Hi Guys,
I've never posted on audiogon but here goes. Firstly, sorry for digging up this old thread but i have recently purchased a demo model hca - 2 and imported to oz from the states.
I have read this thread from entirety and find it really interesting. I'm sure Fiddler was one of the people i contacted regarding mods to this amplifier, i've had so much advice i can't remember everybody's moniker.
Anyway, i was a bit disappointed with the sound of the stock amplifier to be perfectly honest. I have an aksa 100 nirvana plus amplifier and i thought the ps audio hca - 2 was better in some areas. However, where i was disappointed was the lack of inner detail/timbre, lack of dynamics and bass. The amp just didn't grab my attention and i thought it was boring.
After researching modifications i decided to have a tech friend install the 4 blackgate 100 uf 50 volt non polar caps in the signal path for me. They replace the cheap xicon 100 uf 35 volt caps which come stock with the amp.
Anyway i have about 20 hours on this amplifier and AFAIK it is a keeper. The dynamics are much better, the bass has improved (i'm satisfied with it) and importantly the inner clues/emotion of the amplifier is excellent. I had a really good time listening to the amp last night.
My tech friend did have a problem whilst installing the caps as the track lifted and he had to use a bypass wire to repair the damage. I guess what i'm saying is this mod isn't for a beginner.
My system is as follows:
marantz cd4000 (stock and cheap)
perpetual technologies p3a (modwright level 2)
N.e.w. p3 preamp (modified)
ps audio hca - 2 and aksa 100 nirvana plus
War audio speakers (raven 1 tweeter, mtm design, 2 x 7inch focal kevlar midbass drivers)
bluenote piccolo turntable
bugle phonostage.
bolder cables.
Best wishes
Rod
I've never posted on audiogon but here goes. Firstly, sorry for digging up this old thread but i have recently purchased a demo model hca - 2 and imported to oz from the states.
I have read this thread from entirety and find it really interesting. I'm sure Fiddler was one of the people i contacted regarding mods to this amplifier, i've had so much advice i can't remember everybody's moniker.
Anyway, i was a bit disappointed with the sound of the stock amplifier to be perfectly honest. I have an aksa 100 nirvana plus amplifier and i thought the ps audio hca - 2 was better in some areas. However, where i was disappointed was the lack of inner detail/timbre, lack of dynamics and bass. The amp just didn't grab my attention and i thought it was boring.
After researching modifications i decided to have a tech friend install the 4 blackgate 100 uf 50 volt non polar caps in the signal path for me. They replace the cheap xicon 100 uf 35 volt caps which come stock with the amp.
Anyway i have about 20 hours on this amplifier and AFAIK it is a keeper. The dynamics are much better, the bass has improved (i'm satisfied with it) and importantly the inner clues/emotion of the amplifier is excellent. I had a really good time listening to the amp last night.
My tech friend did have a problem whilst installing the caps as the track lifted and he had to use a bypass wire to repair the damage. I guess what i'm saying is this mod isn't for a beginner.
My system is as follows:
marantz cd4000 (stock and cheap)
perpetual technologies p3a (modwright level 2)
N.e.w. p3 preamp (modified)
ps audio hca - 2 and aksa 100 nirvana plus
War audio speakers (raven 1 tweeter, mtm design, 2 x 7inch focal kevlar midbass drivers)
bluenote piccolo turntable
bugle phonostage.
bolder cables.
Best wishes
Rod