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csp3 25yr anniversary mods (Read 58448 times)
Tripwr1964
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csp3 25yr anniversary mods
05/13/18 at 12:49:10
 
who all has the 25yr mods and what do you think??

mine is in the shop now.... i am very excited to get it back!
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CSP3 25yr, CAD 120s MKII, Sunfire Signature600, Sota Star Sapphire, SME309, Hana SL, JC3+, Schiit bifrost multibit, CXC, MG1.6QR w/ ext xo & mye stands, OB Augies. herbies iso, VH audio flavor diy pwr cords, Beden 8402 & Dueland IC's,
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #1 - 05/13/18 at 13:02:00
 
Mine's on order. .. I won't be seeing mine for a few months but I can't wait.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Tripwr1964
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #2 - 05/13/18 at 13:19:11
 
lon, oh i thought you had one modded already... must be getting some post all mixed up.
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CSP3 25yr, CAD 120s MKII, Sunfire Signature600, Sota Star Sapphire, SME309, Hana SL, JC3+, Schiit bifrost multibit, CXC, MG1.6QR w/ ext xo & mye stands, OB Augies. herbies iso, VH audio flavor diy pwr cords, Beden 8402 & Dueland IC's,
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #3 - 05/13/18 at 14:42:21
 
No. . . I hemmed and hawed whether to see if one of my two CSP2+ could be modded but decided to go with a new one instead for the black top plate and for the 4-pin headphone jacks. . . . Expensive but I'm sure it will be worth it, I don't expect mine for at least 6 weeks perhaps longer.

Should be amazing with headphones, as much as I love my Taboo Mk IV after a month with the Monoblocks I can now hear the step down from that sound.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Archie
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #4 - 05/13/18 at 18:31:01
 
I can't be very technical, but I get more resolution and realism from my system with my modified CSP3.
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #5 - 05/13/18 at 18:34:24
 
Technical or not, that's the description that describes what we would hope to get from the component! Thanks.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Archie
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #6 - 05/13/18 at 19:07:33
 
I listened to Supertramp's "Breakfast In America" lp this morning and the bells just about knocked me over with their resonance and pure tones.   Smiley
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #7 - 05/13/18 at 19:10:46
 
I really don't like that album but I take your point!
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Archie
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #8 - 05/13/18 at 19:50:49
 
They can be shrill. Well tamed on my analogue system though.
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Tripwr1964
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #9 - 05/14/18 at 03:04:16
 
Lon ever tried some things never change (super tramp)?

It is cd only... but i think their best work.....
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CSP3 25yr, CAD 120s MKII, Sunfire Signature600, Sota Star Sapphire, SME309, Hana SL, JC3+, Schiit bifrost multibit, CXC, MG1.6QR w/ ext xo & mye stands, OB Augies. herbies iso, VH audio flavor diy pwr cords, Beden 8402 & Dueland IC's,
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #10 - 05/14/18 at 04:13:36
 
Yeah I've heard it, I think I've heard them all but. . .I'm just not a Supertramp fan. . . . not my style of music.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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jorgen
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #11 - 05/15/18 at 15:13:16
 
What headphones is best suited for the csp3-25? Or, are the LCD 3 a good option With this amp?

Those are ones im using now, and if a good match With the CSP 3, 25 i will be one step closer to getting one
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #12 - 05/15/18 at 15:21:20
 
I have a CSP2+ and a Taboo Mk III and Taboo Mk IV and two pair of headphones. To be honest, the LCD-2 that I have sound better with the Taboos than the CSP2+ and the Oppo PM-1 that I have sound better with the CSP2+ than with the Taboos. The differences aren't dramatic, but noticeable. I really like both pairs of headphones.  I think that chances are the CSP3 25th Anniversary may work well with either. I'll find out when mine is built and arrives. . . .
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Tripwr1964
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #13 - 05/16/18 at 12:13:18
 
well just picked my csp3-25 yesterday.
25th mods
step atten
silver rca's

it's nothing short of stunning, from the min i flipped the switch.  i ran a little analog and digital thru it last night and i about shit.  

the realism and detail are amazing!

i can't wait to get home from work tonight Grin
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CSP3 25yr, CAD 120s MKII, Sunfire Signature600, Sota Star Sapphire, SME309, Hana SL, JC3+, Schiit bifrost multibit, CXC, MG1.6QR w/ ext xo & mye stands, OB Augies. herbies iso, VH audio flavor diy pwr cords, Beden 8402 & Dueland IC's,
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Stuart
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #14 - 05/16/18 at 12:36:55
 
