[markC]

Well, my friend's co-worker, (a computer tech.), agreed to do the repair for me -and would'nt accept anything for his trouble! He had a problem with 1 of the land patterns when the old chip came off, but being resourcefull and experienced, was able to overcome it. He added a small jumper wire,(about 1/4" long), and all is well again. Very impressed with the intricate work that was done by him. He also confirmed that the diode swap that I did was not the cause of the chip failure, just a nasty coincidence. So, after a week of being bummed about my absence of a CDP, my baby is back and singing away

[mgalusha]

Nice to hear that it's working again. It's a sickening feeling when things like that happen. How is it sounding with the new diodes or is it too soon to tell?

Mike G.

[markC]

Can't really comment on the sound, as my friend Tony has his DIY hybrid monoblocks in my system. But it has got to be every bit as it used to be because we had a cheap DVD player in there while the QDS was down and after 2 songs we shut it off - it was unbearable to listen to. Now with the QDS and the monoblocks in there things sound glorious. Huge soundstage and scary dynamics. The top end is sooo sweet with these monoblocks. Here is a pic of them

[mgalusha]

Your friend did a nice job on those amps, they certainly don't have the DIY look. Did he design his own circuit or use a published design? Any other info about them? I'm not looking to build a pair but it's always nice to see what other folks come up with.

Mike G.

[markC]

He designed them himself using a computer simulation program. They are tubes driving fets and the more I listen to them, the more I am liking them.Way cleaner top end than my solid state amp and the mid and bottom are just as good. I've just begun tube rolling with them and right now there's a pair of sylvania black plates in them that are sounding very good.