MSB Link DAC mod - I FINALLY DID IT! - Dan W.

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MSB Link DAC mod - I FINALLY DID IT!

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I have posted information here and on the digital forum about modifying the MSB Link DAC and had been gathering information and posting questions solely until now.
First of all, thanks to those who have shared information and were so generous with it. This mod IS do-able, although a bit intimidating given the fine traces on the board. I found that my cheap Rat Shack 40W iron w/stock pointed tip worked adequately. I didn't have trouble with lifting traces, but I did use a very small drill bit to open up some of the holes on the PCB to accept larger diameter leads from new components.
This mod is based upon information I had gleaned from the mods that Ric at EVS used to do as well as information from MSB's Half Nelson mod and the Channel Islands mod. Following is what I did, take it for what it is worth and use the information at your own risk. I am simply an amateur, but I enjoy tweaking and have been very pleased with the results thus far.
1) Replace op-amps with AD827JN op-amps (Michael Percy - $9.50 ea).
2) Replace 3 input 3300uf-25V filter caps with Nichicon Muse 4700uf-35V KG Gold caps. (Don't fit upright in case, require different installation - $2.95 ea)
3) Replace input diodes at filter caps with 400V-4A FREDs ($3.00).
4) Replace filter cap bypass caps with .1uf-200V polystyrene film caps by Relcap (~$12.00).
5) Replace stock +/-8V voltage regulators with +/-15V fixed voltage voltage regulators ($3.00).
6) Replace 3 stock 100uf-25V electrolytic caps around DAC with 100uf-35V Elna Cerafine caps ($2.40).
7) Replace output resistors (100ohm)by op-amps, 2 total, with Caddock 75ohm resistors ($9.00).
8) Replace output bypass caps next to switch relay (white) box with .0012uf (1200pf)100V polystyrene caps by Relcap ($4.00).
9) Snip out (remove) resistors at analog output RCA's.
I also have the Monolithic HC-2 power supply which I have no intention of modifying.
In the future, I plan to replace an additional 6 electrolytic caps around the dac and op-amps with Nichicon or Black Gate, replace an additional 2 resistors by each op-amps with Caddocks and replace two film caps per op-amp stage with .1uf film caps.
If anyone is interested in attempting this themselves or have questions, please feel free to e-mail or post and I will respond.
Initial listening results without break in:
The initial impression is one of much greater refinement and depth. Vocals have both warmth and sparkle. Soundstage and depth are greatly increased and noise levels reduced. The result, for me, compared to unmodified Link DAC II with Monolithic HC-2 PS, was smooth, musical and very pleasant to listen to.
Related equipment includes:
-Well modified Jolida 302b in triode w/Svetlana EL34's.
-Millersound interconnects.
-Monarchy DIP MKII jitter box fed to/from with Millersound digital cables.
-Modified Pioneer 525 DVD player transport.
-Klipsch KG3.5 speakers with single run Kimber 4TC.
-DIY sub built from Decware's 'Deathbox' design with sep. 150W amp.
-DIY Salamander-like rack made with 1.5" birch veneered mdf shelves and 5/8" all-thread supports.
-Vibrapods under amp and DAC.
-Innertube supports under vibrapods under DAC and under transport.
-Monster HTS1000 surge protector line conditioner.
Good luck and enjoy the music.
Dan W.

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Topic - MSB Link DAC mod - I FINALLY DID IT! - Dan W. 11:58:22 05/16/00 (4)

Re: MSB Link DAC mod - I FINALLY DID IT! - elan120 19:54:22 05/17/00 (1)

Re: MSB Link DAC mod - I FINALLY DID IT! - Dan W. 20:29:33 05/17/00 (0)

Re: MSB Link DAC mod - I FINALLY DID IT! - Mike B. 19:20:35 05/16/00 (0)

I Did It , I Did It ... So said Rex Harrison and convert an unrefined ... - Jose Garcia 16:29:43 05/16/00 (0)

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