Dodd Buffer

Jerrin · « **Reply #220 on:** 21 Apr 2011, 04:27 pm »

Jtwrace (or anyone else) can you describe how it sounds compared to normal SS equipment? I ordered mine a couple of days ago and opted for all the upgrades (tube, RCAs, and caps). I'm trying to decide between clarity cap MRs and Duelund copper VSF for the 2 caps.

Anyone have any experience?

jtwrace · « **Reply #221 on:** 21 Apr 2011, 04:43 pm »

Quote from: Jerrin on 21 Apr 2011, 04:27 pm

Duelund copper VSF for the 2 caps.

Those will cost more then the unit.

Jerrin · « **Reply #222 on:** 21 Apr 2011, 04:51 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 21 Apr 2011, 04:43 pm

Those will cost more then the unit.

Yes, but only the base kit price.

Gary told me that I had already upgraded everything else that would make a significant sonic difference. Since I will be listening to all of my 2 channel music fed though this unit, wouldn't it make sense to get some really good capacitors?

Oh, and I'm still waiting to hear what you think it sounds like....

jtwrace · « **Reply #223 on:** 21 Apr 2011, 04:53 pm »

Quote from: Jerrin on 21 Apr 2011, 04:51 pm

Yes, but only the base kit price. Gary told me that I had already upgraded everything else that would make a significant sonic difference. Since I will be listening to all of my 2 channel music fed though this unit, wouldn't it make sense to get some really good capacitors?

What other upgrades are you doing?

You mentioned "tube, RCAs, and caps" but what does that consist of? I didn't know there was something else in that realm.

Jerrin · « **Reply #224 on:** 21 Apr 2011, 04:58 pm »

I replaced the stock tube with the 6H30DR and I replaced the stock RCAs with the high end Cardas connectors.

I did not order the sonicaps, as I knew I was going to use the CC MR or Duelunds.

I'm thinking that this thing should sound really sweet.

Jerrin · « **Reply #225 on:** 22 Apr 2011, 04:21 pm »

I'm a battery newb, anyone have an opinion on which is regarded as a better battery maker?

ENERSYS Genesis NP33-12 or Powersonic PS-12350NB

Jerrin · « **Reply #226 on:** 16 May 2011, 02:58 pm »

Here she is.

morganc · « **Reply #227 on:** 16 May 2011, 03:12 pm »

Quote from: Jerrin on 22 Apr 2011, 04:21 pm

I'm a battery newb, anyone have an opinion on which is regarded as a better battery maker?

ENERSYS Genesis NP33-12 or Powersonic PS-12350NB

I ordered the exact same Powersonic.....I hear it is great

TrungT · « **Reply #228 on:** 16 May 2011, 03:26 pm »

Jerrin
Where's the face plate?

Jerrin · « **Reply #229 on:** 16 May 2011, 03:35 pm »

It's being painted by Ruben.

NeilT · « **Reply #230 on:** 19 May 2011, 01:51 am »

Buffer build, and thanks to Trung and Gary for the help.

Hope to wire and fire it up tomorrow.
Neil

HAL · « **Reply #231 on:** 19 May 2011, 02:35 am »

Looks good!

NeilT · « **Reply #232 on:** 19 May 2011, 02:53 am »

Quote from: HAL on 19 May 2011, 02:35 am

Looks good!

Thanks Hal

corndog71 · « **Reply #233 on:** 19 May 2011, 03:56 am »

Are you guys mounting the regulator to the heat sink yourselves?

TrungT · « **Reply #234 on:** 19 May 2011, 04:35 am »

^^^^^
Heat sink and Regulator are together.

TrungT · « **Reply #235 on:** 19 May 2011, 04:36 am »

Neil
Looking good.

Don't forget to make a hole for the IR sensor.

NeilT · « **Reply #236 on:** 19 May 2011, 03:30 pm »

Quote from: TrungT on 19 May 2011, 04:36 am

Neil
Looking good.
Don't forget to make a hole for the IR sensor.

Thanks Trung, I am still deciding on a face plate and knobs, before I mount the sensor.

Hey Trung, do you ground the case or chassis?
Neil

Jerrin · « **Reply #237 on:** 19 May 2011, 03:41 pm »

Looks great Neil!

Be sure to let us know how it sounds and what you think.

NeilT · « **Reply #238 on:** 19 May 2011, 03:55 pm »

Quote from: Jerrin on 19 May 2011, 03:41 pm

Looks great Neil!

Be sure to let us know how it sounds and what you think.

Hi Jerrin, thanks,
and thanks for posting pics of yours. I used them while putting mine together.
Looking forward to the final product.

I hooked up the parts, temp wire job, while waiting for the case to ship.
I could not believe my ears, it was like taking a blanket off my speakers.
I have been running an Anthem SS pre and amp.

Have you had a chance to listen to yours yet?
Neil

Jerrin · « **Reply #239 on:** 19 May 2011, 03:56 pm »

I finally got the chance to hook up the buffer and give it a listen this morning. I'll give my impressions, but I need much more time to fully evaluate this piece. I only had about 45 minutes to listen this morning (and I ran late to work).

WOW. It has a really black background and by that I mean I hear nothing until the individual notes hit. Much better seperation and clarity.

The two most impressive things to me are:

A: The smoothness of the sound. Highs are clear, but smooth, not sharp. There are no brittle highs, no fatigue.

B: The TONE. Oh my goodness! The Tone is natural. Everything sounds REAL. Not digital, not muffled, not anything but real.

I played in my school bands for several years. I learned to play the trumpet and french horn. I probably played around 10 years, so while I do not claim to be a musician, I think I have a pretty good idea of what many instruments sound like live.

I heard the saxophone in "Your latest trick" by the Dire Straits and I could hear the reed in the saxophone. It was so real, it gave me the chills. This was something I have never heard before on a home system.

Long story short... this is the best piece of electronics I have ever bought. I can't wait to hear the caps break in. I suspect the caps are the biggest contributor to the tonal shift, and if they are, I can honestly say that I will likely never buy another brand again. Unless of course, Danny says they are better.