darTZeel NHB-108 Model 2 - The Best Stereo Amplifier In The World Just Got Way Better!

[Zeotrope]

I see, thanks. I turn the volume down when switching sides on records, and that’s where it happened: walking across room and touching the unit. Normally, I just turn the volume dial, which I think is not connected to the chassis; but this time I touched the faceplate.
Damage? I suppose you would know it if there is damage. Although I did read that ESD damage can manifest over time; but this seems to apply to integrated circuits only (i.e., not the amplifier circuitry itself).

 

[Mike Lavigne]

I see, thanks. I turn the volume down when switching sides on records, and that’s where it happened: walking across room and touching the unit. Normally, I just turn the volume dial, which I think is not connected to the chassis; but this time I touched the faceplate.
Damage? I suppose you would know it if there is damage. Although I did read that ESD damage can manifest over time; but this seems to apply to integrated circuits only (i.e., not the amplifier circuitry itself).

when i have visitors they often ask me why i always touch the something wood before i touch the preamp and then i explain. it's now an auto reflex i always do.

i know when electronic techs work on gear they many times have some sort of harness to avoid static charges. they can't predict how a static charge might corrupt their work. so it's good to have some sort of process you do every time to avoid it. once learned it can keep you away from problems.

maybe some gear have protection circuits to reduce these events, but then maybe those things also have a sonic penalty.

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

wise move
statics can nuke ICs or other circuits beyond repair

 

[Zeotrope]

I’ll get into this habit (touching wood) as well, or just use the remote more often. Normally I’m barefoot, and I think this helps avoid ESD.

What about damage? Does the component fail outright if there is damage, or are there cases where perhaps distortion is higher from ESD damage, but it’s still working?
Based on limited research, it seems like ESD affects integrated circuits, not individual components as much. For an IC, it can reduce its lifespan, so it may not fail right away; but then it eventually fails. I didn’t read of any cases where the sound quality is degraded, but the component still works. Thoughts?

 

[Johan K]

when i have visitors they often ask me why i always touch the something wood before i touch the preamp and then i explain. it's now an auto reflex i always do.

i know when electronic techs work on gear they many times have some sort of harness to avoid static charges. they can't predict how a static charge might corrupt their work. so it's good to have some sort of process you do every time to avoid it. once learned it can keep you away from problems.

maybe some gear have protection circuits to reduce these events, but then maybe those things also have a sonic penalty.

Hey Mike,

This was a nice surprice to read, as I’ve done the same as long as I can remember… I always touch my rack metal bolt-nut before I touch anything in my system… Cool!! Many people has asked me about this too… and it has become a thing to me after I worked at the Ericsson cellphone company a long time ago, and the importance of, and carefulness of electric static blow-outs / discharge.

Never had any problems with static blow outs so far !

/ Jk

 

[Mike Lavigne]

I’ll get into this habit (touching wood) as well, or just use the remote more often. Normally I’m barefoot, and I think this helps avoid ESD.

What about damage? Does the component fail outright if there is damage, or are there cases where perhaps distortion is higher from ESD damage, but it’s still working?
Based on limited research, it seems like ESD affects integrated circuits, not individual components as much. For an IC, it can reduce its lifespan, so it may not fail right away; but then it eventually fails. I didn’t read of any cases where the sound quality is degraded, but the component still works. Thoughts?

as far as damage, many years ago i do recall a static charge through the signal path, actually exploded an early version ceramic mid range driver on my Kharma Exquisite 1D speakers. this was now 22 years ago. never had apparent damage since then but it always messes with my head and i do go look and check.....so a moment to be avoided.

my much loved Tenor OTL 75 watt amps had no transformer, which made them sound heavenly, but might have allowed a more pure static charge to get through.

a static charge is a high voltage event and to be avoided if possible.

 

[Zeotrope]

Right… another thing to worry about!

But it does look like the component fails or it does not fail — there is no interim where it ‘works but not as well’… correct?

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Right… another thing to worry about!

But it does look like the component fails or it does not fail — there is no interim where it ‘works but not as well’… correct?

i am already out of my depth on this subject; only relating my experiences. i'll leave it to others with actual tech chops to answer that.

 

[Johan K]

Right… another thing to worry about!

But it does look like the component fails or it does not fail — there is no interim where it ‘works but not as well’… correct?

Anyone that works with integrated circuits knows the importance of secured ESD. That is why everyone working with or close to electronic components need to wear ESD slippers and ESD secured wrist wire, connected to a discharge unit while working.

When I was working at Ericsson, they actually had safety personal, checking everyone had the slippers and wrist wire on before enter the facility and work stations.

On the way out the same safety personal was more into checking everyone, so no one had slipped a phone in, in the inner pocket… haha..

ESD can really nuke integrated circuits and discrete components if the bad luck strikes…So always touch your rack or bench before your hifi gear, and you be off fine.

/ Jk

 

[Zeotrope]

Spoke to DarTZeel. There is no danger of damage. It’s best to avoid ESD of course, but if it happens, even through the speakers, nothing to worry about. A channel may stop functioning, but a power cycle of the pre-amp will bring it back.
This assumes that all connections are secure and that the AC cord is properly grounded. I am not sure if the position of the internal ground jumpers make a difference. Mine are set to “Connected”, but they can be set to “Not Connected”, which may be an issue with ESD. It’s worth checking and asking your dealer.

32 years in this hobby and not one person ever told me about ESD. Of course, I was aware of it with exposed ICs or PCBs; but I had always assumed a component in an enclosed case was safe. Not so!