My Ella Preamplifier Died - So I fixed It!

[@markpirateuk]

These are well underrated for the current draw, certainly need upgrading to increase reliability & reduce heat dissipation.

[@SirBunghole]

Usual solution is a bigger rectifier mounted to the case using fly leads back to the PCB.

[@solarman30]

Too hot to touch is still too hot. Great job of diagnosis! Get some even bigger heatsinks on the rectifers. Dan

[@audionautica6843]

Yeah - I think you're right. Got any suggestions for some nice clip on heatsinks???? It worked for 5 years the way it was, so I'm hoping it will be OK for a little while until I come up with something a little more elegant. I don't think higher powered rectifiers will work because the holes in the PCB will be too small for the leads.

[@solarman30]

Make the biggest heatsinks that will fit (looks like you have lots of room for taller sinks) out of sheet copper. Easy to cut and fold. Just tack them on with some thermal epoxy. Not the most elegant solution, but they are not going to be seen. Dan

[@modulardesignsystems]

That foil lined mahogany or oak chassis is quite beautiful

[@audionautica6843]

Yes it is, although not the best to bolt heatsinks to!