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I miss Dr Leo. Thanks Internet.

I didn't build this, but it definitely looks like the group buy ones, this was built in 2017 also, so time frame was not long after the groupbuy.

those were the caps from the group buy? they turned out to have significant longevity issues.

Wanted to say that i have a headinclouds built KGSSHV from 2017. Rarely used, maybe 500 ish hours over the years. Turned it on yesterday to fizzle. Found both blue 680uf caps have blown... Hopefully nothing else. Will be reading this topic in the coming weeks!. Lucky i still have a Kerry T2 to use.

More Bill Evans, Nardis - 1970

Ordered a set of the Hongshu EHA-1 because a good friend got his and really liked them. He sent me som pics of the internals of the complimentary amplifier that you get in the same package as well:

OMG. How did I not know about this and him? Thank you. Plowing through the Riz Ortolani YT channel now.

One for @blessingx -- possibly an all-time disconnect between vibe and content.

Okay, I finally confirmed the source of the problem today. It looks like the LSK389 input stage is simply extremely sensitive and is very easily picking up magnetic field noise from the power transformer.

Tried a relatively new restaurant near us, Kirkwood. Short rib and old fashioneds very respectable. Service was super. HS

Yes, those. Will have a look with the scope on the output but it'll be a while, I've put this project away for a few days while waiting for the right top and bottom chassi plates.

Thanks for the information. It looks like 5pF is also stable on my build, although I’m using the SMD version of the power supply boards. When you mentioned the “dual current sources”, what exactly did you mean? Are you referring to the two current source stages before and after the power supply on Kevin’s latest board? I’m using PZTA42 for Q9/Q10 instead of TTC004A, so perhaps that’s something I should investigate next. I also have a pot at the input, just like your build. If you have access to an oscilloscope, could you check the O+ and O− outputs? On my board there’s a roughly 120kHz sine wave (it changed to around 96kHz after I experimented with MLCCs on the RKZE outputs), and it seems to be related to the isolated DC/DC supply. I’d be interested to know whether your board shows the same behavior, even if it’s not audible.

Did some testing last night on a second build I'm doing for a friend. Psus regulate and are stable with 470pf in place, at least for the 20 min I left it on (Kevins latest board with dual current sources). Have no noise either (never had on a Carbon), but have a pot in front. Also, I'm using TTC004a rather than pzta42 as drivers for Q9/Q10.

I checked the datasheet as well. Since I’m already feeding the converter from a GRLV, I don’t think the input side is the issue. One interesting thing I noticed is that the datasheet for a compatible replacement part (with essentially identical specifications) recommends adding an LC output filter for noise-sensitive applications. The example value is around 0.47µF on the output. I don’t have any 0.47µF MLCCs on hand at the moment, but I’ll probably place an order next week and give that a try to see if it helps reduce the remaining noise.

Damn, that sounds intriguing. Will give it a listen.

The Bay Area instance of The Spazzmatics. Chain Band? Think Blue Man Group.

Sharing a Chocolate and peanut butter, marble raspberry at Tuckers

@swt61 - very cool that you got to see Charlie. He came through H-town with Leon Bridges and unfortunately we were traveling so I missed that opportunity. I look forward to getting to enjoy him live one of these years... HS

(Fog City) Swampers playing their CCR set at the Downtown Alemeda Art and Wine Faire

I’ve just finished binge watching Ann Droid. More than entertaining, I’d say.

Last night's fresh caught walleye fry. My sister in law and I caught them and cooked them up.

Finally The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers by Punch Brothers (2026) https://open.qobuz.com/album/itmcb0mrpbqud Example: I have been waiting for this since April. Of course I am happy about the addition of Brittany Haas to the crew, being a long term fan. They do plenty of the Punch Brother's alt-folk things. All instrumental this time.