UPGRADE

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

The replacement of worn parts can restore or even exceed the original efficiency of the amplifier.

Sustainability

Restoring and upgrading an old amplifier is a sustainable practice that promotes reuse and reduces electronic waste.

Resistors and transistors

These components can also wear out over time. Replacing obsolete or damaged resistors and transistors with high-quality parts can offer a significant improvement in clarity and sound quality.

Modified Cayin CS 55 A Amplifier with Mundorf EVO Oil Capacitors

At our Technical Support Service (SAT), we are proud to offer bespoke upgrades to take the performance of your equipment to the next level. On this occasion, we have carried out a premium upgrade to the Cayin CS 55 A amplifier, replacing its original capacitors with the prestigious *Mundorf EVO Oil* capacitors.

Mundorf EVO Oil capacitors are recognised worldwide for their exceptional quality and their ability to enhance the clarity, dynamics and precision of the sound. This modification not only preserves the essence of the Cayin CS 55 A, but also enhances its performance, delivering a richer and more detailed listening experience.

At *Lyric Audio*, we are committed to audio excellence and customer satisfaction. If you’re looking to improve the performance of your equipment or need technical advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll transform your audio into a unique experience!

Audio Research VT 100

This benchmark valve amplifier had not undergone any major servicing for years. A comprehensive overhaul was carried out, which included replacing all power supply and signal capacitors with high-end components (including Mundorf), inspecting and replacing critical resistors, and fully optimising the bias settings.

The work focused on recovering the characteristic musical character of Audio Research without altering its personality. The result was a notable improvement in refinement, stability and control, returning to the equipment all its musicality and analytical capability.

The VT100 once again sounded like a top-class amplifier, with more body, better definition and quieter operation.

McIntosh MC240: Complete restoration of this 1960s classic. 

This iconic 1960s amplifier arrived with the classic symptoms of the passage of time: loss of bass control, lack of definition and a certain instability in operation. A complete restoration was carried out, which included a full recap of electrolytic and coupling capacitors, replacement of the selenium rectifier with modern, high-quality diodes, revision and precise adjustment of the bias, and a deep clean of the entire chassis and contacts.

The result was very satisfactory: the amplifier recovered all its weight, authority and bass control, noticeably improved the soundstage and gained in reliability and stability. Today it is an MC240 that not only works properly, but delivers performance superior to when it was new.

Luxman MQ-88

Luxman MQ-88: This Japanese integrated amplifier from the 1990s produced a somewhat muffled sound and lacked precision after so many years of use.

A restoration was carried out, covering both technical and aesthetic aspects, which included a complete re-capping, the replacement of the original potentiometers with higher-quality, more precise versions, improvements to the internal wiring, and a complete refurbishment of the controls and front panel. The aim was to restore the unit’s original brilliance and dynamics.

The result was very positive: the amplifier regained all its vibrancy, clarity and sonic precision, now delivering a cleaner, more detailed and more pleasant sound, whilst retaining its characteristic warm and musical Luxman character.

Audio Research SP 8 MK II

This 1980s valve preamplifier had been in service for many years without having received a thorough overhaul. Over time, the original capacitors had lost a large part of their properties, which caused a noticeable loss of transparency, dynamics and resolution. The equipment, which in its day was highly regarded for its musicality and its ability to convey emotion, was beginning to sound somewhat veiled and with less precision in the soundstage.

Following a detailed analysis, a complete recap was carried out using high-quality components, including capacitors Mundorf at the most critical points in the signal path. In addition, several resistors whose values had changed over time were checked and replaced, and the valve bias settings were optimised. All the work was carried out with the aim of restoring the SP 8’s original character without altering it.

The result was very positive. The preamplifier regained much of its refinement and analytical capability, now offering greater transparency, better definition and a more precise and natural soundstage.

The owner was delighted to once again enjoy the musicality and characteristic charm of this Audio Research classic, which now sounds clearer and more stable than ever before.

Jadis DA 60 ( 25 years old )

At our SAT, we continue to work with a very clear vision: to preserve the original design, improve what really matters and extend the equipment’s service life for many more years.

On this occasion we have worked on a Jadis DA-60 at approximately 25 years of service, a classic amplifier that deserved a tune-up worthy of what it represents.

Work completed

• Full capacitor replacement, removing components fatigued by the passage of time.
• Installation of high-precision metal film resistors, improving stability, tolerances and long-term reliability.
• High-quality potentiometer. Calibrated with high-precision stepped resistors. The signal now passes through a single resistor, rather than a carbon track, clearly improving the final sound.
• Replacing the speaker connectors, replacing the original plastic ones with higher quality ones, with much superior mechanics and conductivity.
• Replacing the front knobs, opting for a more contemporary design that matches the ensemble, respecting the aesthetic while clearly improving the appearance.
• General improvement of the external condition, returning to the amplifier a more polished presence that is consistent with its level.

The result is not merely aesthetic. The amplifier is fully prepared to handle another 20 or 25 years of use, with greater reliability, better electrical stability and a more consistent sonic behaviour.

A Lyric Audio We believe in these interventions, when carried out properly:
No fireworks, no change for change's sake. Just what is needed, well chosen and with discernment, as has always been done in proper high fidelity.

If you have a classic amplifier that deserves a second lease of life, we are here. Sometimes there's no need to buy anything new: All we need to do is look after the good things we already have.

