I finally got the SX-1980's little brother......
- Thread starter Big Tuna
- Start date
DaWoofer
Super Member
I also noticed by your pics that your 1280 doesn't have the quartz lock or fine tune lights like the 1980. I had thought they were basically the same receivers. Also it looks like different tuning boards and it doesn't have as many gangs as the 1980. The 1980 is something a bit special isn't it? I've had mine for over a month and still haven't put speakers to it yet. How different is the sound between the two units?
The benefit comes from knowing that they are going to last the next 25+ years. Sources of these quality computer-grade caps is steadily shrinking, and the day may come when you can't source them any longer. Another consideration is that the prices of these large caps has been going steadily up. These particular caps have remained pretty affordable, but I've seen others go from $28 to $60ea overnight.Sorry, my bad Echo, they are indeed 15,000uF. I dont know why I said 12, geesh!Would it benefit the unit if I upgraded to the 22,000uF ones in there?
Link to big caps for the 1280: http://www.newark.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?SKU=95F4479
The 1280 requires a bit of fabrication to get the job done: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=62222
cityslicker
Active Member
Hey Echo. When recapping a 1280, do you stay with the 15,000uf caps, or is it safe to upgrade to say 18,000 or 22,000uf like the 1250?
KingBubba
"Too Much Stuff"
BT, do you have a plan of attack as far as what you are going to do to the 1280 and in what order? I'm curious if Echowars would have an opinion on what should be first on the list. My guess would be reworking the power supply and regulator as the heat seems to make them a weak spot. Any thoughts or opinions about this. I have a personal interest in this particular model as it has always been my Holy Grail and mine sits unused for the time being until I can start on a rehab.
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Big Tuna
Too Much Power!
I would have to say the difference between my 1980 and the1280 is negligible. So similar that they are virtually indestinguishable. The only point they differ in is the power output, yet they are so close. It really depends on the speakers you are driving them with. While they both will drive large relatively inneficient speakers, the 1980 will provide some serious grunt where the 1280 begins to fall off. The 1280 is no slouch by any means and it has tons of headroom, giving great sound output at "normal" listening levels, while not pushing nowhere near it's limits. Bottom line is, they are both monster amplifiers masquerading as receivers
Big Tuna
Too Much Power!
Hi Bubba, I don't know yet what I am going to do with my 1280, Echo's upgrade with the 22,000uF caps is really slick. I have my SX-5590 and one of my 1980's in the shop being repaired, once those are done, the 1280 will be next. My fix for the heat problem would be to go to Radio Shack and get a cooling fan for each heat sink, preferably one that does not emit any electrostatic interference.BT, do you have a plan of attack as far as what you are going to do to the 1280 and in what order? I'm curious if Echowars would have an opinion on what should be first on the list. My guess would be reworking the power supply and regulator as the heat seems to make them a weak spot. Any thoughts or opinions about this. I have a personal interest in this particular model as it has always been my Holy Grail.
KingBubba
"Too Much Stuff"
The heat sinks stay surprisingly cool during even high power use. The heat issue is at the power supply and regulator which are the two circuit board sandwiched together and not neat the top vent. They get very hot and the heat kind of hangs there in the box. On mine, the plastic around most of the caps on the two cards have shrunk, exposing the aluminum cylinders (not a good sign).
Adding a fan in a receiver like this seems to create more problems than it solves because of dust intrusion. Even a light coating of dust on components tends to lead to overheating and sometimes circuit bridging that should not be bridged. This is especially true in the humidity of Florida and other moist places.
It sounds that you, like myself, have your hands full. I had every intention of rehabbing my SX 1250 this Summer, but Summer is over and I have no idea where it went. I looked at my schedule and my next day off is Oct. 26. When you get around to working on your new beast please throw a thread our way so we can learn from your experiences. Have fun and enjoy. :thmbsp:
Adding a fan in a receiver like this seems to create more problems than it solves because of dust intrusion. Even a light coating of dust on components tends to lead to overheating and sometimes circuit bridging that should not be bridged. This is especially true in the humidity of Florida and other moist places.
It sounds that you, like myself, have your hands full. I had every intention of rehabbing my SX 1250 this Summer, but Summer is over and I have no idea where it went. I looked at my schedule and my next day off is Oct. 26. When you get around to working on your new beast please throw a thread our way so we can learn from your experiences. Have fun and enjoy. :thmbsp:
1280 uses a soft-start circuit, so increasing the size (within reason) is fine.
cityslicker
Active Member
Thanks Echo! Well I'm on the waiting list for MTF to recap my 1280,so I guess I'll use his recommendations and let him perform his magic. I've always been afraid to ship this beast, and with MTF living only 40 minutes away, That really works to my advantage. I keep getting tempted to fire up the 1280, but I notice that some of the caps on the power supply board have shrunk plastic wrap exposing the aluminum, so I just put it away while it still works.
