How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

[Rcstark]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

For standard 60/40 rosin core, you want to be regulated around 700F at the tip. That's the setting to use with a Weller or Hakko station. I don't know how you were getting your temp, but it's not ridiculously high. As long as you didn't linger too long, I don't think you did any damage.

Thanks, good to know

[Psycoacoustics]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

So Rcstark,,,,, do you like how it sounds? Is it a MAJOR or minor improvement to what you replaced it with? Just curious, Mark

[kevinr]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

I finally got a moment between shifts to begin removing the components and installing Tygers recc. upgrades .
Finished step one- i.e. the back auto switching pcb panel new IC's , resistors relay and caps and just removed the volume and balance pots. Pretty quick I found I didn't care for the affordable desoldering pump and just used the desoldering braid from PE .
My original version of the amp was okay sounding but not hi-fi and it had recently developed a really noticeable channel issue with one side being muffled and bassy and the other thin . After I install the new pots I'll plug in the amp to see if the first steps resolved the channel issue .
Then on to the main board upgrade next week !

[tyger23]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

For anyone interested!!!

Menards is currently closing out their stock of Pyle PAMP1000 amplifier for $70 with a $7 mail in rebate. While in Fort Wayne, I bought two of the three remaining amps at the Menards on the west side of the city. I believe the other two Menards in Fort Wayne showed 2 in stock at each.

Anyways, these are generally a copy of the amp-100, and my mods should apply. HOWEVER, Pyle took far more cost reduction opportunities that I could have imagined, so be forewarned that the PAMP1000 will need even more rework to bring it up to the level of the AMP-100.

Now, I still think that the Pyle is a good value at $63, and you'll likely save a few bucks over obtaining a used AMP-100 for mods, but it will be more work.

Over time, I'll post what mods need to be done to the PAMP1000, but it will probably take me into the summer timeframe to get this done. So, if you're interested in this - the PAMP1000 can be had cheep at Menards. Go buy one and store it until I can post the changes.

Also, FWIW, the Dayton APA100 is a third different design, that I don't plan to mod right now. I'm sure some of my mods would also help that design, but it would take some work to know what changes and where.

[Psycoacoustics]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

2??? I hope your some kind of Gold member with the airlines! Between the two pairs of speakers and your cloths you had to be way over weight!

I can't wait for this mod, I may just have to go out and buy a couple too!

Once again, it was nice meeting you. Later, Mark

[tyger23]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

2??? I hope your some kind of Gold member with the airlines! Between the two pairs of speakers and your cloths you had to be way over weight!

Once again, it was nice meeting you. Later, Mark

Yeah, I have the highest status you can get on United. I get three checked bags free. Without that - I wouldn't have been able to afford to come. I had one speaker in each of two suitcases that got checked. For the amps, I bought a roll of packing tape and taped the two boxes together, making my third free checked bag. I also used the tape to make a handle for the boxes to make them easier to carry.

It was great meeting you and everyone else! I can't wait for next year!

[Rcstark]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

So Rcstark,,,,, do you like how it sounds? Is it a MAJOR or minor improvement to what you replaced it with? Just curious, Mark

The amp sounds great with the mods. The high end is greatly improved in that it seems to be more flat across the spectrum as before the amp seemed a bit dark, vocals are now more natural and out front. The low end seems to have a little more "heft" to it. Another thing that was obvious to me was the channel separation seemed much better, the sound stage opened up noticeably. I was comparing to another amp-100 I got from Craigslist for 40 bucks! Looks like I'll eventually have to mod that one was well.

[Psycoacoustics]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

The amp sounds great with the mods. The high end is greatly improved in that it seems to be more flat across the spectrum as before the amp seemed a bit dark, vocals are now more natural and out front. The low end seems to have a little more "heft" to it. Another thing that was obvious to me was the channel separation seemed much better, the sound stage opened up noticeably. I was comparing to another amp-100 I got from Craigslist for 40 bucks! Looks like I'll eventually have to mod that one was well.

I'm glad to hear that you think the mods are worthwhile. I'm sure you'll also find that doing the second one will be much quicker than the first.

