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Upgrading your Solo Amp
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1968spring View Drop Down
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    Posted: 16 Sep 2009 at 12:36am
I have a Sennheiser HD650 and the Solo headphone amp
(I assume it's the 2004 version -  I brought it in 2006 & it has the white
sticker with the serial # 0506-28)

Using the Solo, the potentiometer range stretches over a
maximum of 1 cm (from 7 o'clock to maximum 9 o'clock) to have it at reasonable hearing levels. I guess this is due to the flexible high gain opamp configuration. I would like to use the alps potmeter at a broader range with the same sound level (let's say stretching to 11-12 o'clock).
 
Firstly, would be possible to upgarde my solo to the current model in order to acheive my objective. If so, can I have an idea of the costs involved for the upgrade. 
 
Secondly, Using In-line attenuators (specifically Rothwell In-line attenuators) between my CD Player and the Solo input would be an obvious choice, however, would this be like an upgrade for my Solo.
 
Alternatevely in order to reach my objective - would changing the configuration inside my Solo be much more expensive then buying the Rothwell In-line attenuatos, retailing at £40, as I would need the work to be carried out professionally.
 
 
 
 
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Graham Slee View Drop Down
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Points: 16314 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Graham Slee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Sep 2009 at 8:34pm
Sorry, this was originally an email or personal message I hadn't got around to answering, but now I can...

It sounds as if your CDP outputs a considerable signal voltage. Could it have output adjustment of some kind? Even if not a physical back panel attenuator, some have it built into the remote control (which usually does mean it's a pain because it resets to its default maximum every time you turn it off).

Failing that the series or in-line attenuators would be the best option. My guess would be somewhere in the region of -10dB or -20dB if Rothwell do those values.
That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps
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1968spring View Drop Down
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Points: 4 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 1968spring Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Sep 2009 at 10:39pm
Hi Graham,
Thanks for your advise.
 
Just wondering if I am also able to upgrade my Solo Amp (I assume it's the 2004 version I brought it in 2006 & it has the white sticker with the serial # 0506-28) to the current model & the costs for the upgrade. 
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Points: 16314 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Graham Slee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2009 at 12:56am
We have finally decided that the factory upgrade to SRGII will cost £219 ex VAT/Tax.

Payment facilities will be provided at our online shop shortly, and our more technically experienced dealers may also offer the upgrade.
That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps
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Is that including the fist version of the SRG?
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Points: 719 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lucabeer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Sep 2009 at 2:06pm
Originally posted by Graham Slee Graham Slee wrote:

We have finally decided that the factory upgrade to SRGII will cost £219 ex VAT/Tax.


Ouch, I was hoping for a little less... That would be approximately 300 EUR... Actually, I was thinking that it would probably be cheaper to sell the SRG I and buy a new SRG II.

But honestly I don't find anything lacking in my SRG I... so I am very divided whether I would really need the upgrade.

Graham, do you think that for a system like mine (which does not include a turntable yet, only digital sources), the upgrade would really be significant?
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Points: 16314 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Graham Slee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Sep 2009 at 4:28am
The £219 is the cost to upgrade from a 2004 to pre-SRGI. We have yet to decide the cost of going from a SRGI to SRGII. We realise that the difference needs to be less for a customer who has recently bought otherwise it could appear unfair.

The cost includes the charge we have to pay to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) because although we made the original Solo PCBs, under the WEEE regulations they are classed as Waste Electronic Equipment and we are not allowed to do our own treatment - and it is debatable whether we are actually allowed by European Law to divulge this information in public, such is the big-brother stance of the European Union - I remember Boots in Eire were fined heavily (about £6,000) for doing similar early on in WEEE "history".

The £219 includes a brand new PCB assembly with full specification testing as if it's a new Solo. The only remaining parts of the old Solo being its case and control knob.
That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps
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