Mark Levinson No 335

This powerful reference solid-state amplifier arrived with clear signs of ageing in its components.

A thorough restoration was carried out, which included replacing all power and signal capacitors with top-quality components, overhauling and upgrading the protection system, and fully optimising the bias.

The work focused on restoring the team to its original high standard of performance.

The result was a clear transformation: the No.335 recovered all its control, resolution and authority, now offering superior musicality, with better definition, greater stability and an overall sense of greater refinement and composure in its operation.

Gryphon Bel Canto 

This preamp from Gryphon’s golden age had been in continuous use for almost two decades without undergoing any major servicing. Over time, the original capacitors gradually lost their electrical properties, resulting in a gradual loss of transparency, dynamics and sound resolution.

The equipment, which had previously stood out for its analytical capabilities and refinement, was beginning to sound somewhat more muffled and less precise in the soundstage.

After carrying out several comparative tests with different brands and grades of components, it was decided to replace the entire set of capacitors with Nichicon High Grade, a decision that was taken after assessing both reliability and sound quality. The work was carried out with great care and judgement, always seeking to respect the philosophy and original sound character of the equipment.

The result was very satisfactory. The pre-amp regained its full analytical capability and characteristic refinement, now offering greater transparency, better definition of detail and a more precise, spacious and airy soundstage.

The owner was delighted to find that the equipment was once again producing the sound quality and level of refinement he remembered from its heyday, and that it was now ready to continue delivering top-class performance for many years to come

.

Conrad-Johnson 

🎵

During today’s workshop session, we carried out a thorough refurbishment of this analogue gem on our workbench. The aim: to take its sound performance to the next level and ensure its reliability for decades to come.

Today’s work has included the following key improvements:

• Condenser Refurbishment: We have replaced all the main capacitors on the board. This upgrade is vital to ensure clean current delivery, restore the equipment's original dynamics and maintain absolute silence in the signal path.

• Replacement of Contact Rotors: The old selectors and contact rotors have been replaced. This has eliminated any potential noise or signal loss when switching between sources, restoring smooth and precise operation.

• Potentiometer upgrade (high-precision Eizz): The highlight of the work. We have removed the original volume control to install a stepped attenuator in its place. High-precision Eizz, manufactured entirely with metal film resistors. This drastic change guarantees millimetric channel balance at any listening level and unparalleled sound transparency.

Meticulous work, weld by weld, to make this classic shine once again with more strength and purity than on day one.

.

Musical Fidelity A1

The Value of Memory: Restoration of a Classic    

There are items of audio equipment in the world that transcend their price on the second-hand market. This iconic Musical Fidelity A1, famous for its unmistakable design and warm pure Class A sound (and for getting as hot as a proper heater!), arrived at our workbench with many years of wear and tear behind it.

The client brought us this unit with a very clear brief: to bring it back to life for pure sentimentality. To be completely frank, from a strictly economic point of view, the cost of a major repair exceeded the current market value of the product. However, the emotional value and the memories associated with a piece of equipment that has been with you for decades are immeasurable. We completely understand that bond and accept the challenge.

To get it sounding like the first day again, we had to carry out major surgery:

• Mass replacement of components: The relentless heat generated by this design takes its toll over time. We had to replace a large number of fatigued parts, including dried-out capacitors and out-of-value resistors, to ensure safety and thermal stability.

• Refurbishment of contacts: Deep cleaning of selectors and potentiometers to eliminate the annoying static noise when operating the equipment.

• Adjustment and calibration: Restoration of factory settings to recover the original dynamics and musicality.

The final result is an amplifier that, both literally and sonically, it looks as good as new. We are proud to see this little giant once again delivering that warm, seductive texture that made its owner fall in love so many years ago, ready to continue creating the soundtrack to their life for a long time to come.

.

Luxman SQ-88

The Art of Valves: Restoration of the LUXMAN SQ-88 🌟

Today, a true jewel of Japanese high-fidelity tradition has crossed our workbench: the valve integrated amplifier Luxman SQ-88. A majestic system that combines a classic, elegant aesthetic with that warm sound that made the brand legendary.

The client entrusted us with this wonderful unit, meticulously preserved, but which needed a thorough tune-up after quite a few years of inactivity, to ensure its performance lived up to its pedigree.

Our restoration work has focused on nurturing every single one of its internal components to restore it to its full glory:

• Check and calibration of the valve section: We have thoroughly reviewed the entire amplification topology, adjusting the biasbias) of the power valves to ensure symmetrical performance, maximise current delivery and prolong tube life.

• Power supply renewal: We removed the original electrolytic capacitors, which showed the passage of the decades, and replaced them with modern audiophile-grade components. This guarantees a stable power reserve, greater dynamics and an absolute «black background» (zero noise).

• Treatment of potentiometers and selectors: We have dismantled and thoroughly cleaned the volume control and input selectors. We have restored the original smooth feel, completely eliminating those annoying clicks and ensuring the audio signal flows without obstruction.

The result is pure analogue magic. Upon switching it on, the soft orange glow of its valves is hypnotic, but it is upon listening to it that the SQ-88 once again dazzles with that rich, sweet, spacious and fatigue-free timbre so characteristic of the «Luxman sound».

A set-up that doesn't just look the part, but is a treat for the ears. Ready to reign supreme at the heart of your audio system once again!

.