Did you see Tyger's post about the Pyle? I'm checking my Menards next! Later, Mark

[kevinr]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

I have completed all the mods but have an issue of the power caps per the picture on page one ....so haven't soldered them in place yet.
The stock power caps are 1 and 7/16th's inches tall.... and the upgrade Nichicon ones are 1 and 5/8ths inches tall, with short 1/8th inch leads
Tilting the new caps back toward the heat sink as in the picture on page one of this post makes them stand taller than just pushing them in all the way. The stubby leads don't really give me room to really bend them over either.
Just wondering if the caps that Mouser carries are smaller than the ones used by Mr. Tyger ?
Thanks for comments

[tyger23]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

Kevin,

It sounds like you may have ordered the "snap in" caps instead of the leaded caps (which have longer leads on them). You can use the remains of a clipped off lead from a different capacitor and solder it to the short leads, or I would probably recommend that you look at post #58, and order the alternative Panasonic caps that should just fit right in.

http://www.mouser.com/Search/m_ProductDetail.aspx?Panasonic-Electronic-Components%2fECO-S1HP682CA%2f&qs=sGAEpiMZZMtZ1n0r9vR22RSFeKT%2fCuZ6%2fKGpCVEhy%252b4%3d

[Rcstark]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

I'm glad to hear that you think the mods are worthwhile. I'm sure you'll also find that doing the second one will be much quicker than the first.

Did you see Tyger's post about the Pyle? I'm checking my Menards next! Later, Mark

I did see that, sounds like a decent deal.

[tyger23]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

You guys can check the stock of your local Menards by entering the zip code on this page:

http://www.menards.com/main/electrical/electronics/electronic-accessories/160-watt-amplifier/p-1706836.htm?tpt=5_en

[Psycoacoustics]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

I have completed all the mods but have an issue of the power caps per the picture on page one ....so haven't soldered them in place yet.
The stock power caps are 1 and 7/16th's inches tall.... and the upgrade Nichicon ones are 1 and 5/8ths inches tall, with short 1/8th inch leads
Tilting the new caps back toward the heat sink as in the picture on page one of this post makes them stand taller than just pushing them in all the way. The stubby leads don't really give me room to really bend them over either.
Just wondering if the caps that Mouser carries are smaller than the ones used by Mr. Tyger ?
Thanks for comments

Hey Kevin, I hope this is the Kevin that bought the mod parts from me. Anyway, I'm 99% sure I sent you the snap in Panasonic caps. No need for tilting them. Just push them in all the way till they bottom out on the board and solder. They may be a touch taller than the ones you removed, but should still fit under the cover nicely.

Let me know how you make out. Later, Mark

[Psycoacoustics]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

You guys can check the stock of your local Menards by entering the zip code on this page:

http://www.menards.com/main/electric...6.htm?tpt=5_en

Already did! They got two by me. Although I really don't need another amp or two but,,,,, if you tell me you can make them sound like the Audiosource or better,,,,, than I may just have to buy them to have something to do during the winter.

Later, Mark

[tyger23]

Re: How to turn your AudioSource AMP 100 into a real amp. (Paying it forward)

Already did! They got two by me. Although I really don't need another amp or two but,,,,, if you tell me you can make them sound like the Audiosource or better,,,,, than I may just have to buy them to have something to do during the winter.

Later, Mark

I think I can make them sing. All the hooks are there, but A LOT of components will need to be replaced. The quality just isn't close to what AudioSource put out. I nearly stripped out 4 screws just trying to get the cover off. I immediately saw where the main board is warping because they failed to insert the board into the proper mounting slot, and the rear I/O board was heavily warped because they used the wrong footprint for their RCA jacks. The RCA jacks should have had some positioning holes drilled into the PCB, or they should have used a different RCA connector type, but no - they forced it to fit and warped the back board. That's not something that has to be fixed (although it only took me about 10 minutes to fix it), but it just speaks to the corners they cut.

Still - it should represent a darned good value when I'm done with it.

On the plus side - the altered layout has much more room around the volume and balance pots - which means I might be able to shoe-horn an alps blue velvet into this one.