VK and Steve - I agree with both of you.

The problem of heat buildup is worth expanding upon. In many ways, the modular design of the G68 is brilliantly elegant. But IMO, the single biggest design flaw is inadequate ventilation, which is a consequence of...

1. Its largely sealed exterior.
2. The fact that the PCB's are stacked horizontally.
3. The vertical proximity of the PCB's.
4. The placement of the fan.
5. The absence of feet.
6. The number of PCB's (in the ADV in particular).
7. The recent choice of power supply (XP Power).

Some of these decisions were probably cosmetic (the largely seal exterior, the absence of feet, the vertical proximity of the PCB's to lower the unit's overall height), some ergonomic (horizontal placement of PCB's = intuitive RCA's on rear panel), some market driven (more PCB's = more functionality) some budgetary (the power supply), and some unavoidable consequences of other design characteristics (the placement of the fan). Collectively, these design choices result in a toaster. As everyone knows, that's bad for sound and reliability.

It's worth noting that the new G68 power supply from XP Power runs much hotter than the earlier G68 power supply from Universal Microelectronics, which failed in so many units (including mine). Like the UM PSU, the XP PSU is a switching mode power supply, so it should run relatively cool. Unfortunately, it does not. :-(

Most of the items on the list above can be changed through modification, if someone is so inclined. I can say that, after addressing most of the items above, my G68 is cold to the touch even after hours of operation, and it is much happier because of it.

Bryon








iMac -> Sonos -> Empirical Audio reclocker -> G68 (modded) -> Pass Labs XA30.5 amp -> Focal 1027be speakers + JL Audio F113 sub. Pioneer Elite PRO 151FD 60" display.

G68 mods... Custom power supply, Audiocom Superclock 4, Rubycon capacitors, WBT Nextgen connectors, ultra low noise op amps, analog output buffer, DSPC c00044, Revelation One filter.