Budget Douk Audio A5 Class D Amp Mod- Nice amp addition for all audio enthusiast

nlitworld

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Looking like you're making some progress.  :thumb: Also with your (and others) enthusiasm for the Staccato opamps, I may have to try those at some point. Seems like they do all the right things with none of the downsides. I think the long and skinny series would fit on my amp with no super-sized risers. Since the small 10uf caps were moved out of the way for clarity caps, they likely could fit. Downside is they're more $$ even than the Sparkos. Ooof.

NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER

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Looking like you're making some progress.  :thumb: Also with your (and others) enthusiasm for the Staccato opamps, I may have to try those at some point. Seems like they do all the right things with none of the downsides. I think the long and skinny series would fit on my amp with no super-sized risers. Since the small 10uf caps were moved out of the way for clarity caps, they likely could fit. Downside is they're more $$ even than the Sparkos. Ooof.

The bad news, you can't mount Staccato op-amp's correctly on a A5 circuit board without extenders.

Mounting without extenders!  :nono:


This is where I would mount Staccato op-amp's onto their zip tie mounts.


Even though your chassis is overall larger, I would still suggest using extenders for both Staccato’s
op-amps. For multiple reasons, I would mount both op-amps on the right side of chassis.

1.) Since Staccato op-amps operate in class A, I would suggest isolating their heat dissipation away from your main circuit board. Less heat near any circuit board, the better.

2.)With the flexibility of the extenders, your able to position the op-amp’s further away from your upgraded capacitors and their wire leads. Locating the extender / op-amps on the right side of chassis, you could  screw in a couple of black zip tie mounts, on the right side wall of chassis. Wrapping the zip tie’s between the wires of extenders, to the side wall of the zip tie mount is very easy and worthwhile step. Plus, having them both in the same position would have more symmetry in pairs.
I have another little tip, I’ll be glad to share, if decide to purchase a pair.

3.) You still have the flexibility of swapping out different manufactured op-amps this way too.:thumb:

https://staccatoaudio.com/
Jakub w/ Staccato sells his Op-Amps through Ebay. Here is his link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392499395854
« Last Edit: 15 Mar 2026, 10:29 pm by NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER »

nlitworld

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I thought about running the extensions until I saw they make a different configuration as well with the boards inline rather than side by side. I was thinking about trying that style out. It would also help with cooling by not having heat sink butted up to each other. I know resale value would be nil just because the form factor is very intrusive though.





This configuration puts them about same width as Sparkos which fit nicely (13.75mm Sparkos vs 15mm Staccato). The only way it's possible is that I have the 10uf caps out of the way and I'm willing to cover up the rgb switches that nobody seems to care about. Lol.

Only thing is I can find used Staccato on USAM for about ½ price which is tempting.

NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER

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I thought about running the extensions until I saw they make a different configuration as well with the boards inline rather than side by side. I was thinking about trying that style out. It would also help with cooling by not having heat sink butted up to each other. I know resale value would be nil just because the form factor is very intrusive though.





This configuration puts them about same width as Sparkos which fit nicely (13.75mm Sparkos vs 15mm Staccato). The only way it's possible is that I have the 10uf caps out of the way and I'm willing to cover up the rgb switches that nobody seems to care about. Lol.

Only thing is I can find used Staccato on USAM for about ½ price which is tempting.

I believe your onto something!  :thumb:

For your application, this particular op-amp model layout, appears to be a perfect solution, giving a you a very clean integration with your LPS / Amp combination. If you add this Dip8 spacer, you’ll clear the light color switches to the right of the op-amps.This will resolve the height clearance, allowing the op-amp to overhang the little color light switches, as well as the other little chip to the right behind the light switches.

Using a stock A5 chassis, with this particular Staccato model configuration, still would be too tall for the cover lid to be used on the A5 chassis. I don't believe this model would clear the 4 stock Nichicon capacitors, to the left of the op-amp circuit board input sockets either. Therefore, not compatible with a stock A5 amp. Even with my 2 chassis mod, it still wouldn't work, unless you relocated the Nichicon capacitors, using longer wire lead extensions.

Overall, I believe this would be ideal for your scenario, based on dimensions provided on Staccato’s website.
Dimensions: 1.65” x 0.59” x 1.38”

Dip8 spacer example


_______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ ______________

Interesting video addressing amplifier classifications.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYP-UlzdPxM
« Last Edit: 20 Mar 2026, 07:40 am by NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER »

nlitworld

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So I thought I'd throw the idea out there. If anyone is curious how some overkill mods stack up against a standard issue A5 amp, I'd be willing to loan mine out on a demo for a bit. Would be fun to get others' feedback and impression. To me it just sounds like my amp, simply because I don't have a stock one to compare anymore.

Anyway, if anyone's curious just let me know.   :thumb:

NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER

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So I thought I'd throw the idea out there. If anyone is curious how some overkill mods stack up against a standard issue A5 amp, I'd be willing to loan mine out on a demo for a bit. Would be fun to get others' feedback and impression. To me it just sounds like my amp, simply because I don't have a stock one to compare anymore.

Anyway, if anyone's curious just let me know.   :thumb:
I have no doubt, your amp sounds better than a stock amp.
My friends and I, have modified our A5's, and we concur there is no comparison, between a stock A5 amp, versus a upgraded amp.

Regarding loaning out,
For me personally, I would be apprehensive accepting your generous offer, because the amp could possibly receive shipping damage. Being your amp is a one of a kind build, I know the sentimental value goes beyond, money, parts & labor with your accomplishment.

That being said, I didn't want your thread post offer, receiving zero replies. :nono: "Since you're volunteering your amp for loan, to all AC members, with goodwill in mind."
 
Therefore, I'm expressing my personal gratitude, for your generosity.







« Last Edit: 19 May 2026, 06:31 am by NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER »

NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER

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Another good LPS resource to consider. https://www.antekinc.com/power-supplies/



« Last Edit: 14 Jun 2026, 11:24 pm by NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER »

nlitworld

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That is one clean looking build right there!!! Love it.  :thumb:

tremrej65

Super nice looking amp. Congrats.

NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER

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Thanks guys :thumb:

« Last Edit: 21 May 2026, 03:10 am by NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER »

akical

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was just wondering, how realistic would it be to swap out the inductors for something like a Sagami DLM1623M-100M ? I am trying to address the high freq distortion from the inductors getting saturated and improve power handling

nlitworld

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Welcome to simmer time... I mean summer time. Given the 96° forecast today and the sweatbox inducing heat from my EL84 amp this morning, the Douk was dusted off and fired up today. Couple clicks to level match subs and we're rockin. It doesn't sound quite as good, but damn it's close and running cool.  8) Still highly recommend as it plays WAY better than it has any right to.
« Last Edit: 14 Jun 2026, 05:23 am by nlitworld »

Jon L

Welcome to simmer time... I mean summer time. Given the 96° forecast today and the sweatbox inducing heat from my EL84 amp

Getting roasty around here, and I have shut down all my tube amps, not to mention the second floor system.  Battery-driven class D is saving the season, but I do hope this summer doesn't do that "record heat" thing again  :green: