[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

Getting close to completion of chassis modifications. Finished milling out the bottom of top chassis, to accomodate the Staccato op-amps. Attached the two chassis, using 4-8/32 x 1/4" Allen head screws. I had some .040 thick Sorbothane left over from my Mordaunt Short upgrade, so I cut a few pieces, and sandwhiched between the two chassis's. Help with resonance? ... can't hurt, plus I already had in hand.

The Air space between the op-amps and the top chassis is 1/2" clearance, therefore, they have plenty of ventalation. I frequently take the lid off anyways, if I'm going to play music louder, pushing the amp further.

With the new turned aluminum Isolation feet, I have more clearance, improving the cool air transfer through the bottom chassis vent holes. I'm also adding 3/4" solid oak side panels to the chassis. Appearance wise, when I viewed the amp, it's tall, but not very wide, so I made the decision to widen it, making it look more proportional to the big boy amps, by simply adding oak side panels. I'm not worried about covering the existing holes on chassis sides, since I remove the top lid for ventalation, the majority of the time. Another benefit with the A5 being powered by a LPS, the amp run's much cooler.

Still working on the front & rear cover plates currently. I'll provide more photo's of the chassis mod when completed.
For now, I've attached a photo of the side panels and new isolation feet. I've stained it in a walnut finish using General Finishes oil based Arm-R-Seal satin finish.

Looking forward to attaching my designed cover plates soon. 


Using this amp, going back and forth, between my NX-Studio's and my newly upgraded Mordaunt Short Carnival 2's,
has thoroughly given a lot of listening enjoyment for the family.

Once the front & rear cover plates are complete, that will be the final touch for the chassis modification.
Obviously, work is still in progress, the cover plates are missing. Photo's above, display what's been completed to this point.

After finishinig the panels, I'm going to secure the panels to the amplifier.

[nlitworld]

Looking like you're making some progress.  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]

Looking like you're making some progress.  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! 


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.

https://staccatoaudio.com/
Jakub w/ Staccato sells his Op-Amps through Ebay. Here is his link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392499395854

[nlitworld]

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]

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! 

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


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Interesting video addressing amplifier classifications.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYP-UlzdPxM

[nlitworld]

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.   

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

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.   

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. "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.

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

This is one company that offers LPS, it's another good source to consider. https://www.antekinc.com/power-supplies/

[nlitworld]

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

[tremrej65]

Super nice looking amp. Congrats.

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

Thanks guys

[nlitworld]

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.  Still highly recommend as it plays WAY better than it has any right to.