@Alec , these are the new feet I designed for the Sentinel Amp. Functionally, they are the same performance, but I really liked the presentation the larger design brought to the 500 series amps. We recently updated the amplifier to use them, but I am afraid they are not compatible with the previous production models.
With our in-house manufacturing flow, we are often tweaking the design as we find ways to improve.
We have actually flipped the internal topology over. Diverting more heat to the bottom plate of the unit. The extra height looks nice, but also allows for more airflow underneath the amplifier.
In a tight spacing like yours, this will actually help improve the heat dissipation. Changing the feet to the Sentinel DAC feet will work perfectly and in the end, I think this will perform better overall for heat shedding.
I will work on getting some feet sent over asap to Jamie.
I do. Please note, the Sentinel Amps will be Mono only… no stereo option, not at this level. These are of course preliminary dims and may change for final production:
Yep, I will be doing my best to keep the weight the same… but again, all these numbers are theoretical until we have the amp locked in. This is at least our target.
If I wish to experiment with after market footers with my M500, how should I place the footers? I can’t see it now but I recall the bottom plate of M500 is not a single flat piece of metal. Mine is the older production model.
I would recommend using 4 footers and to place them where the existing feet are. The current feet should easily thread out of the way and have a nice flat space for the new footers.
If you want new footers to thread in, your amps would use a M6x1 threaded stud.
Having just swapped feet on my M500 the process is easy and the space is sufficiently large for almost any replacement. And I have to say the MSB footers are really well engineered
My M500 appears to be an early production model such that the contact space on the bottom plate for the footers is actually quite narrow. Just enough space for the old Viton foot but not any thing bigger. I was thinking of using the HRS Vortex footers but they will be too wide.
Ahhh, I see. That sounds like the original design, I nearly forgot about that version. The main pads are narrower than many isolators, but there should be enough support for an oversized footer. The connecting ribs should also help stabilize and transfer weight to the footer. Based on what I see with the HRS system, it should still work quite well on their larger surface area.
I am very happy with my M500. but naturally curious how the Sentinel amps will improve upon M500. Any infomration you can provide at this time? Also, will there be an upgrade program for M500 to Sentinel amps?
We are currently exploring and designing the Sentinel amp. We are actually finishing one of the first PCB’s today! There will be some shared architecture with the 500 series, but will mostly be a new electrical design. That being said, very little will carry over from existing 500 series amps. That means it won’t be the very best trade in values, but we will have something in place for those moving to the Sentinel DAC system. Leveraging the output of the Sentinel DAC will be unlike anything in our industry so we will have to design all new connections and cabling to make that happen. Excited to see how it develops and to hear the results of the work!