Received my CSP3-25 couple days ago and it sounds fantastic.  Put some top notch tubes in it (Amperex USA pinched waist 6922 input, Telefunken E188CC ‘65 X2 output and Mullard metal base GZ34).  The transparency and air is incredible.  Very layered and resolving.  Going to run this combo of tubes a bit before I do more rolling.
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #15 - 05/16/18 at 12:40:07
 
Awesome! Thanks for weighing in gentlemen!
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Tripwr1964
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #16 - 05/16/18 at 14:19:23
 
it's not cheap, but far exceeded my expectations and worth every penny!
i don't even have my hawthorn augies hooked up yet, and don't think i need them.  the pre has woken up my maggies, big time.

i kept the input that steve provided 6n5p, nos amprex 6922 output, and nos mullard metalbase 5ar4 rectifier.  i am planning to run it in with these... but this tube compliment is pretty darn nice.

nice to hear from others with this mod.  sounds like we are all hearing the same thing.

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CSP3 25yr, CAD 120s MKII, Sunfire Signature600, Sota Star Sapphire, SME309, Hana SL, JC3+, Schiit bifrost multibit, CXC, MG1.6QR w/ ext xo & mye stands, OB Augies. herbies iso, VH audio flavor diy pwr cords, Beden 8402 & Dueland IC's,
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Stuart
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #17 - 05/17/18 at 01:26:38
 
Has anyone tried using 2C51/WE396A with a pin adapter with the CSP3?
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Stuart
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #18 - 05/17/18 at 01:28:21
 
To the person trying to PM me about LCD3 questions, please email me at cityill@me.com.  I haven’t posted enough to gain messaging privileges yet!
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Ace-Tone
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #19 - 05/17/18 at 01:43:40
 
Hey Tripwr.  One of my go to reference LP's is supertramp - crime of the century...Wow! An awesome sonic roller-coaster. I keep telling myself I should get the mobile fidelity mastered LP. Perhaps after I have the SE84UFO25 in hand!
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SE84UFO25, ZP3, Zstage, ZR2, ZSB, DM947, HERESY iii
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IC's Audio Envy, Decware, RAC-PC's, Mapleshade Dbl Helix+Spkr wires & jumpers
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Tripwr1964
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #20 - 05/17/18 at 17:20:36
 
ace,  yes i love that one too!

i have MFSL, Japan, and us version of this.
i'd recommend going after a Japanese version.  i like it better than MFSL version... and it less $$$.

working from home today giving the csp3 some break in hours listening to radio paradise.  i still cant get over how well this pre has matted with the rest of my system.  it is the best senergy i've ever encountered.  

i did listen to my sennheisers 650's last night.... and the mind blowing continues!!

between this csp3 and the 25th zen, i think it may be your best sounding decware gear i've heard.  oh and lets not forget the DNA2's!  like those a bunch too!

my maggies love this combo CSP3-25 and cary 120s.  the mids are beautiful, and the lower mids are much more solid.  the depth and detail of the sound is crazy.  you just close your eyes and imagine yourself anywhere.  thks Steve!
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20180517_103414.jpg

CSP3 25yr, CAD 120s MKII, Sunfire Signature600, Sota Star Sapphire, SME309, Hana SL, JC3+, Schiit bifrost multibit, CXC, MG1.6QR w/ ext xo & mye stands, OB Augies. herbies iso, VH audio flavor diy pwr cords, Beden 8402 & Dueland IC's,
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #21 - 06/12/18 at 23:28:02
 
My CSP3-25 just went to "Packing and Shipping" after passing "Quality Control." So looking forward to this, plan on running it for w few hundred hours as a headphone amp and then using it to feed my Monoblocks.

Steve sent me a photo today:

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35078815_10215025822775612_273608473525092352_n.jpg

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Archie
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #22 - 06/13/18 at 01:00:32
 
Lon, is there any difference between the CSP3-25 and a modified CSP3?
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #23 - 06/13/18 at 01:14:43
 
No I don't think so, that's just what I and I think a few others are calling the CSP3 with the 25th Anniversary mods.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Archie
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #24 - 06/13/18 at 01:18:59
 
I'm very much looking forward to your impressions.  My sound has improved since I had the mods done and while I made other changes, I really think I'm hearing the CSP3 modifications.
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #25 - 06/13/18 at 01:35:29
 
You know me, I won't be quiet about the component. Yes, I suspect you are hearing improvements with yours!
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #26 - 06/13/18 at 04:43:22
 
Meanwhile, the Anniversary mods for CSP3 are going great.  I've done enough to get good at it, and have fine-tuned the mod for both Type I and Type II beeswax caps.  Here is Lon's CSP3 with the mods.




