As the title states Id like to upgrade my YBA YA201 integrated amplifier. It has developed a hum in the left channel and I'll be taking it to my local audio electronics tech to get it fixed. While it's there I thought I'd upgrade some of the parts to higher quality, better sounding ones as this amplifier was built to a price point (it's their YBA Design series).
Which parts in a solid state amplifier are the most critical as far as sound quality is concerned?
Mladen
Which parts in a solid state amplifier are the most critical as far as sound quality is concerned?
Mladen
All the electrolytic capacitors, and check the mechanical parts such as switches, pots, and internal connectors.
If you were a DIYer I would say fill any empty space with cheap caps for the PS. But if you take it to your local shop and let him smell the upgrade fever on you, you could be in for a trip?
You can't just upgrade a critical part to get "better sounding" - its critical because its parameters are right for the purpose, not because its better than some other part in any sense. In one context a 1k resistor might be better than a 2k resistor, but its not an upgrade!
Also if somethings really low distortion and precise, making it more precise cannot be detected by the human auditory system anyway. In general fiddling with circuitry without understanding isn't productive.
I think its more productive to identify specific issues to fix (like this hum!).
Also if somethings really low distortion and precise, making it more precise cannot be detected by the human auditory system anyway. In general fiddling with circuitry without understanding isn't productive.
I think its more productive to identify specific issues to fix (like this hum!).
Thanks Rayma.
Andersonix, my local tech is known for not gouging people. And I would never pay for something I didn't approve of in the first place.
Mark, are you saying that given exact same electrical parameters, two capacitors from different manufacturers will always sound the same, even if one is made with different materials and quality control?
Andersonix, my local tech is known for not gouging people. And I would never pay for something I didn't approve of in the first place.
Mark, are you saying that given exact same electrical parameters, two capacitors from different manufacturers will always sound the same, even if one is made with different materials and quality control?
Film capacitors certainly affect the sound, polypropylene types are best.
However, only use parts (of any type) that fit on the pcb properly.
However, only use parts (of any type) that fit on the pcb properly.
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Likely intended for flexibility to get the right amount of uF with a varying # of capacitors,
depending on availability. You can increase the total capacitance safely, up to perhaps
double that on the board now.
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How am I taunting you? Did I miss something?
I am tempted to add more power supply capacitance but I'll probably let my tech be the judge of that as that's getting into changing the circuit.
I am tempted to add more power supply capacitance but I'll probably let my tech be the judge of that as that's getting into changing the circuit.
First I would change feedback resistors to Dale CMF 55 or CMF 60.
There is a (hearing) limit for everyone. If you are beyond excellent numbers (for example better than 0.01% and therefore meaningless THD or IMD value) then you have to rely on your ears until memory distortion mesurements are not standardized. Until that you have to tolerate posts that want you to believe that everything in your amplifier is the best. Every parts is the best of what can be found on earth. And you cannot make it better.
You can change small electrolytics to Elna Silmic II.
Buy from Mouser or DigiKey:
Search results for: elna silmic ii Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - Radial Leaded – Mouser
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If you can cascode VAS stage then modify the circuit if not already cascoded. This will bring a whole better sound.
Buy from Mouser or DigiKey:
Search results for: elna silmic ii Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - Radial Leaded – Mouser
Blocked
If you can cascode VAS stage then modify the circuit if not already cascoded. This will bring a whole better sound.
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Thanks Aklankrisztian,
I unfortunately don't know what the THD measurements are on this unit, I cannot find them anywhere on the net. But I would say there is for sure intentional manipulation of 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion going on. I think that's what's responsible for the sound characteristics this amp has. If you've ever head a YBA component, you know what I mean. I love the sound signature of this amp. I just want to take it to the next level, if that makes sense.
Thank you for the suggestions!
I unfortunately don't know what the THD measurements are on this unit, I cannot find them anywhere on the net. But I would say there is for sure intentional manipulation of 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion going on. I think that's what's responsible for the sound characteristics this amp has. If you've ever head a YBA component, you know what I mean. I love the sound signature of this amp. I just want to take it to the next level, if that makes sense.
Thank you for the suggestions!
I recommend that you just fix the problem and leave the amp design and its parts, alone! YBA (the designer) is extremely competent, and you can only compromise it. Make sure that ANYTHING that you replace, really needs replacing, including electrolytic caps.
Hi John,
I'm aware that YBA is a black belt in audio electronics design. Which is why I mentioned I didn't want to change the circuit. I just wanted to upgrade to some better quality parts. The amp is after all going on 15 years old. But if you say to leave it, then I'll heed that advice. ��
I'm aware that YBA is a black belt in audio electronics design. Which is why I mentioned I didn't want to change the circuit. I just wanted to upgrade to some better quality parts. The amp is after all going on 15 years old. But if you say to leave it, then I'll heed that advice. ��