[nlitworld]

Dudes............
Nichicon KZ for the freakin win!

Finally got around to popping these Nichicon Muse caps into the Douk. Pretty easy to wiggle these out of the old spot, suck out the solder, and wiggle the new boys into place.


Old caps all content and lazy


New caps ready to get some work done.

While I was in there, I also redid the thermal paste on the bottom. As you can see, just to the right next to the thermal transfer plate is the line of capacitors to squeeze in.



Now, these KZ caps do fit into the old pcb holes, but barely. It'll take a little wiggling and possibly a soldering iron if there's any leftover solder reminants still in the holes.


Ready to rock!

Also while I had the soldering iron hot, I popped in some Miflex 0.15 high pass caps in my preamp (between out1&out2) and they seem about the same value rolloff point as the Douk cranked but much more clarity.

So yeah, long story short get your soldering iron out and freakin go to town. Super easy mods, but SO SO SO much better. Like seriously, I'm listening to Dave Matthew's "The Gorge" and it's just amazingly huge and spacious sound. I'm here giggling to myself typing on my phone right now. 

-Lloyd

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Very cool Lloyd!😎🤟👍😊
Today I played Rush- “Subdivisions”, then popped in new SX52BS and WOW!!!🤩 Holy crap what a difference!!! Night and day! I had the volume at 47 and then had to turn it down to 40 because it was so much louder! The soundstage opened up and it sounded like a veile had been lifted. I thought that it would make a small difference at best.
Btw, how on earth did you solder those caps on? There is barely any room.

[nlitworld]

Whenever working on thru hole boards, always try to solder from underside. Easy peasy. They're the super narrow double row right next to the heat transfer plate.

I will be excited to let everything burn in for a while. I know things are only going to get smoother from here

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

My initial listening experience, with the SX52B Op-Amps:  Set up in my bedroom system 

1.  Sound stage consist of a transparent background. Texture of the instruments are clear, ever so slightly rounded, on a good note though. I find the highs aren’t shrill, nor harsh, with a nice full mid range presentation. Depth of sound stage? I wouldn’t call it a deep stage,  ever so slightly forward in presentation. This is listening in a smaller room environment though.

2.  Imaging really excelled over my stock A5 NE5532 op-amps.

3.  On the bottom end, the bass is appealing, very responsive and detailed, with out being overly emphasized or muddy sounding.

4.  I like the fact the SX52B Op-amp delivers a well balanced frequency distribution, having a analog sound. Presenting articulation, with out being too analytical. 

To think I paid $10 including shipping, this is a no brainier people. High recommend!

I can’t currently compare to the sparkos, SS3602’s since I don’t have them on hand.
This amp, I imagine could give the sparkos a run for the money, being much cheaper too.

Note:
I was listening on a set of speakers that have dome tweeters, that are forgiving, but detailed in delivery. They also have nice midrange, and image like crazy. This first initial impressions, are with no burn in time on the op-amps. This is also set up on the pre-outs of a NAD AVR solid state receiver.

Eventually, I would like to let the SX52’s burn in, and listening to the Douk Audio A5, running through my other tube electronics, alongside my NX-Studio’s and Subs, in my primary listening room as well.  Then, I’ll hear what kind of listening results shall be, on the set up.






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Seeking to upgrade your figure 8 power cable going to your GaN power supply, this is a option to check out, for your Douk A5 amp. I took the plunge and purchased this cable. I figured for $25.12 

https://www.amazon.com/Tertullus-Audiophile-Figure-Female-3-28FT/dp/B0BDDZMJQR/ref=pd_sim_hxwPM1_sspa_dk_detail_d_sccl_3_1/131-0462536-4292765?pd_rd_w=WkDnw&content-id=amzn1.sym.3a852a98-d65f-4301-9bd0-9b589b14d1ef&pf_rd_p=3a852a98-d65f-4301-9bd0-9b589b14d1ef&pf_rd_r=BSE9FZ0KA2ZJ4902JEWM&pd_rd_wg=poXWG&pd_rd_r=1304ebbb-0249-410a-89b4-cb14cb7dc4f7&pd_rd_i=B0BDDZMJQR&th=1


Found a Linear power supply that is reasonable in cost.
Astron LS10A

https://www.astroncorp.com/28vdc-linear-desktop

ASTRON  LS10A has variable volt adjustments, from 28 volts to 36 volts, which will provide 280 watts set at 28 volts and more with higher voltage. Amperage is from 8 up to 10 ICS for reserves.








Astron advise me, that this company sells the power supply for the least amount.  https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-004726

I've seen them pre-owned for a little as $85.00 online.