Sansui QRX-5500A First look and impressions

[Hyperion]

Thanks, selection is pretty limited for cap brand if I want caps that fit the metal holders. Kemet is about the only option for 10,000 µF caps. Might be more possibilities if I go up in capacitance...

You could look for 12,000uF 40mm dia possibles, this will ensure you have at least 10,000uF - as they often come up at the bottom of their tolerance range - very annoying!

 

[CrSens]

Thanks, selection is pretty limited for cap brand if I want caps that fit the metal holders. Kemet is about the only option for 10,000 µF caps. Might be more possibilities if I go up in capacitance...

I find Nichicon power caps to have more speed and resolution, but in general terms still rather small differences not enough to obsess about. Panasonic is smooth and solid sound foundation. Kemet, I don't hear much house sound. Just my subjective opinion, of course.

 

[KeithD]

I've used Nichcon in the past, but sometimes space does not allow for what is available. I had to put Kemet in my AU-9900 because the space available is very tight. Nichicons where too big to fit.

For 10,000 or 12,000 µF, Nichicon seems to have 35 or 51 mm sizes, but not 40 mm. I could got with the smaller diameter ones, and use some kind of collar for the cap holder.

 

[CrSens]

I've used Nichcon in the past, but sometimes space does not allow for what is available. I had to put Kemet in my AU-9900 because the space available is very tight. Nichicons where too big to fit.

For 10,000 or 12,000 µF, Nichicon seems to have 35 or 51 mm sizes, but not 40 mm. I could got with the smaller diameter ones, and use some kind of collar for the cap holder.

On my QRX-6001 I tried the crazy hack, since the Nichicons were smaller diameter than originals, I used Sylomer SR-11 industrial vibration insulator (sponge like) to make up the difference in the clamp. This way caps are completely insulated from any vibration (I play with Sylomer a lot, powerful stuff). The result made the amp sound more modern and faster. You would be surprised how much micro vibration influences the sound of electronics.

 

[KeithD]

On my QRX-6001 I tried the crazy hack, since the Nichicons were smaller diameter than originals, I used Sylomer SR-11 industrial vibration insulator (sponge like) to make up the difference in the clamp. This way caps are completely insulated from any vibration (I play with Sylomer a lot, powerful stuff). The result made the amp sound more modern and faster. You would be surprised how much micro vibration influences the sound of electronics.

I used soft pipe insulation on the filter caps on my Eight since the new ones were much smaller than the brackets. Works well. Doesn't look the best, but then again, I never see the insides, so who cares?

 

[KeithD]

Just placed a Digikey order for parts needed. Driver board is complete except for new trimmers. Will be putting in Bourns 25 turn trimmers in all locations here.



PS board has a number of caps to replace.



Found glue only under a couple of the larger caps.



Cleaned up nicely though!

 

[KeithD]

Parts came in and made good progress yesterday. Was able to finish the driver board. All new e-caps and replaced one 2SC1313 with KSC1845.



Also replaced all the variable resistors on the driver board with Bourns 25 turn. Makes setting offset and bias super easy.