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Since the stock amp on our platform is so difficult to replace with aftermarket gear, I decided to send it off to Phantom Audio for a tune up instead. All the cheap capacitors and opamps have been replaced with audiophile grade components. Below are the before and after photos. Note that Jesse finished this the same day my amp arrived at his house. Will let you all know how it sounds when I get it back.
Alright, people. So having already invested a small fortune upgrading the speakers, etc. in the ELS sound system in my 2014 RDX Tech, I was pretty doubtful that replacing some components in the stock amp would make a big (or even noticeable) improvement in sound quality. It already sounded pretty damn good.
Nope. I was wrong. It didn't sound good at all.
Turning the stereo on for the first time after getting the amp back from Phantom Audio was a surreal experience. I imagine the experience was similar to someone who is colorblind seeing colors for the first time. I honestly had no idea recorded music could sound so clear or so real or so dynamic. It sounds better than the the pair of $400 headphones I used to own. I am seriously blown away and elated by the music coming out of my speakers. I spent HOURS today just sitting in the car listening to all my old albums like it was the first time I heard each song.
If you own an Acura and ever listen to the stereo, you need to send the amp to Jesse. You'll get it back in a couple days ready to plug it back in and have your mind blown.
Alright, people. So having already invested a small fortune upgrading the speakers, etc. in the ELS sound system in my 2014 RDX Tech, I was pretty doubtful that replacing some components in the stock amp would make a big (or even noticeable) improvement in sound quality. It already sounded pretty damn good.
Nope. I was wrong. It didn't sound good at all.
Turning the stereo on for the first time after getting the amp back from Phantom Audio was a surreal experience. I imagine the experience was similar to someone who is colorblind seeing colors for the first time. I honestly had no idea recorded music could sound so clear or so real or so dynamic. It sounds better than the the pair of $400 headphones I used to own. I am seriously blown away and elated by the music coming out of my speakers. I spent HOURS today just sitting in the car listening to all my old albums like it was the first time I heard each song.
If you own an Acura and ever listen to the stereo, you need to send the amp to Jesse. You'll get it back in a couple days ready to plug it back in and have your mind blown.
So He replaced chip component aluminum electrolytic capacitors with standard aluminum electrolytic capacitors.Why did He replace all but one 2200uf 16v chip capacitor? The chip capacitors are there because they are cheaper and to tolerate vibration.Does not make sense to Me.
I was wondering the same thing. Why the one cap was left alone is a mystery to me as well. Looking at all the before/after pictures on their Facebook page, it looks like they always leave that one cap in place.
Chip capacitors are better for higher fq. The electrolytic caps used on this board were chosen by testing. Most are the Elna, the 330 is an Audio Note and the rest of the power caps are nichicon. The opamps of choice are Burr Brown/TI. This adds a nice sense of depth and dynamics to the sound stage. Much like TA but without the actual TA. The larger chipsets are pretty decent Audio grade. As far as the 2200 cap, the bench tests and O-scope testing did not denote a benefit from the swap. Output was not affected either. It works along with the rectifier to help with voltage stability. The "cheaper" SMD cap is plenty for this. Thank you for your input.
So He replaced chip component aluminum electrolytic capacitors with standard aluminum electrolytic capacitors.Why did He replace all but one 2200uf 16v chip capacitor? The chip capacitors are there because they are cheaper and to tolerate vibration.Does not make sense to Me.
If you allow me to work one over for you, it would made a lot of sense
Chip capacitors are better for higher fq. The electrolytic caps used on this board were chosen by testing. Most are the Elna, the 330 is an Audio Note and the rest of the power caps are nichicon. The opamps of choice are Burr Brown/TI. This adds a nice sense of depth and dynamics to the sound stage. Much like TA but without the actual TA. The larger chipsets are pretty decent Audio grade. As far as the 2200 cap, the bench tests and O-scope testing did not denote a benefit from the swap. Output was not affected either. It works along with the rectifier to help with voltage stability. The "cheaper" SMD cap is plenty for this. Thank you for your input.
So just curious, what is the measured output after upgrading a unit like this? 40w x 4 @ 4 ohms at 1%THD?
