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Subject: RE: [chromapolaris] Interesting mod...

From: Ryan Freer <ryanfreer77@...>
Date: 2010-10-12

I purchased two TL084CN Quad JFET-Input Opamps from DigiKey almost a few years ago after seeing this video on youtube. (Two in case one didn't work for some reason.) I've still not installed it...but if this is the correct IC, it appears to be readily available and very cheap. The opamp in my Polaris is actually soldered onto the output board, and since I have no experience removing soldered ICs, I'll have to take it to a certified tech. If any of you know about these opamps and whether I can--or should--replace the existing one, definitely let me know. Paul; your advice would most greatly be appreciated!
 
Thanks,
Ryan
 

To: chromapolaris@yahoogroups.com
From: pderocco@...
Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:21:05 -0700
Subject: RE: [chromapolaris] Interesting mod...

 
> From: rob_ocelot
>
> I was checking out Youtube videos of the Polaris today and I
> came across this gem:
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlXI0QBOAZw
>
> Text in the video reveals that the owner replaced the last
> LM348 quad op amp (Z3 on the output board) with a TL048cn.
> The end result is supposedly a punchier sound and more
> defined low end. I did some more research and came across
> someone else saying to use a Burr Brown OPA2604 -- which is a
> dual op amp.
>
> Anyone here attempted this mod or something like it?
>
> I'm contemplating using the 2604 since the TL048 appears to
> be obsolete and difficult to find. If I were to use two
> 2604's then is it possible to tie the 12V supply for each
> chip together? (effectively making a quad op amp)

TL048 must be a mistake. I expect they mean TL084, which is a quad FET-input
op-amp that's still widely available, including from DigiKey. It would be a
good choice, as would the TL074, its low-noise version (or selection). These
have a higher slew rate than the LM348, which could reduce distortion a
little at high volumes. But the Polaris still has tons of distortion and
noise from other sources, so don't expect a night-and-day difference.

That said, a friend of mine is working on a replacement for the output board
that gets rid of most of the nasty distortion and digital noise that plagues
the Polaris. I'll keep the list posted.

--

Ciao, Paul D. DeRocco
Paul mailto:pderocco@...