The mod is an option now in the shopping cart for anyone who wants to purchase a new unit built this way.  It can be found in the shopping cart under the signal-cap section where you choose what type of signal-caps to have your CSP3 built with.

The one pictured is a CSP3 built with copper foil (type II) beeswax caps and then updated further with the Anniversary mod.  There are a total of 12 Jupiter Cryo-Treated beeswax caps in this modded unit, several poly film caps and two miniature solder-into-place voltage regulator tubes that will last the life of the preamp if they're not shorted.  

The headphone section is also bypassed with the copper foil beeswax caps.  

All of this takes a preamp / otl headphone amp that already sounds better than all of it's competition and punches it through the stratosphere.  



For the techies that want to know what is different, while we have a picture to look at... the standard CSP3 is built with a novel power supply design.  It features a simple pie filter using two caps and one resistor.  Very Zen. To negate the need for a choke, regulation, or anything else the power supply transformer is rated at 170 mA while the circuit draws only 30 mA.  The other novel part is that it is a signal node supply, meaning that all the B+ comes from a single point for all three tubes.  No attempt to segregate whatsoever.  This kept the timing the same for all three tubes which promotes cohesiveness.

The Anniversary mod takes the 10K 6.5 watt dale resistor in the pie filter and adds another 10K to it, dropping the value in half and doubling the wattage rating.  Heat drops in half.  Voltage increases.  Then it is sent through an added 1K 6.5watt resistor to a pair of miniature VR tubes which drop the voltage back down to the original value but without heat, and segregate the voltage between the two channels, so each VR tube serves 1-1/2 audio tubes.

Once the voltage gets through the VR tube, which acts like a miracle filter being in series with the supply, it then is accumulated in the cryo treated beeswax caps using a .47uf for each channel because it is big and has to supply 1-1/2 tubes.  Then we bypass that with another cryo beeswax cap at .022uf to balance out the speed for high frequencies.  These caps then feed the plate resistors of each tube.

The main filter caps also have to be bypassed with film caps, and the same applies.  There are two bypass caps for each filter cap to maintain a balance of speed to properly feed the VR tubes.

The performance went up, the distortion went down (it was already super low) and the noise floor that was also super low dropped even further.  The VR tubes can offer in some cases ten times the ripple reduction as an equivalent resistor with the same voltage drop and do it with no heat... so this mod is basically like running your CSP3 off high voltage batteries with bottomless current.  It doesn't get any better than this... but it's not cheep unless you put it in the perspective that nothing retail is available that does this, and a power re-generator for 6 grand or more isn't going to be half as good.

On a side note, someone is going to ask, so the cable I use from and to the input/output jacks is MOGAMI from Japan.  It's copper, with a copper shield, no foil.  On the inputs the stereo shielded cable is used from each pair of input jacks which works well for the lower voltage source signals generally 2 volts or less.  From the output tubes we use a stereo cable for each channel, paralleling the conductors.  This prevents crosstalk when the unit is set to the full 30 volts of output and even when it's set at unity gain the dual conductors sound more juicy.



Steve



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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #27 - 06/13/18 at 04:55:07
 

I get exited just looking at it.  Ever since that one night I teased myself with the first one I've been without!  We've been so busy I just haven't had the time to make myself one... but I will.  I've built around 10 so far so I've been able to listen to them but it's not the same as getting one burned-in.


Steve
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #28 - 06/13/18 at 13:50:58
 
I've been staring at this picture since you sent me a copy via Facebook yesterday. Amazing. . . I was bearing the wait as much as I could before this. . . but now the wait is harder. Smiley I can't wait to hear this.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Lon
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #29 - 06/13/18 at 14:41:12
 
I'm really enjoying the pair of Sophia Electric Aqua 274B I bought for my Monoblocks. They are a very precise and powerful element in the amps and very stable and work with any of the tube complements I build around them. So I ordered another one to use with this CSP3 that is coming. . . . I already know that it will work wonderfully in my Taboo Mk IV if it isn't the best for the CSP3 with the mods.

