Audio Alchemy (DDE V3.0)

JSE009 · « **on:** 26 Oct 2005, 08:05 pm »

I recently own a Digital Decode Engine (DDE v3.0) from Audio Alchemy and having some problems with it

It looks likes there is a problem with the powersection (analog), sometimes the -15Volt section isn't starting up (lokks likes it is ossilating!)
Now I've been told that there is a known issue with this power-section and now I hope that there is someone who knows this problems and now to fix it

tex-amp · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Oct 2005, 04:28 am »

Contact Dusty Vawtner(sp?) at Channel Islands Audio to get help. Dusty was part of Audio Alchemy.

JSE009 · « **Reply #2 on:** 29 Oct 2005, 06:46 pm »

Thanks for your tip.
I've contacted them but they don't support AA anymore and also don't have any schematics.
But i've looked into the schematic I found on the Internet and the problem is a very very very and VERY unstable +/-15V stabilizer circuit

It looks like this section was designed by a nono because you have luck when this circuit is working at starting up the system.
I’ve made some fast modifications and now the +/-15V section starts up AND is stable

I'm thinking about chaning tis section complete by inserting a shunt-regulator.

Nick B · « **Reply #3 on:** 31 Oct 2005, 11:05 pm »

That's one of the hazards of dealing with smaller companies. They tend not to be around that long. Reminds me of when I paid lots of money for an NRG preamp about 15 years ago. I spoke with the VP of the company and asked what happens if they go out of business. He personally assured me that he would still service that unit if I ever had a problem. Well, guess what? I had a problem and they were out of business. He refused to repair the mute circuit. I sold it as is and the new buyer talked him into fixing it. Fortunately, I found AC and learned that you don't have to pay exhorbinant prices for great sounding gear and accessories.