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Re: Inside of Gaincard?

Posted by K.T. on May 21, 2002 at 10:15:31:
Steve,
Thanks for the additional photo.
Hmmm...I don't know how to feel now. On one hand, the Gaincard is very cool - I think it has a great form factor, and it sounds really good. Looking inside, though, I can't help but feel a little ripped off. I say "a little" because I still think the Gaincard is cool in form, and it sounds great, but it just looks so cheesy on the inside.
When you hear that it has only nine parts in the signal path, that sounds really wonderful. In fact, that simplicity has real appeal to it. Then when you see it, it hits you and you realize just how simple it is. In fact, it's so simple that if I didn't have one, and knew what I know now, I'd go ahead and build one from scratch myself! In fact, I might just do that anyway.
I supposed if the fit and finish on the inside were as clean and neat at the case design I would feel fine. I just don't like it when my construction sensibilities are better than a manufacturer's.
Anyhow, the point is moot. I already have the Gaincard and enjoy it greatly, and now I have enough information to make a decent clone if I wanted. I guess that's all I can ask for at this point.
One thing though: I'm still very impressed with the power transformer. I would really like to find one of this quality.
Also, I'm itching to experiment with new resistors and capacitors. I've alway liked the Shinkoh tantalum film resistors but don't think they make them this small. The smallest tantalums that I've seen are 1/2 watts (Shinkoh and Audio Note) and I know these are quite a bit bigger than the ones pictured. Also, I wonder if these would be too detailed for a crisp and clean sounding design like the GC. Perhaps the Riken Ohm carbons films (which are smaller) or the Kiwame would be a better choice. Also, I wonder if Black Gates or Cerefine would make a good cap replacement.
About your experiments with the hybrid devices: do you have any links or leads to good designs using these?
Thanks,
K.T.