DIY Dodd Buffer

HAL · « **Reply #500 on:** 28 Jun 2010, 11:25 pm »

Ed,
I have to take the faceplate off, cut the control shafts and put the knobs on. Did not figure this out until I had the faceplate on.

Promise once I have that done will take pics of the unit.

Right now, having to much fun just listening to it!

HAL · « **Reply #501 on:** 1 Jul 2010, 08:13 pm »

Has anyone tried the Herbie's Audio Lab Ultrasonics Rx9 tube dampers in the buffer? It will fit on the 6N1P and 6DJ8 family tubes.

jtwrace · « **Reply #502 on:** 1 Jul 2010, 10:43 pm »

Quote from: HAL on 1 Jul 2010, 08:13 pm

Has anyone tried the Herbie's Audio Lab Ultrasonics Rx9 tube dampers in the buffer? It will fit on the 6N1P and 6DJ8 family tubes.

On my buffer....

HAL · « **Reply #503 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 01:21 am »

Any observations on sound quality?

jtwrace · « **Reply #504 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 01:39 am »

Quote from: HAL on 2 Jul 2010, 01:21 am

Any observations on sound quality?

Yes, purchase a pair and try them for yourself. If you don't like them, return them.

Mine are still on and not going anywhere.

HAL · « **Reply #505 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 02:15 am »

I only need one for the buffer.

jtwrace · « **Reply #506 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 02:17 am »

Quote from: HAL on 2 Jul 2010, 02:15 am

I only need one for the buffer.

You got a new one. I have the first version which has two tubes.

dBe · « **Reply #507 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 03:53 am »

Quote from: jtwrace on 2 Jul 2010, 02:17 am

You got a new one. I have the first version which has two tubes.

So, you like 'em, eh? I think I'll have to buy some and give them a shot. If they're good enough for you, I'm sure they'll work for me.

Dave

HAL · « **Reply #508 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 12:36 pm »

Dave,
I have the older version Ultrasonics in my battery preamp on the 7308's and they sound really good to me. Had not heard the newer Ultrasonic Rx version.

dBe · « **Reply #509 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 03:23 pm »

Quote from: HAL on 2 Jul 2010, 12:36 pm

Dave,
I have the older version Ultrasonics in my battery preamp on the 7308's and they sound really good to me. Had not heard the newer Ultrasonic Rx version.

I've been eying them for a while, but didn't know anyone that had actually tried them. Now I know two. Cool. I'll order some today.

Thanks, guys.

Dave

praedet · « **Reply #510 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 05:14 pm »

Does the gauge of the cable to and from the battery for the buffer matter?

ebag4 · « **Reply #511 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 06:14 pm »

Quote from: praedet on 2 Jul 2010, 05:14 pm

Does the gauge of the cable to and from the battery for the buffer matter?

It will matter due to voltage drop but Gary includes a length of red/black zip cord (14 awg?) in with the kit for this.

Best,
Ed

praedet · « **Reply #512 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 07:56 pm »

I've already built mine with what Gary supplied. I am making some changes to how I connect to the battery, so I was trying to figure out if a larger gauge would be worthwhile or necessary...

Ted

HAL · « **Reply #513 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 08:56 pm »

The Neutrik Powercon connector will have a wire gauge limit for the screw down connections. The small current draw of the buffer will not be a big issue for the 16awg cable supplied in the kit. If it has to be really long (25'+), then using a larger cable will lower the voltage drop on the wire.

mikeeastman · « **Reply #514 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 09:12 pm »

Based on the chart I use ,with the 1/2 amp max draw of the buffer,the 14 gauge wire would loss about .5% voltage over 25 ft.

praedet · « **Reply #515 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 11:33 pm »

What if I am running an amp off the battery, how do I figure out the gauge for that?

mikeeastman · « **Reply #516 on:** 2 Jul 2010, 11:57 pm »

What is max draw of amp and distance from batt also what % of loss do you want to have?

praedet · « **Reply #517 on:** 3 Jul 2010, 03:41 am »

I'm looking the Class D amp that is 250 W into 4 ohms, and the Battery will be less than 3ft away...

HAL · « **Reply #518 on:** 3 Jul 2010, 12:40 pm »

Ok, put the Miniwatt 7308 back in the buffer with an Ultrasonic Rx9 damper. Sounds very good to me. Not a huge difference, but things do sound a bit cleaner overall.

I like it!

mikeeastman · « **Reply #519 on:** 3 Jul 2010, 01:30 pm »

According To Gary the 14 gauge wire should be more than big enough for the 3 ft run. He said that his amp only draws 15-20 amp so with 14 gauge you would have only 2% loss during max draw. I am using 10 gauge to keep my loss to 1% or less.