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Playback amplifier for Chinese car radio. Car radio power amplifier chip and practical description of its functioning Chinese radios with tuner QSD-RT-L93

2017-10-23 14:30:35 0 6851

Review of built-in amplifiers in car radios. Which chips sound better?

Sound quality is one of the most important components when choosing a car radio. In most different radios, the parameters and characteristics are very similar, but the difference in price is very significant. Why? GPS is in everyone, Bluetooth, television and so on are also present. In terms of functionality, all modern car radios are very similar, which makes it difficult for consumers to choose. So, the sound quality of your radio, as well as the price, is directly affected by the type of Low Frequency Amplifier (LF Amplifier) ​​chip. These microcircuits can be very different in characteristics and quality, which affects the cost of the car radio.

In this article we will help you understand these chips. Of course, the sound quality is also influenced by the car’s acoustics, external amplifier (if available), wiring, etc. But the basis of high-quality sound is the ULF chip! If you use a cheap ULF chip, then no matter how you distort it, no matter how sophisticated the acoustics you install, you will not get good and high-quality sound. Based on this, when buying a radio, you should inquire about the type of microcircuit and you are guaranteed high-quality sound.

But there is one caveat. Most car radio sellers do not know which ULF chip is installed in each specific radio. Also, this information is not indicated on the manufacturer’s website. You will be able to find out the output power, in most cases overestimated, and possibly the frequency range that is reproduced - that’s all the information on the sound. In most cases, the manufacturer hides information about the chip used, because... A cheap chip is installed to reduce the cost of the device.

The Android operating system is already not cheap, but what if you install expensive Low Frequency Amplifier microcircuits on them? So the manufacturer installs a budget microcircuit so as not to scare off the client with the price. Since the sound power completely depends on the installed chip, we can conclude that the greater the power, the higher the quality of the ULF installed in the head unit.

To make the right choice, let's move on to a description of the types of microcircuits that developers use in car radios:

1. Chip TDA 7388

This is the simplest and cheapest microcircuit that is installed in most cheap car radios.

Characteristics:

  • 4 channels of 40 W maximum into 4 ohm load
  • operating frequency from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (The entire frequency range audible to the human ear)
  • THD 4 x 25W 4Ohm (14.4V, 1KHz) -10%.

The sound quality leaves much to be desired; there is no softness at low frequencies, and there is no purity of sound at high frequencies. The sound is satisfactory, so-so. Also, a radio with this microcircuit cannot be connected to premium acoustics, the resistance of which at the input is 2 ohms.

2. TDA 7850 MOSFET chip

A very good amplifier with high-quality sound, to which you can connect any acoustics.

Characteristics:

  • 4 channels of 50W/4Ohm MAX.
  • 4 channels of 80W/2Ohm MAX.

Excellent sound quality at any frequency. There is no high-frequency interference and the level of extraneous noise is low.

3. TDA 7560 MOSFET chip

An analogue of the TDA 7850 chip described above, but much cheaper. Since it was developed specifically for use in car radios.

Characteristics:

  • 4 channels of 50W/4Ohm MAX.
  • 4 channels of 30W/4Ohm 14.4V, 1KHz, 10%
  • 4 channels of 80W/2Ohm MAX.
  • 4 channels of 55W/2Ohm 14.4V, 1KHz, 10%
  • Manufactured using MOSFET technology
  • Excellent matching with 2 ohm speakers
  • Hi-Fi class in terms of signal-to-noise ratio

The sound is pretty good, but when compared with the 7850, the sound picture is a little less rich.

4. TDA 7851A MOSFET chip

This chip is a continuation of the TDA 7850 and is designed specifically for car head units. It performs better than its predecessor, although the power is slightly reduced to reduce heat generation.

Characteristics:

  • 4 channels of 45W/4Ohm MAX.
  • 4 channels of 28W/4Ohm 14.4V, 1KHz, 10%
  • 4 channels of 72W/2Ohm MAX.
  • manufactured using MOSFET technology
  • Excellent matching with 2 ohm speakers
  • Hi-Fi class in terms of signal-to-noise ratio

The owner of a radio with this chip will get the ideal sound for true music lovers without distortion or loss. This microcircuit is also characterized by a low level of sound distortion with minimal losses and has the highest sound class - AB. There is input voltage control and various types of protection.

Conclusion:

If you are a true connoisseur of sound quality and want to surprise your passengers with bright, rich, high-quality sound, look for a car radio with a TDA 7851A MOSFET chip.

