Gram Amp 2 SE channel volume
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: DIY AUDIO
Forum Name: DIY Audio questions and answers
Forum Description: www.diy-audio-kits.com ... superb audio kits for experienced constructors
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5762
Printed Date: 26 Mar 2026 at 10:40pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Gram Amp 2 SE channel volume
Posted By: RobD67
Subject: Gram Amp 2 SE channel volume
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2024 at 6:35pm
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Hi all. I recently picked up a Gram Amp 2 SE with the PSU1 for a great price. After using it for around a month, I decided to upgrade the capacitors and try some different op amps. Changing the caps for same value and voltages, from Audio Note, Elna and Toshin Jovial and try out some op amps, like the AD823 - I found it sounding fantastic! However, as I was listening I found that the left channel is quieter than the right? I put the original op amp back in, no change. Could it be a bad solder joint on one of the caps? Does anyone have a picture of the back of the circuit board so I can check everything is right? It's a REV 3 board, dated 2009. Has 2 grey wires on the back. https://ibb.co/KrLSTv6">  https://ibb.co/xG2rBwv">  Thanks!
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Replies:
Posted By: RobD67
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2024 at 8:34pm
| FIXED!!! Must have been a dodgy solder joint somewhere. I retouched up every solder joint and swapped out those short bits of cable just for good measure. Just tried it now and full volume on both channels is now restored. Phew! |
Posted By: RobD67
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2024 at 9:12pm
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Got the upgrades finished. Turns out the Toshin Jovial caps are not very good, so all the caps are now all Audio Note and Elna Silmic 2. The op amp is the AD823, the amp now sounds fantastic! https://ibb.co/HGjxxJd">  https://ibb.co/FVsW2kf">
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Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2024 at 6:59pm
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Interesting. I also like experimenting with parts but found the sound is different when they are new as 'burn-in' takes time. Please could you let us know how your replacement caps compare to the original ones after a couple of weeks powered up. May I also suggest trying a swap back to the original IC for comparison. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2024 at 7:35pm
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OP may want to peruse old threads. IIRC, GS was not a fan of swapping components. Components were chosen for a reason, especially the op-amps. FWIW I also don't know if OP's unit was pre or post redesign...IIRC there were some changes at some point on most of the GS phono stages. ------------- SL-1200 MK7 (modified) + Reflex M + PSU-1 used with AT150-40ML, AT VM610 MONO, AT VM95ML, Stanton 680mkII + Ogura, and Shure M35X cartridges. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2024 at 8:22pm
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Agreed. Graham warned that changing the sound didn't mean it was better, simply different. Some changes to parts made the circuit less stable so sounding interesting but less accurate. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2025 at 7:38pm
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Rob, they are your ears, it is your money and your opinion. However your ears are subjective not an objective reference. Your last post plugging replacement parts is not what the forum is here for so I have hidden it for now ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: RobD67
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2025 at 7:22pm
OK fair enough, I was just telling people what I had done and the parts used, not 'plugging' parts as such. 
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Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2025 at 8:31pm
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Thanks Rob. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |