Modifying Tube AMP

tapeshc

Hi,

Last week I picked up these ASL AV-25 monoblocks. They have awesome sound, construction & looks.

But I read that people have done some mods on AV-8 and AV-20s.

I am not sure what imporvements should I expect but, here are some qs.

1. Are there any websites or books that I can follow.
2. I have very very basic knowledge(if I can call that) of electronics, do you think I should even try this.
3. Also some articles that I found, they have replaced capacitors, but with diff. values like going from .22uf ro .46uf Auricap. Can you do that without any side effect.

Reponse Audio and some others do it but for that price, I would buy Rogue Audio 120 rather than going through this.

They are running my LSi15s without any problem, ofcourse at reasonable volumes.

Please let me know if you have ever tried any thing like this and can comment.

Please remember my level of expertise

Thanks in advance !

BlueMDPicker

Joseph Lau, the designer of ASL gear, is very active on AudioAsylum.com. Look for threads by him in the "Tubes" Asylum, or click here to send him an email.

tapeshc

Wow ! thats great, if I can get in contact with him

dorokusai

If you have a soldering iron, you can modify. I personally think you should stay as close to the manufactured values as possible, unless the suggestion is from who makes the item......and not Blowme2001 or Johnnyhaha6....you know what I'm saying?

AA is a great place to find some varied opinions and tackle subject matter....I've found alot of useful information there.

BlueMDPicker

....and, perhaps it goes without saying, but I'll reiterate all the warnings you'll see in tube gear manuals and mod spec sheets:

Tube gear circuitry contains LETHAL VOLTAGES.

If you're a rookie (and we all still are at some level) learn how to use a bleed resistor and jumpers on capacitors - even if the amp contains a bleed circuit. Don't trust someone or something to do your saftey thinking and prep for you.

Have a blast! Tube gear is compelling to me for many reasons - not the least of which is MY comfort level in performing troubleshooting and repairs. It's analogous to new cars versus old cars for me. I'll take an old car down to a rolling frame and tear the engine down any day. New cars are too complex in the controls area for me to tackle.

dorokusai

I just used a old screwdriver to drain voltage way back in the day....hmmm

tapeshc

How do you use bleed resistor or rather how do you make sure that there are no lethal volatages left in the system before you touch it.

I tried google, but couldnt find any method.

Please advice.

BlueMDPicker

Here is a link regarding tube guitar amps, but the same principle applies to any tubed circuit:

Safely discharging caps

tapeshc

Thanks !

Got it.