wonders for the sound stage depth/width
• -VCaps gave me much more clarity throughout the spectrum [but sounded less tubey]
• -Russian Silver Mica Caps smoothed out the top
• -Shinkoh Tantalum resistors transformed the Dac into a different beast, now I can hear the harmonics of the tube. The music swings as it should, shimmer and sheen without glare. Shinkohs seem to remove the electronics from the music.
• -Schottky Diodes enhanced the character of the Shinkoh resistors a must have to get the full potential of Shinkoh
• -Auricaps improved texture throughout the frequency range
• -Hi-Fi Tuning Supreme fuse provided more energy and impact

 
Could you try a summary in order of importance? Even if it were subjective...I'm interested strictly in terms of audio impact. Thank's!

 
 

 

[robeeert1]

here is my list in order of importance:
 
1) Chips
2) tube
3) shinkoh res.
4) r-core
5) output caps
6) electrolytic caps
7) foil small caps
7) silver mica caps
8) diodes vishay
9) fuse
 

 

[LionelH2]

What PS caps did you use and what values/voltage are needed?


 
Quote:

In order of priority...1=highest priority
 
Shinkoh-1
Schottky-1
Output Caps-1
PS Caps-2
R-Core-2
Fuse-2
Silver Mica-3
Chips-3
Auricaps-3
Elna throughout-3
 
Note:
Pay attention to outer foil and inner foil of output caps...although not directional per'se it does make a difference.  I had my Jupiter output caps in backwards hence the dullish sound compared to VCaps, I emailed Jupiter and got some information then switched them around. Inner foil goes to input.

 

 

[LionelH2]

Thanks, these are the 4 caps in the front left of the DAC?
 
Quote:

All of my Electrolytic caps are Elna Silmic II in the whole Dac now.  For the PS its 2200uF 25v.

 

 

[ZenFire]

I wish you guys made a video or series of photos of your hands and tools actually doing your escapades, as I'd like to become a DIY-er with this Havana as my first go.  I have the V-caps and tubes and tube dampener only, as my DAC came that way on Audiogon.  Ready to take it all on, get the parts all sent to me to do all at once.
 
Can you recommend what soldering irons, solder, pliers, tools, tweezers, hemostats, mats or grounding cloths, goggles!, and other assorted accoutrements someone with absolutely no tools or anything to his name needs to get this done, and start on this path?  (I'm sure this is good for a giggle.)
 
It's either that or I'm going to have to beg one of you to do my Havana for me, et al the lists above.
 
Cheers, Z

 

[LionelH2]

None of my usual parts sources have this value/voltage. Can you recommend a source?
 
Quote:

Yep...
 
 
 

 
 

 

[rocky500]

Are these the correct Schottky Diodes.
http://au.element14.com/infineon/idv02s60c/diode-schottky-600v-2a-to220fp/dp/1844978
 
element14 is good for us in Australia as it is free freight.
 
Reverse Recovery Time trr Max: 10ns
Is there 8 of them to change?
Also fathead you have something wedged between the back ones in pic below. What is that stuff?
http://cdn.head-fi.org/7/7e/7e912f47_P1110460.jpeg

 

[ZenFire]

Can you PM me a source for the Silmic caps, I'd like to not miss out, from what I've read they're sweet.  I hear there are way too many fakes.  Thanks for all!!!  Z