[PSP]

My AKSA 55N+ just rounded the corner last night, after maybe 80 hours of burn-in the amp opened up and made music like I have never heard from my system.  This not a subtle thing, not open to discussion and debate like wire and high end caps in crossovers sometimes are.  You would not need a double blind testing regime to be convinced that something had really happened.

I ended my session last night listening to a compilation put together by Jens.  I've listened to this many times as I evaluate modifications to my system.  Last night every track sounded different.... new and fresh, in some cases it almost sounded like an entirely different CD.  There was a  sense of of immediacy, utter clarity, way extended highs, and musical involvement that I have never before come close to approaching in my system.  The change is transformational.  I didn't mention the bass... very nice...

The N+ mod takes an evening or two at most + four solid days of burn-in.  It is not ultra expensive and the sonic benefit is extraordinary.  

For those who have done the N+, am I overstating this, or did I get it right?

Peter

System:
Phillips 763SA DVD/CD/SACD
ART DI/O DAC (Stancor power supply, otherwise no mods)
GK-1R
AKSA 55N+
GR Research Paradox 3 speakers
Chris VH Pulsar coax / copper bullet plugs for digital and analog interconnects
Jon Risch CC89259 speaker cable

[Carlman]

I did the + upgrade to my 100N.  It removed some sonic qualities I didn't care for and overall just sounded more natural.  It's got a lot more 'finesse' with the Plus.  I considered it a 20%+ improvement.... and that's huge in audio terms.  So, no, I don't think you're overstating it.

[Joules]

You guys realy make me eager to go ahead and order my amps and get started. But I have to wait untill I finish my Audio room.
Sound fantastic can't wait !!!  

[Seano]

My 100N+ is still 'burning-in' I suspect.  I reckon its had less than 30 hours so far even after 6 weeks. I just haven't been listening enough to music at home lately. I have to admit though I'm not expecting any great transformation so your comments come as a pleasant surprise.

That said though I noticed an improvement immeadiately in the detail and quality but soon after lost much of the bass and the passion. After a few more hours the detail remains, the bass is improving and some of the passion is also there.

It is a long road we hoe.

[PSP]

After watching things closely for a few hours to make sure that the amp wasn't oscillating I just left my 55N+ powered up day and night for several days, turning it off for an hour or so now and again just in case that would speed things along.  I listened during burn-in but not with any particular focus.  I do remember thinking at first "this is clearly an improvement, the highs are better and the bass is much more defined", then "highs to die for", then "it's gone bright on me" and the next night, everything was beautiful beyond words.

My burn-in path may have been different from most because I had put in a bunch of Black Gates in previous tweaking... to do the N+, I moved some of those BG's into their N+ positions, then put in the remaining N+ parts, so some caps were already broken in, others were not.

I suppose system synergy may play a role when any particular system takes a major step forward.  Still, in my system the impact of the 55N+ was nothing short of stunning.

May you all find sweet music, prosperity, and peace in the coming new year,
Peter