Bottlehead Forum
Bottlehead Kits => S.E.X. Kit => Topic started by: JIPPER on October 19, 2009, 05:39:48 AM
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Quote from: jrebman on October 17, 2009, 03:17:11
BTW, I can't seem to find the instructions for the iron/c4s upgrade as they are not on the new s.e.x. amp product page (yet?).
You can find the sex iron instructions at this link:
http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/S.E.X./ironsupplementkit.htm
It is linked from the old Bottlehead frontpage, through the community page, then the Sex Amp Stuff link, then scroll down to the link to iron supplement etc. this link goes directly to the instructions. It is difficult to find.
JP
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Since those directions include cap upgrades and the C4S boards, both of which I've already done, I just want to be sure that installing the MagneQuest irons is really as simple as replacing the stock ones. Nothing needs to be removed or added, right?
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Sam,
The MQ iron usually has fewer secondary taps (4, 8, 16 ohms) than the stock iron. Sometime fewer primary taps in the case of the old line transformers.
So, YES, it is awfully easy!
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Actually, I've found this to be a PITA, so far.
Just to confirm, when the instructions say "Remove the 1uF parallel feed coupling capacitor from each channel - terminals 15 and A2 on one side and terminals 35 and B6 on the other side," this is because those caps will be replaced as part of an upgrade. I ignore this if I'm just doing the irons?
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Yes, the old Bottlehead supplied upgrade kit included new output/Parafeed caps. So if you are just upgrading the iron, ignore removing the capacitors.
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Thanks, Grainger. I figured as much.
So I got the damn things installed. A bit late for me to run resistance and voltage checks (do I need to?), but I quickly checked terminals 20 and 40 (where the new, blue wire goes) and wasn't getting any reading for resistance. The meter just kept flashing about like when it can't get a reading. Normal?
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Some meters have trouble trying to read a highly inductive load, try measuring the iron you removed.
Essentially the new iron connects to the same places. Give your connection a good hard look and give it a try
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As indicated in the parts list and the "parafeed capacitor wiring" section, the 1uF capacitors are replaced with 2uF premium capacitors - originally claritycaps, but pick you own favorite. The iron upgrade includes a plate choke of greater inductance, which works best with a correspondingly greater parafeed capacitance.
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I replaced some of the caps with Obbligattos and Russian teflons. Grainger would know better than I, since he advised me on these.
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He probably has the 2.2uF@630V Obbligato Black Film/Oil caps. The KK Teflons are 0.1uF.
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Plugged it in and it's playing fine. Haven't plugged in the speakers yet, though. How much break-in do these irons need, and what can I do to expedite it?
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I heard an immediate improvement when I upgraded my Paramours. I also moved the old plate choke to the power supply and changed the Parafeed cap at the same time. So the improvements were multiple.
I think iron settles in with 50 hours of play and doesn't change much after 100 hours.
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I've only spent a little time with these, but they're pretty magnificent. I've got the all nickel. There's more clarity and separation-- a deeper sound. Add to that a much more pronounced bass. More thoughts as I listen further.
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On my favorite Kinks song, "Mindless Child of Motherhood," I'm hearing percussion I never knew was there!
These irons sound especially nice when the volume is up over 12 o clock on the pot. ;)
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Sam,
Congratulations -- nicely done! I think at least part of the reason the upgrade sounds so good at the outset is that you've been burning in the caps with the old iron. Also, the sound should improve after 45 minutes or so of each listening session (in other words, from a fresh power on) as the all-nickel cores get magnetized on power up and require music playing through them for some time before they are demagnetized.
Glad you're happy, and I expect things will continue to improve for a while yet.
-- Jim
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Finally getting around to adding the iron/ cap upgrade to my Sex 2.0. The URL posted no longer works. Please update.
Best regards, James
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https://web.archive.org/web/20130325165607/http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/S.E.X./ironsupplementkit.htm
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Thank you Joshua!
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Hello,
It's slightly embarrassing, but I'm just now getting around to installing the C4S boards I ordered in 2008 into my SEX kit. Is there a link to the installation instructions that works? Even the wayback machine seems to have lost the thread at this point.
Thanks,
Rich
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Hopefully someone can help Rich above, and I'll give another necro-bump to this thread:
If just replacing the iron on a SEX 2.0 which already has the C4S upgrade do I still need to source 2µF parafeed caps? Or am I just swapping the iron? Plan on ordering the iron and don't want to be left without my favourite amp for a couple of caps :)
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Yes, you will want some 2uF caps as well.
-PB
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Yes, you will want some 2uF caps as well.
-PB
Cheers PB!