Modded Teac digital amp

Wayne1 · « **on:** 20 Oct 2004, 05:10 pm »

After a very long time, Mark's modded Teac is making music.

I changed out most of the capacitors in the power supplies. Changed out the input and output connectors. Hard wired the connectors right to the amp boards. Replaced the electrolytic coupling caps with Multicaps. Added an IEC connector. Did away with the input level controls and board.

I still intend to apply dampening material to most of the chassis and cover.

Right now, it is driving the 3 way Acoustic Reality 3Ds with sub module with no trouble.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 Oct 2004, 05:13 pm »

Looks good to me... Glad to hear that is working out well, and looking forward to hearing it myself, eventually.

mark in Canada

mcgsxr · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Dec 2004, 12:57 pm »

Just a note to those following the story - this amp has made it home to my place, and I will be breaking it in, and posting about my experiences, in the coming weeks.

Thanks again Wayne, for all your help along the way, and for always being an excellent communicator.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Dec 2004, 02:23 pm »

I am glad it finally make it to you safely, Mark.

The first shipping try destroyed the amp and I had to start all over.

I did change some of the mods and now have replaced just about all the critical parts in the power supply. I also replaced the power cables going to and from the power switch. The ferrite donut is back in place.

It will take about an month for Mark to get it broken in.

If he feels it to be worth it, I will start offering mods for the Teac after the first of the year.

JoshK · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Dec 2004, 02:26 pm »

Nice work Wayne, very cleanly done! I bet it sounds leagues better.

ludavico · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Dec 2004, 02:51 pm »

Beauty, Wayne and Mark.

Bet it rocks...

John

mcgsxr · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 Dec 2005, 08:27 pm »

Unit now listed in the Classifieds section of AC... moving to all digital system, with SB3 front end.

kfr01 · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 12:26 am »

So, you liked it ?

mcgsxr · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 01:19 am »

Yes, I really do like it - the best 2 channel amp I have heard in my system, especially with the Hagerman Clarinet I have (also for sale).

I just want to go all digital - SB3, into Panny receiver.

kfr01 · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 01:57 am »

Just out of curiousity, what panny receiver are you referring to? What entices you go to with a panasonic? I've heard more people talking about those lately, but haven't paid much attention. I seem to remember a panasonic car deck failing after 2-weeks 10 years ago or so.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 03:42 am »

The SAXR-55 if I can find one - the attraction, is that I can use the digital output of the SB3, into the digital input of the Panny, and the signal stays completely digital right up to the end of the chain - the binding posts...

kfr01 · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 04:09 pm »

Do you know what the difference is between the 55, 50, and 70?

Do they all keep the signal digital in the same way?

I'm intrigued.

miklorsmith · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 04:18 pm »

Are the Panny's known for excellent D/A conversion? I haven't heard accolades. Are we better off with digital further into the chain while sacrificing something in the conversion process, or choosing our D/A mechanism and increasing path-length?

Please DO let us know.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #13 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 04:41 pm »

You might want to spend some time using the search feature of this site.

Here are a few comments I pulled up at random:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=16725

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=11656

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=10319&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=10931

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=9271&start=30

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=8591

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=8403

The Panasonic line of receivers from the SA-XR10 through the current SA-XR55 all use the Equibit chipset. This was developed by TI. This is the same basic chipset that is used in TacT amps. It allows the enduser to keep the signal digital through out the entire chain.

It does not sound anywhere as good if you use an analog signal as a source.

I use an modded SA-XR70 in my HT system. My inputs are Modded SB2, Modded Oppo DVD player and Comcast HD Cable box. All audio inputs are digital. The Oppo ouputs DVI direct to the TV and the Comcast box uses component cables. It is VERY convient for my whole family to operate and it sounds really good.

I replaced my Lexicon pre-pro unit when Comcast changed the sampling rates on their channels to 32 khz. The Lexicon could not decode that. The Panny has no trouble.

The SA-XR55 is probably the best in the long line of receivers. It does have binding posts for all connections and it crossover freq for subwoofer is now 80 Hz. It may not offer all the toys and gimicks of more expensive receivers, but it does sound fantastic.

Mods do improve it. It has gone head to head with Outlaw, Denon, Pioneer, and even AVA gear and has walked out with it's head held high.

Jon L · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 06:26 pm »

Wayne, I must agree about Panny SA-XR55. I've got one, and it sounds scary good for the price (scary for other receiver manufacturers, that is). I'm feeding it all digital signal, of course.

I've already got an IEC adapter and am using a better power cord, and I'm happy enough with current speaker posts, etc.

When mine runs out of warranty, I will probably need to send it to you

What kind of price are we talking about internal mods, concentrating on the 4 channels that powers main L and R?

P.S. Have you figured out a way to actively biamp using 4 channels of XR55 using Panny's crossover? It seems you need a passive speaker crossover to biamp with XR55 to me so far..

Wayne1 · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 06:32 pm »

There is no way to actively biamp using the Panasonic digital inputs. The Bi-amp feature on the new generation stuff is for passive bi-amping only.

Some folks were using Behringer digital crossovers and eqs to convert from D to A and then send the signal into the DVD-A inputs. In my mind, that kinda defeats the pure digital nature of the Panny.

The internal crossover for the sub output is mono .

mcgsxr · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Dec 2005, 09:29 pm »

FYI, the Bolder modded Teac sold locally here in Toronto, and I have reinvested the $ today, in a Panny 55.