DaVa FC-A1 a field coil contender

[christensenleif@msn.com]

deep down into the fieldcoil powersupply hole

 

[DasguteOhr]

if the coil needs about 100mA and you want to drop about 2V that equates to about 0.2 watts. While a 2W resistor will certainly work, it does not need to be that big. Half watt is plenty big.

The output impedance of the power supply (internal resistance of the battery + resistance of the wires) plays a role in how it sounds and this resistor will increase it by a huge factor. To drop it from 12V down to 10V will take about a 20Ω resistor. Assuming the battery has an internal resistance of 0.1Ω (it varies) then you just increased it 200 times with your 20Ω resistor. Following that with a cap will decrease it again, but the cap also has a sonic character, and the Zout will still be higher than without. One way to reduce that factor is to use an active voltage regulator, but again that will (may?) sound different.

All that said, there is no way to predict how it will affect the sound and more importantly, which you would prefer. Like most things in this hobby, you will have to try it.

There are no batteries in this world that are better at low frequencies than good capacitors with low ESR. Nichicon Supertrough have almost no sound signature, which is why I recommend them. Unfortunately, Elna Slimic Alpha is no longer available with 10 times lower ESR. Then remove a battery from the accupack, then you have 10.5 volts max, then you save yourself the resistor.

 

[BruceBW]

There are no batteries in this world that are better at low frequencies than good capacitors with low ESR. Nichicon Supertrough have almost no sound signature, which is why I recommend them.

It is often ignored that batteries are not the perfect DC source that some assume as the they produce noise, have an output resistance that goes up as they age, and the voltage drops as they discharge.

However, your claim that an electrolytic cap has "almost no sound signature" is highly debatable, and at this level, even "almost" can be significant. Curious what the ESR is as I can't find it? How much lower than a high quality battery?

There is no perfect solution for everyone, just various possibilities that all affect the sound in different ways that the listener must sort through.

 

[DasguteOhr]

It is often ignored that batteries are not the perfect DC source that some assume as the they produce noise, have an output resistance that goes up as they age, and the voltage drops as they discharge.

Therefore battery and capacitor are the best of both worlds. We pimped up a Rotel 935ax amp with accu+ cap (without main voltage) and it sounds damn good, unfortunately the enjoyment didn't last long, after 1 hour it was over.

However, your claim that an electrolytic cap has "almost no sound signature" is highly debatable, and at this level, even "almost" can be significant. Curious what the ESR is as I can't find it? How much lower than a high quality battery?

Look ESR here diffrent frequency

There is no perfect solution for everyone, just various possibilities that all affect the sound in different ways that the listener must sort through.

+1

if someone gets a new fieldcoil power supply it will manage 10 volts, the modern drivers usually run with low voltage a other good solution

 

[Treehaus Audiolab]

An easier solution might be to get separate cells and have them wired in a way where you could switch additional ones into the serialed chain. They are 1.2V, so you could have steps at 12V, 10.8V, and 9.6V (not sure you’d really want to go lower especially considering how little signal output the cart has even at 12V)

 

[Massimo66]

Grazie a tutti, al momento la soluzione che sto usando sono le batterie da 12 volt 7 ampere. Per intenderci, quelle che si trovano nelle centraline d'allarme. Sto aspettando l'alimentatore a valvole (Darius mi dice che è la soluzione migliore) e mentre il tecnico si prende il suo tempo per completarlo, ho pensato di provare qualche altro tipo di batteria. Ho provato degli alimentatori Hdplex con uscita variabile ma la soluzione a batteria si è rivelata più piacevole soprattutto sui rumori di fondo, tanto che al momento le altre mie testine sono tutte in letargo perché mi godo di più la Dava. Le altre testine non sono certo le ultime arrivate, MSL Signature Platinum, Air tight supreme, Ortofon A95 e EMT 6 Platinum, oltre alle testine di alcuni amici come Etsuro Bordeaux e gold passate sul mio tavolo, tutte queste testine non sono piacevoli alle mie orecchie come la Dava. Non dico che ognuna di queste testine nei suoi punti di forza non sia superiore alla Dava ma quest'ultima nell'equilibrio generale e nella magia che si è creata con questa combinazione mi collega più profondamente all'evento sonoro. La mia Dava (regalo di Nick) ha il corpo della fc1a e il motore della reference e approfittando dell'attesa che il mio tecnico mi costringe a fare l'alimentazione delle valvole (il suo motto è una vite al giorno toglie l'ansia) approfitterò dei vostri consigli per provare queste soluzioni. Quella che mi affascina di più è l'uso di un potenziometro ad alta potenza in modo da poter impostare la corrente a 11/11,5 volt quando ascolto solisti o voci e spostare la corrente a 12 volt quando ascolto una grande orchestra o rock. Quindi vi chiedo consiglio sui potenziometri più adatti e quelli che influenzano meno la timbrica... Vorrei usare qualcosa come quelli usati dalla mia allnic 10000

