Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp has Cheap Xunda Caps

[Hypnotoad]

I recently bought a used Cambridge Audio 640P phono preamp.

I thought it didn't sound right, being overly bright compared to my other phono stages.

I got it as a project because I have read many threads about improving the sound by upgrading the capacitors.

I opened it up and all the electrolytic's are labeled Xunda.

The funny thing is this unit is not very old but there is brown stuff that looks like it either leaked from inside or it could be the outer coating has melted.

Not a good sign.

I ordered replacements for the whole thing.

Nichicon for the power supply and Elna Similic II for the audio sections.

The Xunda's seem to be cheap chinese rubbish as why would they leak so soon?

Why would a respected company like Cambridge Audio use such stuff, I know it's cheaper but it can't cost that much more to use decent ones?

Here is an example, notice the brown stuff next to the cap on the upper right. looks like it did doodoo:



Also a quick question, where can I get 22pf, 33pf and 47pf film caps? I also want to replace the ceramic bypass caps as well.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp has Cheap Xunda Caps

Why would a respected company like Cambridge Audio use such stuff, I know it's cheaper but it can't cost that much more to use decent ones?

Cambridge Audio = Creative. Creative is notorious for using ultra cheap caps and 4558 opamps even in their supposed "high-end" stuff, at least since 2000 or so, coz my ole trusty AWE64 ISA still works just fine. There is nothing wrong with using a 4558 in a line output, but using it in a high-gain input stage such as a mike or phono input is just plain wrong. A mike gain stage with a 4558 is only usable for Skype.

[Triodethom]

Re: Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp has Cheap Xunda Caps

Try handmade at
http://www.hndme.com/productcart/pc/...?idCategory=25 silver mika or search for polystyrene on google

[stj]

Re: Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp has Cheap Xunda Caps

cambridge audio are jokers who pray on peidophiles.

sorry, i meant AudioPhiles

they used to advertise oxygen-free mains cable and gold plated mains plugs "for smoother power" - fuckers!

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp has Cheap Xunda Caps

cambridge audio are jokers who pray on peidophiles.

sorry, i meant AudioPhiles

they used to advertise oxygen-free mains cable and gold plated mains plugs "for smoother power" - fuckers!

I thought it was Audiophools here?