linux-works
disassemble A500 amp
remove the top plate (metal) and the front bezel (plastic).
construction inside is actually pretty good. a nice big toroid transformer in the middle and 2 'mono' amps, one on each side. btw, it does seem that they are true dual mono amps as the thick yellow and orange wires are the AC voltage output going to 4 diodes in a 'bridge' configuration on the amp channel pc boards. since each stereo channels has its own winding off the transformer and also its own bridge rectifier as well as filter caps, it would qualify as a 'dual mono' amp. audiophiles often pay a lot more for dual-mono designs.. ;)
my modification will have the volume controls (attenuators) hidden inside and set to '0db' or 'no attenuation'. I have not had any noise issues with the pots turned all the way up, and so I'll just leave them fixed at that position.
the LED board is not needed at all and can be removed with no harm to the amp or the sound quality.
the front panel will be a sheet of plastic or brushed aluminum that is cut to the exact size of the front (3.5" high by about 19" wide).
disassemble A500 amp
remove the top plate (metal) and the front bezel (plastic).
construction inside is actually pretty good. a nice big toroid transformer in the middle and 2 'mono' amps, one on each side. btw, it does seem that they are true dual mono amps as the thick yellow and orange wires are the AC voltage output going to 4 diodes in a 'bridge' configuration on the amp channel pc boards. since each stereo channels has its own winding off the transformer and also its own bridge rectifier as well as filter caps, it would qualify as a 'dual mono' amp. audiophiles often pay a lot more for dual-mono designs.. ;)
my modification will have the volume controls (attenuators) hidden inside and set to '0db' or 'no attenuation'. I have not had any noise issues with the pots turned all the way up, and so I'll just leave them fixed at that position.
the LED board is not needed at all and can be removed with no harm to the amp or the sound quality.
the front panel will be a sheet of plastic or brushed aluminum that is cut to the exact size of the front (3.5" high by about 19" wide).