Note: For those who are unfamiliar with the Felix project, start
here.
I've had all the parts and circuit boards from the group buy since April 2008 but work has been non-stop until recently so I finally got a chance to throw together a Felix to see what it would do. I have enough parts to make 4 so I started with the 3A version using the CoilCraft P3717-A 27mH CMC and the Vishay F1778 X2 caps. Since the box will never been seen I used 1-1/2 Radio Shack 270-1805 6"x3"x2" plastic project enclosures. I cut the 2nd box on a band saw and joined the two together with screw pins and ABS plumbing glue resulting in a strong ghetto box. The exotic 14/3 wire, Leviton CR15 outlet, Leviton plug, in-line fuse holder and 3A slo-blow fuse was sourced from my local Ace Hardware.
I bought the Insight EC pre-amp, DAC and 440 amp in the fall of 2008 and they sounded so good that the Felix project was now a low priority. The + upgrade with new op-amps made everything sound even better. The stereo is also the centerpiece of the 4/1 surround sound home theater setup, so while I was trying to track down some hum I remembered the Felix filters.
I fixed the hum without the Felix but now I had this box laying around and I thought what if...
I didn't expect to hear a change knowing how well designed AVA electronics are but boy howdy was I wrong. Low level detail like room depth now emerge from the background. Instruments now have more space around them and the living room's front wall disappears, cymbals shimmer and decay naturally. Digital music is smoother which means it can be played louder and vinyl is magical with instruments and vocals floating in space.
As with any power line filtering YMMV, no dedicated AC lines at this old house so perhaps the benefits of a Felix won't be as dramatic in another setup. I have 3 more to make (eventually) using the JW Miller chokes. If they all work as well I would consider loaning one out to see if this is a fluke or if AVA electronics really benefit from a Felix.
Wayne