 

[bonzo75]

Grazie a tutti, al momento la soluzione che sto usando sono le batterie da 12 volt 7 ampere. Per intenderci, quelle che si trovano nelle centraline d'allarme. Sto aspettando l'alimentatore a valvole (Darius mi dice che è la soluzione migliore) e mentre il tecnico si prende il suo tempo per completarlo, ho pensato di provare qualche altro tipo di batteria. Ho provato degli alimentatori Hdplex con uscita variabile ma la soluzione a batteria si è rivelata più piacevole soprattutto sui rumori di fondo, tanto che al momento le altre mie testine sono tutte in letargo perché mi godo di più la Dava. Le altre testine non sono certo le ultime arrivate, MSL Signature Platinum, Air tight supreme, Ortofon A95 e EMT 6 Platinum, oltre alle testine di alcuni amici come Etsuro Bordeaux e gold passate sul mio tavolo, tutte queste testine non sono piacevoli alle mie orecchie come la Dava. Non dico che ognuna di queste testine nei suoi punti di forza non sia superiore alla Dava ma quest'ultima nell'equilibrio generale e nella magia che si è creata con questa combinazione mi collega più profondamente all'evento sonoro. La mia Dava (regalo di Nick) ha il corpo della fc1a e il motore della reference e approfittando dell'attesa che il mio tecnico mi costringe a fare l'alimentazione delle valvole (il suo motto è una vite al giorno toglie l'ansia) approfitterò dei vostri consigli per provare queste soluzioni. Quella che mi affascina di più è l'uso di un potenziometro ad alta potenza in modo da poter impostare la corrente a 11/11,5 volt quando ascolto solisti o voci e spostare la corrente a 12 volt quando ascolto una grande orchestra o rock. Quindi vi chiedo consiglio sui potenziometri più adatti e quelli che influenzano meno la timbrica... Vorrei usare qualcosa come quelli usati dalla mia allnic 10000

This is what Google translated

Thanks everyone, at the moment the solution I'm using are 12 volt 7 amp batteries. To be clear, those found in alarm control units. I'm waiting for the tube power supply (Darius tells me it's the best solution) and while the technician takes his time to complete it, I thought I'd try some other type of drums. I tried some Hdplex power supplies with variable output but the battery solution proved to be more pleasant especially with regards to background noise,

so much so that at the moment my other cartridges are all in hibernation because I enjoy the Dava more. The other cartridges are certainly not the latest arrivals, MSL Signature Platinum, Air tight supreme, Ortofon A95 and EMT 6 Platinum, in addition to the cartridges of some friends such as Etsuro Bordeaux and gold passed on my table,

all these cartridges are not pleasant to my ears like Dava. I'm not saying that each of these cartridges isn't superior to the Dava in its strengths, but the latter in terms of general balance and the magic that has been created with this combination connects me more deeply to the sound event.

My Dava (a gift from Nick) has the body of the fc1a and the engine of the reference and taking advantage of the wait that my technician forces me to feed the valves (his motto is one screw a day takes away the anxiety) I will take advantage of your advice to try these solutions.

 

[Kcin]

An easier solution might be to get separate cells and have them wired in a way where you could switch additional ones into the serialed chain. They are 1.2V, so you could have steps at 12V, 10.8V, and 9.6V (not sure you’d really want to go lower especially considering how little signal output the cart has even at 12V)

I agree with the above approach of switching in cells to step the voltage per your taste. Not as elegant as a variable supply but there are a lot of problems with batteries noted and uncertainties of the varying load and connections. My advice just enjoy it as it is - if you wish to pursue the battery more thoroughly after the tube supply is constructed you can build a switching arrangement to step through 10, 11 and 12 volts (for example )it may not be worth the bother.

To my ear there are pluses and minuses to each approach of SS, Tube and battery they are all different. In the end I chose which was acceptable AND the most convenient: tube supply.

I am glad that Massimo is enjoying the DaVa ,I just had to gift it to him for all his kindness this past fall in Sicily!

My new DaVA Soul is on order from Darius and will arrive sometime in the spring.

 

[DasguteOhr]

I agree with the above approach of switching in cells to step the voltage per your taste. Not as elegant as a variable supply but there are a lot of problems with batteries noted and uncertainties of the varying load and connections. My advice just enjoy it as it is - if you wish to pursue the battery more thoroughly after the tube supply is constructed you can build a switching arrangement to step through 10, 11 and 12 volts (for example )it may not be worth the bother.

To my ear there are pluses and minuses to each approach of SS, Tube and battery they are all different. In the end I chose which was acceptable AND the most convenient: tube supply.

I am glad that Massimo is enjoying the DaVa ,I just had to gift it to him for all his kindness this past fall in Sicily!

My new DaVA Soul is on order from Darius and will arrive sometime in the spring.

