[raysracing]

I recently bought a 540p at a local dealer and after a few records (not enough for break in) I find it thin in sound and enhancing sibilance like sounds. How long should I give it to burn in and will these tendencies go away with time?  The pre is only $99 so maybe this has a a lot to do with it? I just removed an old Proton D540 int. amp and the phono stage within it seems to have exhibited more dynamic range, punch and just a more full sound.

I am sure i can turn it in to the dealer for a 640p which is has more bells and whistles than a 540 besides gaining a MC stage.

Ray

[putz]

What table and cart are you using?

The 640P with mods is a good performer. Audiokarma and Vinyl Engine have threads on the process if you're interested. If you can solder, go for it. If you can't, find someone who can like I did.

[Letitroll98]

I have a 640P and it's an excellent unit for the price, perhaps a little on the cool side, but definitely not thin sounding.  I've never heard the 540P, but all the reports I've read say it doesn't hold a candle to the 640P.  If you can get an exchange from the dealer I'd recommend it.  Additionally replacing the wall wart PS with the $12.95 $19.95 (I musta got it on sale) variable PS from Parts Express up's the SQ as well, especially in dynamics.

[mjosef]

I have a 540P...didn't sound "thin" in my system. Might be cartridge loading/compatibility issue.
But I did buy it used, so I would assume it came with some hours on it.

[raysracing]

I can solder and have a good soldering station as well. I haven't bought a ton form this dealer, but I have bought enough (receiver, dac, BD player) to get a trade in... I hope.

Denon Dp62L Turntable
Ortofon OM2 Red

Trang Optocoupler Pre
Grant Tube Dac
Tripath amp (mediocre Think Geek for now, Sure 2x50wpc coming)

Ray

[corndog71]

You can also get for $99 the Pangea P-100 upgraded power supply from Audio Advisor.

[Letitroll98]

I wonder how much better the high priced spread is compared to the cheaper unit from PE.  The Pangea is dedicated for audio use and touts better filtering and a specially selected transformer, I'm sure it's a better unit, but I wonder if anyone's compared the resultant SQ improvement vs the cheapo.  In any case both are better than using a wall wart.  (Sorry for the semi-highjack)

[S Clark]

Be careful changing power supplies on the 640P.  If you look close, it takes 12V A.C. I've had to replace caps after using a D.C. power supply by accident.

[putz]

Here's one of the Mod threads  http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=321083&highlight=cambridge

The Pangea PS did make a difference and it's safe to use with the 640P. I've also heard of some mishaps using other PS with this unit.

[Letitroll98]

OMG you're right, I have that PS on the DAC.  Must have been a senior moment.  Thanks for catching me before I caused havoc and mayhem.

[raysracing]

Good call on the 12v A.C.  Last thing on my shoe string budget is to blow up a brand new anything!

I also should mention I have new foam surrounds on the speakers I am currently using:Boston Acoustic A70's circa mid 1990's (Tekton Lores coming soon) and that has chnaged the sound dramatically as well and cannot wait for them to break in and get back to their former glory.

I will get the 640 regardless and after a few months I will gather up the parts and slowly mod it. By then I will know how it really sounds.

Thanks,
Ray

[corndog71]

I've had the 640 for about a year and have only upgraded to the pangea power supply.  It sounds pretty good but I'm sure it can get better with mods.  I looked at them when I first got it but eventually forgot about modding it.
The Pangea P100 made the 640 slightly better but it was a much more effective upgrade for my MF V-DAC II.

One of these days I might get to modding the 640 but I'm in no hurry.

[raysracing]

One of these days I might get to modding the 640 but I'm in no hurry.

That is good to hear because I may never get around to modding it either. And once I am tempted it is because I got a  new one and getting the smoke out of it wont hurt anymore.

Store is saying they dont have one in stock, but they will "make some calls and get back to me later." This is what you get when you buy "only" a  thousand dollars of merchandise, not tens of thousands of dollars and a full home remodel I guess.