I, too, like many here, became the owner of this car, everything suits me, but the sound is somehow not the same, as if it is working under load, there are no normal highs, and there are really no lows either. There is a predominance of mid frequencies, which is not the case for audio equipment that should brighten up the road. This sound usually either gives you a headache or makes you even more tired from the road. Therefore, they are probably not so popular, and probably everyone is trying to change them. Although many try to fix this problem by replacing the acoustics, from my experience this is more likely a consequence of the problem and not the problem itself!

So, instead of installing acoustics and trying to do something tricky with replacing the mayfun, there is an elementary way out! True, it is a little expensive for some, but not for others.
And so, what is required is to replace the rear speakers with more powerful ones of your taste and 4 ohms, it is better to check with a tester, a little more than 4 ohms is allowed, less is not
Second and most important. This is a replacement for the standard amplifier of the car radio that is located inside it, I am currently selecting an amplifier microcircuit based on data shields.
The car radio has a Chinese amplifier installed. LA47201-such a microcircuit is found in the JVC KD-G425 and in many other similar mayfuns, the price of such a microcircuit in stores is about LA47201 - 245.60 rubles.
I worked for more than a year and a half in a car radio repair service center. In JVC I installed mikruhi from the Pioneer and in the Pioneer from JVC, now I will select an analogue and post information on the replacement.
Well, as expected, the microcircuit is extremely weak, hence the attitude towards the speakers, as the manufacturer writes, the recommended 8 ohms, but can also work with 4 ohms
You can supply any available from: TDA7381-7386, TDA7560, TA8263-8268, TA8271-8277, TB2901-2906, LA47501-LA47515, LA4743, etc. The only thing is, pay attention to 1, 10, 16, 25 legs, well, their power is different - this was taken from the forum, it’s long to write (I meant that the microcircuits could be fake and their pinouts could also be different)! the price of such microcircuits is up to 500 rubles
I'll just add that I changed this microcircuit to Pal007, the price of such a microcircuit in Novosibirsk is from 900 to 2000 t r costs in all pioneers, the difference is in the most expensive ones radio models, only in a linear amplifier of higher quality!

At the moment I’m charging the batteries for the camera, I’ll post pictures later for those who understand, a warning to others that all the work done to replace the amplifier chip can, if it’s soldered and soldered incorrectly, damage the printed circuit board and lead to a short circuit. (again, I recommend turning to people who know how to solder such microcircuits so that there are no problems in the future))
Well, that's it, I redid it and oh the miracle of such a sound, I'm on a SONY pile m9900 I haven't heard. The sound became more powerful, the lows began to pump even with standard speakers!!! The quality has increased 100 times, and not by 5 - 10 percent, the only thing is that you shouldn’t listen to everything with such a chip, it’s bad for the speakers. And so, people, you can’t even imagine how it started to sound! And if you install new acoustics instead of the standard ones, you will definitely be pleasantly surprised, and at the same time, everything remains under warranty, the radio is standard :) The main thing is to do everything efficiently, and remove traces of soldering with alcohol. 🙂

Here, as promised, photos of my modifications for today with my mafon, I was very pleased!
And I wanted to say about the 25th leg, where I use a screwdriver to show the road that I cut off above, this was done so that there would be no interference when turning off the ignition, interference from my alarm system....!
To remove a standing microcircuit more carefully, you can use a suction device, or carefully break it out, or cut it out with a scalpel, I soldered it out just in case, it will be useful for experiments or as a spare tire.
It is better to install the PAL007C microcircuit; it pumps up the lows well, the only thing that is missing is the highs, but this can be solved simply by installing tweeters. Now, at maximum sound power, namely 33 with bass at zero, the speakers have no distortion or power loss!
It also works well at higher bass levels, but there are already not enough speakers here.
Let me make a reservation once again: when choosing acoustics, you can come with a digital tester and measure the resistance of the acoustics you want to take. It should not be lower than 4 ohms! This is a move by companies, real acoustics are a little more than 4 ohms, which means that the number of turns is greater than in those where the resistance is lower, which means the range of reproduced frequencies is also narrowed. So standard 8 Ohm speakers have a higher range of reproduced frequencies. But only at Medium and Low frequencies, HF is very lacking, but the quality with such an alteration simply cannot be compared with what it was, that’s all!

If you have any questions about the alteration, ask, I will help in any way I can!






Budget cars are budgetary because manufacturers cut total savings on everything. In them they also additionally eliminate high frequencies in standard radios. However, even in middle-class cars, audio systems from well-known manufacturers, including those from Japan, have the same disadvantages.

They are different in different cars, but can be eliminated by the owners themselves.

The standard radio in Lada Priora and Lada Vesta cars has good sound and a fairly wide range of functionality. For the most part, car owners are happy with it. However, a number of simple improvements can improve the sound and noise filtering.

