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[Andres Gonzalez]

I have a rack of  11 API 312 pres. However, one of these pres has gone bad.  I love the sound of these pre amps and so would rather repair the one 312 that is bad instead of replacing it with something else.

Does anybody know where I can get some replacement 2520 amps? I am looking for the older ones, not the currently manufactured ones.

I have heard that API will repair API modules, but that they will only replace 2520s with their newer 2520s. However, I think this only applies to their currently manufactured units and not the older 312 cards. Is this true? If so, that might be an option if I cannot find any original 2520s but I prefer an original 2520. (which brings up the question of what is the sonic difference between the newer 2520s and the older original 2520s).

I have an API 554 (the parametric EQ) but it has two 990 amps instead of the 2520s. I also have several of the original 550A EQ with original 2520 amps. The EQ with 990s sounds so different from the EQ with 2520s that I very seldom use the 990-equiped 554. For this reason, I really want to repair this 312 pre amp with an original 2520.

So, any leads on where I can find some 2520 amps would be appreciated. BTW, I have already checked with Bret Averill and they do not have any original 2520 anymore.

Thanks,

-Andres

[Fletcher]

The 554 really wasn't one of API's most brilliant designs... and the 990 op-amp, while it can run on bi-polar 16vdc [which is what a 2520 runs on] really sounds quite a bit better when run on bi-polar 24vdc in my opinion.

You might try contacting the guys at Brent Averill Enterprises or maybe Avedis for replacement op-amps that aren't new API 2520's... I'm sure they have something that will be rather musical sounding that should drop right into your 312 module... plug and play.

Best of luck with it... please let us all know how it goes!!

[Andres Gonzalez]

Thanks for your response.

I called Brent Averill and discussed my options. As I mentioned previously, they do not have any more original 2520s. They do have the Avedis 1122 which is a direct replacement for the 2520. That is an option--but I wanted to first try to find an original 2520 for replacement.

Fletcher, does the API factory repair modules? Can I send my 554 back to the factory and will they replace the 990s for their current 2520?

-Andres

[Sarusan]

The 554s sound very different to 550As even with 2520s.  So it's not all that fair to blame all of the difference on the 990s.  As far as Hardy amps are concerned, it's all in how they're implemented.  They can be ingrated well and, as in the voltage example that Fletcher mentioned, also not so well.  For instance, all of the 550s at Sunset Sound have 990s in them and they sound truly great- not better than stock, just different.  The consoles at the Sound Factory also have 990s in specific places.  Again, it's not that the 2520s are bad in any way.  At those studios they just found a way to match and integrate the two opamps for great end results.

If I were you, I'd send them to API for new 2520s and call it a day.

Best of luck,
Steven

[wwittman]

not to pile on with the obvious, but...

I think the 554 is basically awful to begin with.

but having said that, ANY 2520 including new ones (which i am unconvinced, so far, are meaningfully different) is going to sound a LOT more "API-like" than a 990.

[Bryson]

Was the Datatronix 2520 significantly different from other API versions?


I sure wouldn't judge a 990 as a plug-n-play in an API circuit.

Like all of the 12A*7 (T,U,V,X,Y,Z) tubes, one can interchange them without blowing anything up, however.........

[Michael Brebes]

Regarding the 990's, depending on which version they are, they could be better or worse.  Up until the C version, they actually had a couple different supply voltage rating versions, which you had to specify when you purchased them.  With the C version they are more tolerant of a wide range of supply  voltages.  If you are going to send your modules to API to install 2520's then just keep out the 990's as spares, sell them off, or use them in something else.

Seventh Circle Audio also makes a 2520 replacement that is supposed to sound close to the API opamp.  They sell for about $75.

[Dusk Bennett]

Andres Gonzalez wrote on Mon, 18 December 2006 22:59

Thanks for your response. I called Brent Averill and discussed my options. As I mentioned previously, they do not have any more original 2520s. They do have the Avedis 1122 which is a direct replacement for the 2520. That is an option--but I wanted to first try to find an original 2520 for replacement. Fletcher, does the API factory repair modules? Can I send my 554 back to the factory and will they replace the 990s for their current 2520? -Andres

Andres,
Dont waste your time with older 2520's. They are impossible to find these days and the ones that are left on the market are likely rejects from earlier cards. I had Brent go through four used 312's for me awhile back and two of the opamps went bad within a few months. I finally shotgunned them both and threw the 1122's in there. They are more reliable than the "orginal" 2520 and will sound much better than any "new" 2520 you will get from API, IMHO.

I'm going to go with Fletcher here. If your money and time are worth anything just go with the Avedis amp. You can't go wrong.
Dusk

[wwittman]

Has anyone actually found a "new" 2520 to sound bad?

or is this just becoming internet folk-wisdom, that they are?

I don't know whay i SHOULD think a new 2520 isn't going to sound as good as an 1122

[thedoc]

I have heard no problems with new API equipment that uses new parts.

[compasspnt]

A while back I found an old API oscillator in our bins that fit the 500 rack.  Inside it were two original 2520's (Huntington, NY's) in almost unused, perfect condition.  I took them out (certainly don't need a 500 rack oscillator!) and made (or Frank did that is) them two channels of a four channel 312 circuit-based Lucas mic pre.  The other two channels were Hardy's I got from David Kulka.

Both versions sound great, but if pressed, I'll go with the Hardy's first.

[wwittman]

are people going to start claiming differences between Farmingdale, Huntington, and Melville 2520's?

[OOF!]

Man, i've spent a ridiculously tremendous amount of time comparing the 2520s and for sure, the ones made in Huntington RULE.  especially the ones made mondays thru thursdays, but not every other tuesday.  Forget about the melville 2520s.  total utter crap.

david lawrence

[Fletcher]

There actually were design differences between versions... not enough for a guy like me to give a shit, but there are some "golden ears" who can indeed hear the difference.

[Andres Gonzalez]

Quote:

are people going to start claiming differences between Farmingdale, Huntington, and Melville 2520's?

How do you tell the difference between Farmingdale, Huntington, and Melville 2520s?  I mean physically, what is the difference?