Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!dino!ux1.cso.uiuc.edu!uwm.edu!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!info-high-audio-request
From: kens@hplsla.lsid.hp.com (Ken Snyder)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Amp Modifications/Upgrades
Message-ID: <7060@uwm.edu>
Date: 18 Oct 90 13:04:41 GMT
Sender: news@uwm.edu
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Approved: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


rec.audio.high-end / info-high-audio-request@csd4.csd.uwm.edu.HP.COM 

> I just received in the mail a catalog from a company called "Audio Advisor".
>  They offer to do modificaions and upgrades to amps (i own an Adcom 545).
>  The catalog states they do this by increasing the sound range and replacing
>  some factory hardware with their own (capacitors, wiring, etc).
> I am very interested in this. But... is this legit??? Do these modifications
>  improve the sound of your amp? Is this a rip-off? Has anyone ever had this
>  done to their amp? What was the result? Are there other companies that offer
>  this service, but are better?

  I have not done business with the "Audio Advisor" but your question about
whether or not mods can help an amplifier I can shed some light on.  A few
years ago I upgraded a Hafler DH-500 with a Musical Concepts modification kit.  
It consisted of upgraded components and instructions on modifying the actual
circuitry topology.  (I did the mods myself.)  I can say without hesitation
that these mods made the '500 sound much better.  (I have an unmodified '500
I'm using as a subwoofer amp so I can make comparisons.)  The circuit topology
changes lowered the forward gain of the amp, did away with a darlington pair
of transistors and lowered the feedback at the same time to keep the overall
gain constant.  This was not just a component swap mod.  Most amps, especially
reasonably priced ones, have design/cost considerations in connectors, wiring,
etc. that aftermarket dealors can improve on.

  I've seen the Audio Advisor ads also and would be interested in hearing
from anyone actually having heard their mods.  I would rather do the mods
myself because I have the necessary skills/equipment available and like
parts, time is a cost, and I can supply lots of that.

  _____________________________ K _ E _ N __________________________________
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 | Ken Snyder                ms/loc:  270 / UN5                             |
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