[junkers]

An amp with input caps, and I never see any amp manufacturer mentioning whether they use input caps or not.

Isn't a 2V DC offset a bit much?

I guess it is out of the norm, but just want to do some research if I go down the capless mod path.

 

[DMinor]

No doubt the capless audio path is the cleanest and most dynamic, and to these ears the wav's sound clearly more dynamic than the flac's played thru a completely capless pipeline. 
 
The 2V may sacrifice some ceiling for the volume. This shouldn't be a problem for iem's generally.
 
Capless dap/amp + dynamic drivers = Audio bliss

 

[lescanadiens]

Is silver the recommended wire for the bypass ot anybody could recommended a brand / tupe to use?
What about silver plated copper?

Thanks again!

 

[kahei036]

I have just done LO + PO mod, CF card mod and USB charge on my iPod 3G
 
The CF card mod helps to create some space inside the housing, that I can put more hacks in.
 

 

 

[Silvertone69]

kahei036,
That's awesome!  How does it sound?  Do you have any info on the PO mod and USB charge mod?  I would love be able to charge my 3G with USB.

 

[mpawluk91]

I gotta give it to you guys ur still goin strong!!! KEEP IT UP I MEAN IT

 

[kahei036]

  kahei036,
That's awesome!  How does it sound?  Do you have any info on the PO mod and USB charge mod?  I would love be able to charge my 3G with USB.

PO mod the same topology as LO mod, actually it's much eaiser. You will see 2 larger cap rated 100uF right next to the socket connecting the back cover, and they are the coupling cap blocks the DC to headphone. I've replaced that with 2x 220uF electrolytic cap which is suggested in 8731 datasheet. Apple has put 100uF in 3G and iPod mini in this path, they might have good reasons. Or maybe just because a 220uF smd cap is just too large to put in. lol
 
USB charge mod is simple as well. I bought a DC step up board from China, that bumps 5VDC to 12V DC. and connects the +12V out to firewire power pin. By doing  this when I plug in USB +5V there will also be a +12V power to firewire so it charges.
 
Having this added, I tested to chrage with PC USB output, which usually provides less current. This mod worried me a bit - since the step up circuit usually draws up more current for a higher voltage, it may overload the USB port. But to my test it is charging quite well.
 
Below is a photo with the step up circuit board, the small board on the left above the battery.
 

 

[93EXCivic]

What soldering irons do you guys use? I need to upgrade mine but I don't want to break the bank.
 
Would something like this Circuit Specialists 60w work? https://www.circuitspecialists.com/60_Watt_Soldering_Station.html
 
Or do I need to go all the way to Weller WES51 soldering iron?

 

[axtran]

Found this thread only recently--totally enjoyed reading the history of all of the mods. I'm going to plan on some internal caps (Kemet) when I get my 5.5 in--microSD storage, larger battery... all kinds of fun

 

[tarhana]

hi guys. newbie here. i have ipod video, thinking about modding it with blackgate. should i shell out 150 usd and get it done or play safe and buy new dap? does is sounds better than fiio x3 or ihifi 770? anyone compared? 

 

[mpawluk91]

hi guys. newbie here. i have ipod video, thinking about modding it with blackgate. should i shell out 150 usd and get it done or play safe and buy new dap? does is sounds better than fiio x3 or ihifi 770? anyone compared? 

I had audio minor do a DIYmod for me and I had an original fiio x3 at the same time
(totally different sound signatures)
The DIYmod way very dynamic sounding and bright! I loved it
The fiio x3 was warmer but lusher as well. More of a thick rounded but full sound

I sold the DIYmod because it needed an amp and the fiio x3 absolutely doesn't in my case.

overall it was close but the fiio was honestly just more of everything. But I do miss that sparkly sounding iPod video ughhh jeeeez

 

[tarhana]

I had audio minor do a DIYmod for me and I had an original fiio x3 at the same time
(totally different sound signatures)
The DIYmod way very dynamic sounding and bright! I loved it
The fiio x3 was warmer but lusher as well. More of a thick rounded but full sound

I sold the DIYmod because it needed an amp and the fiio x3 absolutely doesn't in my case.

overall it was close but the fiio was honestly just more of everything. But I do miss that sparkly sounding iPod video ughhh jeeeez

thanks for quick answer. looks like i will try diymod first.

 

[mpawluk91]

thanks for quick answer. looks like i will try diymod first.

No problem

 

[DMinor]

  hi guys. newbie here. i have ipod video, thinking about modding it with blackgate. should i shell out 150 usd and get it done or play safe and buy new dap? does is sounds better than fiio x3 or ihifi 770? anyone compared? 

 
It worth everything (even with failure) just for the diy fun. After you have done it successfully then you can try a comparison between imods with caps and without caps (capless). 
 
To my ears the capless imod complimented by a capable capless amp has ended the game for me, but in this hobby YMMV. 

 

[mpawluk91]

It worth everything (even with failure) just for the diy fun. After you have done it successfully then you can try a comparison between imods with caps and without caps (capless). 

To my ears the capless imod complimented by a capable capless amp has ended the game for me, but in this hobby YMMV. 

Dude he's just starting lol the game has just begun

And a DIYmod at that DAYYYUM! (bye bye wallet)