Modification of the standard radio consists of replacing the microcircuit in the amplifier (you must install the “ULF TDA7560”) and the amplifier power capacitor. Instead of a standard capacitor, install two: 10,000 µF and a film capacitor “K 73-17” 0.47 µF 250V, which creates a power reserve. The sound then rises to a higher volume level with clearer reproduction.

Attention: on the radio components market, the TDA7560 microcircuit has interchangeable analogues: TDA7851; PAL007; TDA7850.

"Mazda 3"

In radios installed by the manufacturer in Mazda 3 cars, the amount of distortion increases with increasing sound strength - constant wheezing at a power level of more than 20 divisions.


The problem is not in the speakers, but in the power amplifier, distorting the sound signal. The output is to increase the voltage to 16-18V. However, it is not in the car. You can achieve your goal, increase the voltage from 12V to 18V, using the universal converter URZ1122.

This power supply is manufactured by different companies under different names and different markings. Therefore, the specific choice of the DC-DS converter model is up to the car owner. The only thing to keep in mind is that different models have different sizes. Compact converters are easily built into the radio, larger ones are installed on the outside of the case.

Hyundai Solaris

In Hyundai Solaris, many owners are not satisfied with the sound of the radio. They solve this problem in two ways:

  • install additional amplifiers, subwoofers, and pull wires with a large cross-section throughout the cabin;
  • The radio itself is being modified.

Both methods achieve the same result. But in the first case, it is expensive and the car interior becomes cluttered. The second method costs little money and does not spoil the internal design. All you need is time and desire. The process is standard. Replace the chip in the standard TOSHIBA TB 2926 AHQ amplifier with a TDA 7560 and increase the capacitor power to at least 3900-4000 uF. The ideal option is a 10,000 µF capacitor.

The process of replacing radio components itself is not complicated. Difficulties arise when removing the radio from the locks holding it and disassembling it. Patience and attentiveness will help here. Ultimately, the work will pay off with spacious, clear sound on standard speakers.

"Kia Rio"

In the Kia Rio, the manufacturer installs a standard MOBIS PA710 QBR radio made in China. It has the same problems as the Hyundai Solaris, although the radios are from different manufacturers.


They have one thing in common - the standard TOSHIBA TB 2926 AHQ amplifier. Therefore, the solution to the problem is the same as that of Solaris. In addition, the audio system does not have a USB connector. This drawback is also easily eliminated.

"Kia Sorento"

Car enthusiasts connect a rear view camera to the standard Kia X7BB radio on a Kia Sorento. To obtain Hi-Fi sound, change it to the X8BB model.


A number of radios from well-known manufacturers with high sound quality, installed on various brands of cars, also require improvement.

Many models of both cars and trucks are equipped with Japanese Pioneer radios. This is one of the best options for a car radio, with good sound and a wide range of functions. However, it has a significant problem. It does not turn off, but goes into sleep mode with backlit keys and a working clock. This distracts the driver while driving and drains the battery when parked.


The problem is resolved by reconfiguring the audio system.

  1. By pressing number 2 we enter the menu.
  2. Find the System section;
  3. Activate PW Save;
  4. Turn off the radio with the OFF button, after which it will go into sleep mode again;
  5. We remove the problem with button 1. Only the clock remains. If you want to remove them too, click on number 4.

Problem solved. There will be no return to sleep mode.

Chinese radios with tuner QSD-RT-L93

Modification of a Chinese radio with the QSD-RT-L93 tuner is very difficult and only professionals can do it. But even a novice car enthusiast can improve the quality of radio signal reception.

The radio manufacturer ignored the operation of the display controller. As a result, interference is emitted outward through the radio panel and reaches the antenna input. This is most clearly manifested when installing the antenna inside the cabin, on the glass. The solution is to shield the audio system housing, which will lock the interference inside it. This can be achieved by simply grounding the aluminum base of the display.


Additionally, you can strengthen the LED power converter by adding a 1 µF ceramic capacitor to the circuit.

Using simple and affordable methods, you can significantly improve the sound of standard audio systems and eliminate some design flaws.


Many people who want to replace their standard car radio with something better and at an affordable price come to Aliexpress in their search. You should understand that you should not expect perfect sound from a radio purchased on this site. A professional equalizer too; most devices have three or four bands. However, Aliexpress radios have one big advantage - they are cheap, so for buyers with a limited budget and a desire to somewhat expand the functionality of the head unit, ordering from Aliexpress is an excellent option. Moreover, no one guarantees that a product purchased in a nearby store will not be of even worse quality.