It never ends. . . but that's a good thing.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Tripwr1964
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #30 - 06/13/18 at 17:53:09
 
yeah i can stare at that wiring for hours too.... work of art!!
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CSP3 25yr, CAD 120s MKII, Sunfire Signature600, Sota Star Sapphire, SME309, Hana SL, JC3+, Schiit bifrost multibit, CXC, MG1.6QR w/ ext xo & mye stands, OB Augies. herbies iso, VH audio flavor diy pwr cords, Beden 8402 & Dueland IC's,
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mark58
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #31 - 06/13/18 at 18:27:24
 
OK, I know the cost of modifying a current CSP3 to a 25th Anniversary model has been posted.  Could someone post again?  I think it was about $600 something plus shipping... Thanks, Mark.
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"The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with the concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, deceptions, and spoils;
The motions of his spirit are dull as night and his affections dark as Hell. Let no such man be trusted." William Shakespeare
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #32 - 06/13/18 at 19:37:44
 

The mod is $570 assuming the unit has beeswax caps.  $920 if it doesn't.  $1175 if it doesn't and you want type II beeswax.

CSP2 can also be done but adds $100 due to changes that have to be made to the internal layout.

Steve
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #33 - 06/13/18 at 19:40:17
 
Thanks, Steve...I'll write this down so I don't have to ask again.  Mark.
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #34 - 06/13/18 at 22:29:50
 
My CSP3 Anniversary mod is one of the first Steve did and being naturally curious, I pulled mine apart to look inside.  While my layout is different from the picture above, I can generally identify everything (my caps are type I and not type II).  However, I definitely don't have those three fuses.  What are they all about?
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #35 - 06/14/18 at 02:46:16
 
The fuses protect the power supply from shorted rectifier tubes.  Something we've adopted in recent years.

Steve
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #36 - 06/14/18 at 15:27:12
 
So, I'm unprotected!?   Shocked
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ZMA (25th A mods)
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #37 - 06/15/18 at 00:11:37
 
Archie, based on your posts I gather that you’ve at this for quite some time.  It’s taken this long for you to realize that you’re “unprotected”?

Just when I thought I was “secure” with my Decware system... along comes the A-Amp.  So I think “this is it” I’ll order one and I’ll be “safe”.

Then comes the CSP3 A-Mod, just as I’m ready to send mine off to finally achieve ultimate and final “protection”, I find out that there’s going to be an actual CSP3-25.  Hell, it seems that even Steve can’t protect himself from himself.  What chance do we have???
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #38 - 06/15/18 at 01:39:18
 
LOL JOMAN!   Cheesy

I don't see any way of protection from Steve's innovations but now I'm a bit worried about blowing my power supply by blowing a rectifier.   Undecided
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ZR2 (25th A Mods)
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ZMA (25th A mods)
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Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #39 - 06/15/18 at 01:45:21
 
Then you’ll just have to get a CSP3-25... Cry
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #40 - 06/15/18 at 01:56:28
 
I can't.  I need to save up for the ZMA Anniversary upgrades!!!! Tongue
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ZMA (25th A mods)
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #41 - 06/15/18 at 02:16:38
 
In that case, let’s hope the power supply of your CSP3 never smokes up! Wink
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #42 - 06/18/18 at 21:17:27
 
Has anyone listened to the CSP-25 with headphones yet, such as the Senn HD800?

I am looking for an end game headphone amp, and supposedly the CSP3 is legendary for use with the very detailed HD800 headphones (I already have a Taboo III for planar headphones and speaker duty).

Please, can someone let me know if you've had the chance, and if so what they are like? Also, the HD650 would be a great test too -  I see Tripwr above has tried, but not elaborated other than "mind blowing".

I am considering an Eddie Current Zana Deux S (which also functions as a pre-amp), amd is pretty much the same price as the CSP-25 with Jupiter Cu Foil caps.

Steve, when you say: "The headphone section is also bypassed with the copper foil beeswax caps" - what does this mean?
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #43 - 06/18/18 at 21:58:53
 
I'm sitting here waiting for delivery of my unit, and will be using it exclusively as a headphone amp most of the week to break it in. However I don't have any similar headphones, I have two pair: an Audeze LCD-3 and an Oppo PM-1. The CSP2+ I have works excellently with both but exceptionally with the Oppos. I am expecting great sound with this 25th Anniversary CSP3.
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #44 - 06/18/18 at 22:52:58
 
@doukhobar, been listening off and on with my hd650's with very nice results.  i am finding this combo very enjoyable with detail detail detail.  i am hearing new layers and detail on recordings i am very familiar with.  so it's like the first time allover (how many things can you say that about?)!

