News: AKSA 55N+

andyr · « **on:** 20 Jan 2004, 04:59 am »

Fellow AKSAphiles, just reporting that Hugh's plans for the "AKSA N+" … ie. Nirvana "ne plus ultra" … are proceeding apace.

I modified my 55N under instructions from Hugh and took it round to his place for an audition this morning. He was absolutely delighted with it – in fact, it would be fair to say it blew his socks off (and, if you could see the size of his feet, that’s quite an undertaking!!

).

All he did was keep saying "Aaaah, what balls! ….. what refinement!".

Interestingly enough, this is almost (but not quite) the same amp I showed him a couple of months ago, when I first did the mods ... it would seem that to run the caps in to their optimum state takes a couple of months.

So, when the "N+" kit is released in a coupla months, I can assure y’all you will be delighted!!

Regards,

Andy

Malcolm Fear · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 12:25 pm »

So, don't tease us - what mods are there?

Jens · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 02:45 pm »

Well, I'm sure Hugh will come up with good deals for the N+ for those who have already purchased AKSA 55 stock and Nirvana versions.

Disclosing the contents of the Nirvana Plus upgrade on the forum would probably not be a very good idea marketingwise - and Hugh does have a business to run.

Most likely the N+ upgrade consists of some kind essence of upgrades already mentioned more or less on this forum, so the most advanced tinkerers among us will most likely already have it - or something like it.

Just my two cents ....

Cheers,

AKSA · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 08:43 pm »

Hi Folks,

First, thanks to Andy for letting you all know that finally a Nirvana Plus is in the wings.

Second, Jens is right, it is a distillation of all the mods published to date in this forum, with only a couple of new additions. No rocket science!

Thirdly, I'm delighted in the results, clearly audible yesterday on Andy's superb 55W, which frankly sounds MUCH more powerful and palpably more refined. I shudder to think how gutsy the 100W will now sound!!

Lastly, yes, I do have a business to run and it is no longer hobby oriented, but cold hard reality. I will not be publishing the list, obviously, and now I must begin the productionizing, which means preparing documentation, sourcing components, and stocking the inventory. This all takes time, unfortunately, but I would not expect it to take more than about six weeks.

There will be two price tiers; those who have a Nirvana already, a stiff discount, and those who are buying for the first time. Until I have sourcing prices, I can't really fix a price.

Thank you for your patience, and sorry for delays.......

Off topic, but last night I went to the movies and saw 'Cold Mountain', with our very own Nicole Kidman. I have always been very interested in the social consequences of the American Civil War - a conflict which had a huge maturing effect on a young country and resounds down the decades to this day. This movie, though slow and rather gruesome was superb in the way it caught the desperation and social destruction of war. I felt it was very thought-provoking. It showed up just how easy it is for a society to lose its checks and balances when things go badly wrong, and how some choose a life of cruel opportunism. Having been in the military I know how thin is the social veneer, and how easily racial or ideological conflict can tear it apart.

Recommended viewing!

Cheers,

Hugh

bubba966 · « **Reply #4 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 10:42 pm »

Hugh,

Why don't you heard over to the Cinema & mention your impression of Cold Mountain?

I don't think anyone's talked about it yet...

Malcolm Fear · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Jan 2004, 10:43 am »

So Hugh, is there any point in me buying one????????

If yours is better, of course I am interested!!

Raj · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Jan 2004, 06:01 pm »

Hi,

although I don't own an aksa, one thing I have recently tried in my amp, is replacing the bias setting pots with high precision resitors made up to the same value. High quality resistors deposit far less noise into the circuit, and the difference is very audible when you upgrade from pots (yes even high quality sealed pots are noisy is comparison). You get more of a 3d soundstage and way more resolution right through the audio band.
Ofcourse you may wish to ignore the advice cause I'm not an aksaphile this is definatley worth doing once you are happy with the bias setting on your amp.

Happy tweaking!

Thanks
Raja

AKSA · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 Jan 2004, 08:41 pm »

Mal,

Yes, I believe so, but you may wish to listen to another before you buy!

Raj,

Good advice, very sage indeed. I use a Bourns in the AKSA, but there is nothing like a good metal film in this location to quell noise. Of course, the cap which straddles the Vbe multiplier is very important too......

Cheers,

Hugh

Seano · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 Jan 2004, 05:34 am »

Errrrr, Hugh? 100N+? Soon-ish? Yes? (he pleads expectantly.....)

Before the antipodean winter perhaps?

AKSA · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 Jan 2004, 06:55 am »

Sean,

Yes, bwana, I should think so......

Speaking of vehicles rolling over, I've just attacked the engine in my 86 Ford Falcon to replace the cam. It's dirty in there......

The car has run on LP gas for years, and returns about 7kms/litre. I'm reliably informed that with a special gas cam I can get about 15% better economy, and about 10% more power/torque. Recently it's really slipped, and when I removed the timing cover, it's clear why. The cam chain must have about 10 degrees of crank slack in it!

Think of me tomorrow as I remove all the lifters with a special extractor tool. Apparently they mushroom at the base, making it hard to pull them up through the lifter galley. Cover your ears as you pass by 55 Grove tomorrow!

Chinese New Year at present. Damn!! Can't order caps!

Cheers,

Hugh

Seano · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 Jan 2004, 09:53 pm »

Well, if you'd like a low mileage TD5 diesel motor from a Land Rover Defender then I know where to find one.

Just round the corner at our local panelshop. The engine, some of the driveline and the interior is all that's worth salvaging. A very sad end to a a motor vehicle.

Tell you what though.............without fail, wear your seat belt.

Amplidude · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 Feb 2004, 09:54 pm »

Hi!
I have been watching this forum for six months or so. Just sitting on the fence. Im very tempted to dive into the AKSA 55. I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!

One question I have is. Can I buy an AKSA 55 Nirvana or N+ kit, or do I have to Buy seperate Kits?

AKSA · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Feb 2004, 10:57 pm »

Hi Amplidude,

Yes, you buy the AKSA 55W kit, and the Nirvana upgrade along with it.

The upgrade can be fitted either at first assembly, or later, as you wish. Since the audiophile virus is relentless and progressive, many choose to do it in steps. That way they KNOW they have a distinct improvement!

Cheers,

Hugh

Malcolm Fear · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Feb 2004, 11:53 pm »

I would built the latest one. The last time I upgraded an AKSA 55, I blew it up. I hate removing bits and pieces from a circuit board.
The AKSA improves considerably in the first 24 hours. So, you would have to built it, warm it up, pull it apart, modify it then turn it back on.

Any upgrade to an AKSA will improve its sound. Save yourself some time, build the Nirvana first up.

Amplidude · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Feb 2004, 04:15 am »

Thank you both for your rapid response.
The fact that Hugh monitors this forum and answers questions so quickly, reinforces my respect for his enthusiasm.
Thank you Hugh.

AKSA · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Feb 2004, 07:02 am »

Ah, Amplidude,

Perhaps one day I'll be found dead at my PC!!

The service thang is important, but it can be very wearing. My arms and hands are beginning to ache a lot; I love the keyboard, type quickly, but years at it are showing now.

Cheers,

Hugh