[audion]

If you add a preamplifier output, how good of preamp will it be? (Compared to an ALPS pot for example). I assume it can be connected as either active or a passive preamp.

[BrunoB]

All,

The Sharp SD-EX111 modifications are here:

http://www.redwineaudio.com/mods.html

 

Feel free to email me at vinnie@redwineaudio.com if you have
any questions that are not addressed on the website.

Here is another Sharp that might be worth modding:

Sharp SD-HX500

Universal player - multichannel amplifier combo. SACD 2x upsampling.

I have one and it sounds very smooth.

Bruno

[Vinnie R.]

If you add a preamplifier output, how good of preamp will it be? (Compared to an ALPS pot for example). I assume it can be connected as either active or a passive preamp.

Hi George,

If I were to add a preamp output option, it would be active.  After the volume control chip, there is a simple op-amp preamp stage (similar to that of a DAC CT101 linestage board).  The signal would be taken right after this preamp stage and sent to RCA output jacks.  

This feature will be helpful to those who want to add an active subwoofer to their system (using the line-level inputs), or if one wants to use the Sharp as a source + preamp combo for their own amplifier.  

The preamp output is something that I am considering doing as an optional modification (not everyone needs this, so I plan to make it optional).  I plan to try it out soon, along with the direct amp input modification, and will report back my findings...

Regards,

[Vinnie R.]

All,

I just finished the preamp output modification to this unit  
I need some time to listen and evaluate.  I'll be working on a direct amplifier input next.  

Again, these would be additional mods for those who may want such features.  

I have some SD-EX111's on the way from Overstock.com....get 'em while they're hot  

I'll post back soon....

Regards,

[Vinnie R.]

All,

I have completed testing the preamp output modification to the Red Wine Audio Modified Sharp SD-EX111!  

I added a pair of gold-plated RCA jacks to the output for the preamp output.  I have tried this using a Clari-T-Amp as a power amp and was very pleased with the results.  It is a very clean volume-controlled output that is a nice option for those who may want to connect a powered subwoofer with their Sharp unit via the line-level inputs.  

I personally believe the modded preamp section of the Sharp SD-EX111 has great synergy with the unit's power amplifier section, so one may not want to use this preamp output modification for a separate 2-channel
power amp...

PS: My modified Sharp has been breaking in these past few days, and I spent a while last night giving it a listen.  This unit really brought a smile to my face with its stunning dynamic presentation and impressive speaker control and "grip."    I prefer the sound with the loudness feature set to OFF, but if you are using small speakers and listening at low volumes, it does fill in the bass well.  

Regards,

[Bemopti123]

Sounds excellent.  I would like to know when you get done with the preamp in modification and how a preamp would sound with the amp section of the Sharp.