month into this and i still feel this upgrade to be worth every penny.
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CSP3 25yr, CAD 120s MKII, Sunfire Signature600, Sota Star Sapphire, SME309, Hana SL, JC3+, Schiit bifrost multibit, CXC, MG1.6QR w/ ext xo & mye stands, OB Augies. herbies iso, VH audio flavor diy pwr cords, Beden 8402 & Dueland IC's,
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #45 - 06/18/18 at 23:07:13
 
so are these type I or II in this baby?
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CSP3 25yr, CAD 120s MKII, Sunfire Signature600, Sota Star Sapphire, SME309, Hana SL, JC3+, Schiit bifrost multibit, CXC, MG1.6QR w/ ext xo & mye stands, OB Augies. herbies iso, VH audio flavor diy pwr cords, Beden 8402 & Dueland IC's,
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #46 - 06/19/18 at 00:47:10
 
Looks like Type II.
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #47 - 06/19/18 at 01:17:28
 
I received my 25th Anniversary CSP3 and am listening to the very first disc. I'm using the stock 6N1Ps and 6N5P and a Sophia Electric Aqua 274B rectifier. Listening to the Audeze LCD-2 at the moment.

This is certainly more detailed sounding than the CSP2+ that I have (with Type 1 beeswax caps and stepped attenuator). At the moment a bit brighter as well, but I believe that will not last long. Soundstage is wider and as Trip mentions there are "layers" very discernible. Thes presentation is not entirely different from that of the Taboo Mk IV but different, a "bigger" sound.

I don't have any dynamic headphones to try but I really find it hard to imagine that one wouldn't be fascinated and satisfied with the sound.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #48 - 06/19/18 at 01:40:19
 
Thanks Lon. As we know, the Taboo is a great pairing with the Audeze cans. I think I wish I could hear more about Tripwr's headphone experience, especially since he has the HD650. There are alot of CSP3 fans in the headphone world. I love that it takes E88CC tubes, with one matched pair - as I have so many of these tubes available. Alot of fascinating high testing singles, and quite a few interesting pairs to use as well (besides the rectifiers, which seem interchangeable in all the Decware gear thankfully!). Lon - have you thought of getting a pair of dynamic cans, like the affordable HD650 for the CSP25? Dynamic hp are supposed to be a much, much better pairing with the CSP family. Since I own a ZBIT and have a balanced DAC, I don't have a heck of alot of plans to use the preamp function, through it's always nice to have an extra preamp on hand. Has anyone compared the soundstage directly to a CSP3? The Eddie Current gear is supposed to have incredible sound staging...
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Torii Jr, Taboo III, Dennis Had Firebottle amp & LP2 pre, ERR speakers, Omega 3XRS, Omega Super Alnico XRS, Bryston BDP-1, Kora Hermes DAC, Pear Audio Robin Hood TT w/Cornet 1 tonearm & Hana SL cart, ZP3 Cryo Beeswax caps, Bob's Devices SUT, HD800, LCD2, Zenwave
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Re: csp3 25yr anniversary mods
Reply #49 - 06/19/18 at 02:15:45
 
I purposely used the Audeze for first listen because though they sound great with the CSP2+ that I have they sound a bit better with the Taboo. I really have no need for dynamic headphones, or another pair of headphones, nor a budget for them. My Oppos (32 ohm) sound FANTASTIC with the CSP2+ and so I anticipate they will be excellent with this preamp, it was the Audeze performance that I was most interested in experiencing.

I went for this preamp because I wanted to have the 25th Anniversary mods in a preamp and in the Monoblocks, it makes sense to me that this would have the synergy and compounded improvement that Steve reports.

And I was surprised to discover that the Taboo Mk IV drives the Traps very well . . . I was never settled into the sound of the Traps with the Taboo Mk III, but here the UFO transformers once again show their superiority. I took the Taboo Mk IV out of the system this afternoon and spent some time with that combo. This is a good outcome as then I can use the same amp for headphones and speakers upstairs fed by a CSP2+ and not use the Torii Mk II or Mk III for the Traps as I have. And the CSP3 25th will definitely fill the Taboo Mk IV role in the main system for headphones.

And PS: this preamp is DEAD SILENT.

I've no experience with Eddie Current components, I'm sure they might be great. I'm a Decware guy through and through. . .just the way it's been for me for amplification and pre-amplification for the last twenty years.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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