Problems after speedball(Solved)

Strikkflypilot · 6126

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Offline Strikkflypilot

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Reply #30 on: May 05, 2014, 09:40:16 PM
Thanks for all help thus far, CB.

I Removed all transistor/LEDs on the dark half
LEDs had no voltage drop, even out of curcuit
The 2N2222A was kinda dark/ blueishblack and burned looking
The TIP50 looked good but I changed it all the same.

After reconnecting, all LEDs lighted up and Voltages are good.
Just haven't had time to listen in yet. Very excited
« Last Edit: May 06, 2014, 06:11:47 PM by Strikkflypilot »

Home system:
Sources: Ibasso DX90, Google Chromecast Audio optical out
DAC: Schiit Gumby
Amp: Bottlehead Mainline
http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=7463.0
Phones: HD800S

Office:
Sources: Iphone/ Ipod
DAC: Dragonfly Red+Jtrbug
Amp: Crack/Speedball heavily modded
Phones: HD580,HD600 grilles


Offline Strikkflypilot

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Ok.
Was excited to try some music

I switch the crack + SB on.
After about 6 seconds the 6080 lights up blueish before it lights as usual(wires in reddish light) after about 10 seconds, when a humming starts (about 80-85 Hz like a ground loop?)that is first noticabe on the left, then also on the right channel although slightly weaker. This humming gets considerably louder up to 20 seconds. On a cold amp it wears out at about 60 seconds. Faster on hot amp, maybe 15 seconds after it gets loud.

From then on it is quiet until I turn the volume all the way down which makes the noise on both channels with max noise. When I turn the volume all the way up to 100% it is also noise with left>right. In between it is quiet

If I attach a source, there is only a slight hum which gets louder from about 70% volume to 100%. Ig I turn volume all the way down, the noise is back to max binaurally.

In between, as in 0%<,>100% the Sound quality seems sweet, but it is overshadowed by the other issues...

Again I ask for help. And of course, here are the voltages witj SB installed:

1. 73,4 v
2. 173,45 v
3. 0 v
4. 173,41 v
5. 76,8 v
6. 0 v
7. 101,86
8. 0 v
9. 102,8 v
10. 0 v
11. 0 v
12. 0 v
13. 173,1 v
14. 0 v
15. 192,33 v
16. 0v
17. 0 v
18. 87 v
19. 82,7 v
20. 0 v
21. 211,4 v

Hope this can be resolved.
Yours truly

Home system:
Sources: Ibasso DX90, Google Chromecast Audio optical out
DAC: Schiit Gumby
Amp: Bottlehead Mainline
http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=7463.0
Phones: HD800S

Office:
Sources: Iphone/ Ipod
DAC: Dragonfly Red+Jtrbug
Amp: Crack/Speedball heavily modded
Phones: HD580,HD600 grilles


Offline Paul Birkeland

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On a cold amp it wears out at about 60 seconds. Faster on hot amp, maybe 15 seconds after it gets loud.


This is noise that occurs during warmup, there isn't really anything to troubleshoot here. 

Paul "PB" Birkeland

Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man


Offline Strikkflypilot

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Good to hear, really, but the constant noise at volume level 0 and the blue flash in the 6080 at 7 seconds is nothing to worry about or possible to mend? (ESpecially the volume 0 buzz is rather annoying and wasnt there before the SB)

Home system:
Sources: Ibasso DX90, Google Chromecast Audio optical out
DAC: Schiit Gumby
Amp: Bottlehead Mainline
http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=7463.0
Phones: HD800S

Office:
Sources: Iphone/ Ipod
DAC: Dragonfly Red+Jtrbug
Amp: Crack/Speedball heavily modded
Phones: HD580,HD600 grilles


Offline Paul Birkeland

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The warmup characteristics of the amplifier change when installing the Speedball.

If you can't live with a bit of warmup time, you can reinstall the 22K resistors.

Paul "PB" Birkeland

Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man


Offline Strikkflypilot

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Thanks again for the reply. Appreciate Your diligence with this matter.
I can certainly live with the warmup time, just wasnt expecting it.

Is there a way to eliminate the loud buzz at 0 volume? It does NOT go away.
« Last Edit: May 06, 2014, 05:26:55 PM by Strikkflypilot »

Home system:
Sources: Ibasso DX90, Google Chromecast Audio optical out
DAC: Schiit Gumby
Amp: Bottlehead Mainline
http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=7463.0
Phones: HD800S

Office:
Sources: Iphone/ Ipod
DAC: Dragonfly Red+Jtrbug
Amp: Crack/Speedball heavily modded
Phones: HD580,HD600 grilles


Offline Paul Birkeland

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I am looking into replicating the issue with one of our Cracks and coming up with a solution. 

Paul "PB" Birkeland

Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man


Offline Strikkflypilot

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Reply #37 on: May 06, 2014, 06:08:10 PM
Well, Caucasian Backplate.
After leaving it on a couple more minutes, also the 0 Volume buzz disappeard, like You said.
Shame on me :-[

I thank You very much for ALL Your help.
My amp is now working as designed.
Long Norwegian summernights with the classics ahead:)

Home system:
Sources: Ibasso DX90, Google Chromecast Audio optical out
DAC: Schiit Gumby
Amp: Bottlehead Mainline
http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=7463.0
Phones: HD800S

Office:
Sources: Iphone/ Ipod
DAC: Dragonfly Red+Jtrbug
Amp: Crack/Speedball heavily modded
Phones: HD580,HD600 grilles


Offline pduk

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Reply #38 on: May 07, 2014, 01:35:07 AM
Hi Strikkflypilot,

I have the exact same behaviour with my Crack+Speedball built a couple of weeks ago. Stock crack was completely silent, then with the speedball fitted I get mains hum at the start, getting louder then receding, and a low-volume buzz that goes away after a couple of minutes. I did all the suggested checks and am satisfied that the build is OK. I am more than happy with the sound. It did scare me the first time I heard the hum as I feared it would get ever-louder and break my HD650s (not to mention my ears) but happily not.

Cheers

Paul.



Offline Strikkflypilot

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Reply #39 on: May 07, 2014, 02:08:31 AM
Thanks, pduk.

Nice to get that kind of feedback from a fellow builder.

Caucasian sure has walked me through this very thoroughly.
I hope the questions asked and answered will help those that also eventually will have questions of their own when building.
I could not be happier with the support here.

My most important tip for upcoming builders is this:

Check all solder joints! Not only by looking but with Your Multimeters.

Home system:
Sources: Ibasso DX90, Google Chromecast Audio optical out
DAC: Schiit Gumby
Amp: Bottlehead Mainline
http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=7463.0
Phones: HD800S

Office:
Sources: Iphone/ Ipod
DAC: Dragonfly Red+Jtrbug
Amp: Crack/Speedball heavily modded
Phones: HD580,HD600 grilles