So, even with the improved dynamic and power capability from the power supply sections. I keep craving for that Trebles and airiness. Literally, moar!!!
I started the second stage of modification for WM1A Extreme Modification or WM1A-EM
The thought of
1/ the wm1z has better F-Resistors which IMO is a tightly precised tolerance Thin Film, the differences is that it was developed by Sony. However, the technology to make them should be the same , and the very same values for WM1A won’t be found...at least I couldn’t find it from the brands I trusted.
It also occurred to me that WM1A has higher gain in loudness than WM1Z, which I like and prefer, also confirmed the different values of resistor types
Next to that MELF is very well known to be audiophile quality. The 2% tolerances can clearly be seen on the WM1A as the highest for this values. What makes MeLF better for audio performances is that it constructions allows
virtually zero vibrations from piezoelectric
2/ The Wm1Z has a much better performances due to all the upgraded caps, and the effects were so Vastly observed with the first stage. So what if output capacitors can also receive audio-grade superior Electrolytic Caps ?
Then DMP Z1 and ZX500 are all with next gen caps
The idea is to get more power reserved and potentials while minimizing the acoustic vibrations with the Fine voicing at frequencies or Q factors. This will show improvements across the spectrums. At least it should improves the tonal body and signature voicing
The works are Hard, very Hard, due to the fact that the positioning and arrangements of Caps lay-out. After each caps got a direction to stay in, I had to put the chassis together to make sure that it stay in. Be creative!!!
This works need chassis modifications too!! Trimming, drilling, cutting...whatever means to make it works.
The caps Diameter has to be less than 5mm if it is long, because the legs will protrude enough to be very tight. if the caps is less than 6mm in length, the diameter could go for 6.5mm and still fit.
Luckily, there are 2 Nichicon audio grade that fit. UKA, which I love so much (it has excellent bass dynamic, density, ripples, deep, and the whole signatures is tube like fluidity while still neutral without too much emphasis into mid and low)
Then there is UMW series that can also fit. But I trusted UKA, and even with a little more work. I got it in Finally!!!
16V and 100uF in values
The immediate observations ?
Bass: almost gone....but it will surface with burn in, good textures and deep bass resolutions can be observed. OHHH and that decay, resonances, ripples are all so vivid now...no more softness. Should improve as burn in commenced
Soundstage: hugely expanded in Depth and vertical axis. The width may also increased a little but not as pronounced as vertical and depth
signatures: surprisingly is more neutral than the one Sony used, last gen FT-Polymer
Due to the soundstage expansions, the more neutral signatures, the clarity and airiness is up a couple notches. That thick and dense lower trebles from Sony remains but with better sparkles in it textures and better ernergy density. The density is at least 50% improved. Now, the sparkling extensions of upper highs ? Which is always the sound I strive for....It sparkles !!!! But in an organic tone, and analog like!!!! Metallic sparkling !!! Yes !!!!
