Yes, same schematics of last version butthe orginal FE PCB design.
This is another usefull thing to check, but again it's not a part upgrade.
Absolutely, in fact I've wrote it:
Which series? Some of them in general lacks a lot of bass leading to lower perceived volume (let's say 3 to 6db but your problem seems way bigger)
I've a pair too, never found the time to try them.
In theory they should be slightly better than Mundorf Supremes and so not a problem.
Woofer sensitivity is high enough but the sensitivity with the crossover?
Some crossover designs lower sensitivity a lot.
Again, the more important question you didn't answer yet... Did you try with different loudspeakers?
Not needed if solder mask is in good shape, nevertheless it should not harm either.
What is strange to me is if there was a part that wasn't working properly you would hear one side different to the other, but that's not the case. I know when I started using this amp we had trouble hearing the voices in the movie because it lacked midrange then took the caddocks out and presto more clarity
As Dario already asked, could you please list your complete music chain, including preamp and sources?
Did you try other power amps in your current system? Which ones (for example the gainclones you talked about)?
Could you execute the tests Joseph K asked you to? That would be very important, together with proper voltage readings described in Dario's tutorial...
In particular, what REAL voltage do your trafos output when connected to My_ref and what VA are they rated for? (Sorry if i missed some previous post)
I've used My_ref FE with 87dB good speakers and it had very satisfying drive, by a large margin, so your speakers sensitivity should not be a problem - not alone at least...
Please don't feel under "inquisition", we just want to help - strong support is a valuable additional feature of My_ref FE
Peterma,
Thanks for the responses. I agree with others that the woofer sensitivity is fine. In fact, this situation, even the quote above, seem quite unusual for any FE. I hope we can figure it out.
Jac
If the source is not an issue, the speakers are not an issue, it points to the amplifier not operating as designed. If a Gainclone is significantly outperming it there is a problem.
If all the upgrades did not change much I suspect there was an issue with original build. Maybe you have mentioned this, but what are the measured;
1. Rail voltages for both channels
2. Low voltage rails for LM318
3. DC offset on output.
I would look for an incorrect value resistor that is the same on both channels. If your rails and output are good it should be singing. Also check the value of those low value compensation caps around the LM318.
I was going to install some non-magnetic polystyrene caps that I had in my pile. Found the labeling on them is confusing. Had to use a capacitance meter to verify the correct value. Then used the BOM parts mostly.
I think I asked this before but did not see an answer. If you have replied, please forgive.
If all the upgrades did not change much I suspect there was an issue with original build. Maybe you have mentioned this, but what are the measured;
1. Rail voltages for both channels
2. Low voltage rails for LM318
3. DC offset on output.
I would look for an incorrect value resistor that is the same on both channels. If your rails and output are good it should be singing. Also check the value of those low value compensation caps around the LM318.
I was going to install some non-magnetic polystyrene caps that I had in my pile. Found the labeling on them is confusing. Had to use a capacitance meter to verify the correct value. Then used the BOM parts mostly.
I think I asked this before but did not see an answer. If you have replied, please forgive.
