PreII input relay module

[KTea88]

Peter, in another thread you mentioned that if there was enough interest you would design a pcb to fit the PreII, saving time with flying leads etc.
and you would put up a poll, I cant seem to find it.

[petercom]

I refer the honourable gentleman to this thread http://www.world-designs.co.uk/forum...ead.php?t=1659

There were not enough votes to make it worth making a PCB to fit the output sockets of the PreII but you can take short links to the PCB of the existing relay switch kit we now offer at http://www.world-designs.co.uk/acatalog/AmpKits.html

[Hicks]

I have added the new input relay board to my pre2 and it is a worthwhile modification, if a bit tricky at times, giving superb results. Recommended.

Chris

[Greg.]

Originally Posted by Hicks

if a bit tricky at times, giving superb results.Chris

Chris, please can you expand on that a bit? Thanks.

Best wishes,

Greg

[KTea88]

Chris,
any pictures etc of your install.
I have just got my module, just waitning for my stepped attenuator to arrive then I will begin the mod. over the Xmas break.

[cjnuk]

I've just done mine, it was a bit fiddly but nothing to really catch you out.Mine sits vertically between the O/P Txs and the phono sockets though I need to think of some way of mounting it to the case, all those wires from the phono sockets are doing the job at the moment!

I can't decide if it's made any improvement to the sound though as one of my power amps has decided it's a snake and has developed a loud hiss. The inside of the PRE II is much neater now though with the removal of all that screened cable, it was a shame to put the lid back on it!

Anyway it's a nice design and thanks to the team that did it; now how about a remote version??

[Hicks]

Sorry for late reply, only just got back on.

I decided that the best place to mount the board was to the top cover on the right side (viewed from front) in between the transformers and the selector switch. The inputs were completely rewired with a run of screened from each phono socket to the respective roundel on the relay board. I was able to tidy up the linked solder tags on the inputs to improve the run to ground which I never felt was very tidy in its original state. Everything was done with the board 'hanging' as it can only be attached to the side of the top cover when you lower it back on. The nearest of the four spacers can be screwed to the side with the top half on and as it is lowered into place the other three spcers line up and the screws can be fitted.

The sound has improved as it is faster with more impact. Everything has tightened up and is more focused. A nice little modification so thank you WD.

Chris

[Greg.]

So is it going to be better than my own solution of fitting a quality switch with short lead outs to the phono plugs as shown below?

[petercom]

Difficult to say, Greg, as the relay switch board has its major effect by removing the need for long cable lengths running the length of the preamp. The other advantage is that the signal passes through high quality relay contacts instead of the switch, but I can't say how much that affects the sound in itself.

If I were you I would save up for the PRE3 as it is altogether a major improvement on PreII.