Really tube,I would understand if you have old field coil drivers, e.g. Klangfilm, Telefunken, which need 80-220vdc but a maximum of 12 volts? I would use a variable transformer, then rectification (diodes) and good filter capacitors, that's it. Then you are flexible with the voltage

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

I use a DIY tube reg supply
I have hooked up DaVa mono, DaVa Ref and Soul to the same supply with a selector for the different outputs......on max they all get about 12vdc which is my sweetspot
also built battery supplies with both Lithium and gel MC batteries that sounded nice, but sold
thought about building a new battery supply, but haven´t bothered yet
much more fun playing with arm, cart, SUT and cable combos
the main thing is to have fun, enjoy and listen to music

 

[DasguteOhr]

yes can be fun and sound good,but noise at so low signal voltage is a theme.
you can use a transformer, two ez 81 tube rectifiers (one for each cartridge supplies 150mA), a CLC filter, maybe a shunt regulator and a precise pot after that. the cartridges need max.100mA, is that right?

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

Darius says the current draw can rise up to 130mA as coil heats up and increases in impedance
new DaVa 100R rises to about 110R
older DaVa were 90R

 

[DasguteOhr]

Worjs

Darius says the current draw can rise up to 130mA as coil heats up and increases in impedance
new DaVa 100R rises to about 110R
older DaVa were 90R

Works fine
For so low output voltage use choke direct after the rectifier brings the voltage down. The ez 81 have only 10 Volt drope. Both anodes can deliever 200ma.

 

[Massimo66]

I agree with the above approach of switching in cells to step the voltage per your taste. Not as elegant as a variable supply but there are a lot of problems with batteries noted and uncertainties of the varying load and connections. My advice just enjoy it as it is - if you wish to pursue the battery more thoroughly after the tube supply is constructed you can build a switching arrangement to step through 10, 11 and 12 volts (for example )it may not be worth the bother.

To my ear there are pluses and minuses to each approach of SS, Tube and battery they are all different. In the end I chose which was acceptable AND the most convenient: tube supply.

I am glad that Massimo is enjoying the DaVa ,I just had to gift it to him for all his kindness this past fall in Sicily!

My new DaVA Soul is on order from Darius and will arrive sometime in the spring.

Hi my friend, I miss the afternoons spent enjoying good music together and commenting on the results of our tests. I would be happy to let you hear the results of the latest changes in my setup and how your Dava is performing stratospherically today. I am so happy with how the setup is now that they brought me some top zenzati and acrolink cables that I stayed for a week to look at them and not to try them for fear that the magic would vanish. Some of my fellow audiophiles have already contacted or are about to contact Darius to get a Dava too. Darius should give you a discount on your new purchase for having made a fantastic product like this known in Italy where practically no one knew about this cartridge.

 

[bonzo75]

where practically no one knew about this cartridge.

This cart is relatively a newcomer. Since 2020, you see the start of this thread.

All the buzz around it you see is purely word of mouth of delighted end users. There is no retail influence, no formal advertised reviewing magazines. In fact a few dealers I know tried to say something negative to me making up things about sound, design, etc.

It is just passing from listener to listener or some order it to check why the buzz is happening. And popularity is despite it being a bit tough to set up initially in terms of additional cables, hum, etc.

 

[DasguteOhr]

I simulate for fun a full wave bridge ez81 tube power supply
Main transformer secondary 120volt 0.3A winding
Caps need only 63 volt type
Coil resistance 93 ohm cartridge 12v÷.0.13A
Ripple output 2mV voltage output 12.5 Volt
Heater winding 6.3Volt 2.0 Ampere
Zoom in shematics

Current line

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

I started this thread because I sensed a unique product with an unique origin and the news about it´s existence needed to be spread to as many as possible
it was simply to good to be ignored
and as I predicted it would cause a huge stir in the audio community

 

[Kcin]

Really tube,I would understand if you have old field coil drivers, e.g. Klangfilm, Telefunken, which need 80-220vdc but a maximum of 12 volts? I would use a variable transformer, then rectification (diodes) and good filter capacitors, that's it. Then you are flexible with the voltage

@DasguteOhr

We don't "really" need many things in this hobby. I built the EY500 damper diode supply with multistage choke and filter section if only to experiment and explore. Modeled it on PSud2 with excellent results and so it stays. Battery, SS all have different properties due to the interaction with the field coil. I think it weighs about 10Kg with all the iron and chokes-- necessary --no--- indulgent yes.

Besides it looks cool on the rack. This one will have to wait now for the new DaVa Soul yet to come.

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

in which arm will you mount the Soul?

 

[Kcin]

in which arm will you mount the Soul?

I had been using the original DaVa with with the FR64s and FR66s both updated by Rick Mak of Analog Magik - he's a founding member of our local club.

I had never tried- but- I would like to put it on the Kuzma Safir! I think the properties of the Safir will shoot the new DaVa into the stratosphere.