Upgrading your Solo Amp
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Headphone Audio
Forum Name: Graham Slee Headphone Amps
Forum Description: Questions, answers and product information zone for Graham Slee Headphone Amplifiers
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=617
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 5:57am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Upgrading your Solo Amp
Posted By: 1968spring
Subject: Upgrading your Solo Amp
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2009 at 12:36am
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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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Replies:
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2009 at 8:34pm
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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 |
Posted By: 1968spring
Date Posted: 17 Sep 2009 at 10:39pm
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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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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2009 at 12:56am
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We have finally decided that the factory upgrade to SRGII will cost £219 ex VAT/Tax. Payment facilities will be provided at http://www.audiocontrol.co.uk/ - 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 |
Posted By: bmbrown911
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2009 at 7:31am
| Is that including the fist version of the SRG? |
Posted By: Lucabeer
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2009 at 2:06pm
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? |
Graham Slee wrote:Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2009 at 4:28am
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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 |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2009 at 2:22pm
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Then 219 BP is a very good price indeed. ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: hnsn
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2009 at 11:29am
| Is the cheaper PSU option possible to use with my older (2007 i think) version of Solo? Then I could buy the entry level SRG and use it with my PSU1 while selling my old Solo along with the basic PSU. Seems like a waste to just throw away the innards of an excellent headamp. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2009 at 3:10pm
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We can supply the Solo SRGII/Green with the older "Intro" plug top power supply and that way you can do what you planned. I this case you would need to order direct or to specify this combination to your dealer - but it could take some time via a dealer.
------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2009 at 1:56am
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Nice flexibility there Graham, win-win situation. Cheers! ------------- Miguel |