So, there had been some talk about using the PGA2310 with the Kook instead of of the PGA2311, because of it's higher rails and (therefore) greater voltage swing (headroom). We chose the 2311 because of it's better specs and outstanding performance, but, sounded like fun. So, I had a little while to play last night and modded an older Kook board I had lying around.



The basic mod is easy. The 2310 is pin compatible with the 2311, so just plop it in there. You also want to supply the analog side of the 2310 with +-12V, rather than +-5V. You still need +5V for the Pic and the digital side of the 2310. This can be accomplished by removing the LM7905 vreg, cutting one trace, and adding two small jumpers on the bottom of the board.

Cut trace (between LM7805 and C4):


Jumpers (from C17(+) to C4(+) and from C18(+) to C3(+)):


For the newer boards, the jumpers are in a slightly different spot due to the minor layout changes, but same components...

Here are the jumper spots:


And the trace to cut:


Share and enjoy!

It sounds virtually identical, but there is the distinct advantage of being able to swing more voltage. So if you have a hot source, or some pro gear that swings 10V its a very good mod. Also, some headphones would benefit as well.

Cheers!
Russ

To be honest, I am not familiar with them. I read the spec sheet. They have a fairly high impedance (high impedance cans like high voltage), but they are also pretty sensitive. With 3vrms continuous max power, the regular PGA2311 should drive it fine.

Cans like Sen. HD600 which have a high impedance do well with the mod. It does fine with the regular PGA2311 too, but it will go substantially louder with the PG2310.

Cheers!
Russ

Hi Brian,
is it possible to see again the images on the first post?

Thanks
Andrea