When ordering a radio, it is recommended that at the approval stage you tell the seller the make and model of the car for which the device is being purchased. In this case, many sellers offer to send an adapter along with the product free of charge or for a nominal fee, which will greatly simplify installation. After analyzing the characteristics and reviews of real customers, we have compiled this rating of the best radios that can be found and purchased on Aliexpress.

The best 2 DIN radios

DIN is a generally accepted standard for the size of the hole for a car radio. 1 DIN is 18x5 cm, and 2 DIN, respectively, 18x10 cm. The double width of a double-din radio is determined by the presence of a large and, as a rule, touch screen, thanks to which it significantly outperforms other types of devices in terms of functionality. Thus, 2 DIN radios (double-din) usually have Internet access, a built-in video player and a GPS navigator.

3 Podofo 7010B

The optimum ratio of price and quality
Price on AliExpress: from RUB 3,076.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The 7010B car radio from Podofo is a striking example of the fact that quality things are not always expensive, and even Chinese manufacturers are able to produce a good product for very little money. The device, although not crammed with various capabilities, still has all the necessary basic functionality working at a decent level. You won’t have any problems with audio and video playback (most major formats are supported, the 7-inch screen produces an acceptable picture in HD resolution), moreover, many users noted the sound quality. The device does not have a built-in GPS module, but if the buyer is willing to tinker, the radio can be connected to a smartphone in second screen mode, after which it is easy to display anything from YouTube videos to a local map. In the extended configuration, the device comes with a rear view camera, which works well even at night. Among the noticed shortcomings, it is worth highlighting only the weak microphone, but as practice shows, the headset function, in principle, is not very in demand in gadgets of this type.

2 BONROAD C1160706A

Versatility. The best radio for navigation
Price on AliExpress: from RUB 12,202.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Due to the fact that BONROAD offers a wide selection of adapter frames of various sizes, the double-din radio will fit like a glove into almost any modern car, from Toyota to Chevrolet. The device is in fact a tablet running Android 7.1.2 with all the necessary functions: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3g and 4g, HD quality video playback and listening to music.

The device also performs perfectly as a navigator, since it supports not only GPS, but also Glonass. The Navitel maps on the radio may not work, but the problem can be easily solved by reinstalling them or replacing them with any other navigator. This is the main advantage of Android radios: the device can always be customized as much as possible by installing individually selected programs. The only relatively serious disadvantage is that the loading speed is not the highest: from the moment of ignition you have to wait about two minutes.

1 Joying JY-UM135N2

Laconic design. Easy installation
Price on AliExpress: from 17,403 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

A bright 7-inch diagonal screen with a resolution of 1024x600, non-lag-free navigation, Hands Free and stylish design - all this is combined in a car radio from Joying.

There are almost no problems with its installation: the radio comes with detailed instructions and a complete set of wires. In addition, the kit includes a remote control built into the steering wheel for adjusting the music volume and switching songs.

You can play music from Micro SD memory cards, for which there are 2 slots, or from a smartphone connected to the radio via Bluetooth or via a USB cable. At the same time, the device supports the simultaneous operation of several programs, so you do not have to turn off the player in order to use the navigator.

Unlike many other representatives of its price category, Joying boasts a quick start-up: the radio turns on literally 2 seconds after ignition. The only disadvantages of the JY-UM135N2 include the inability to insert a SIM card into the device. However, you can use online maps or the player without it, simply by distributing Wi-Fi to the radio from your smartphone.

The best 1 DIN radios

Despite their size and the lack of a large display, 1 din radios still remain quite multifunctional devices. Depending on the model, they can be equipped, in addition to the obvious FM tuner, with a USB port, AUX output and Hands Free.

We looked at dozens of 1 din car radios sold on Aliexpress and selected the best ones, taking into account the stated characteristics and their compliance with customer reviews.

4 Roadbuf 5983

Best price
Price on AliExpress: from 1020 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

If you are a fan of classic radios, not burdened with fashionable bells and whistles like a pre-installed operating system, wide screen, etc., then you should definitely take a closer look at Roadbuf. The functionality is minimal: FM radio, MP3 player, LED screen and digital clock, plus small features such as memory card support, equalizer, USB and AUX connectors. The meager set of capabilities of the gadget is at the same time both the main advantage (many drivers, especially older ones, are very wary and unfriendly towards modern systems, crammed with unnecessary functions, in their opinion), and the main disadvantage of the device - ultimately the choice is up to the buyer . Considering the very budget price tag, the device will also be a good temporary option for those who urgently and inexpensively need to replace an old broken radio.

3 WT0031

Ideal for Hands Free
Price on AliExpress: from 1439 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The brainchild of an unnamed Chinese manufacturer is quite popular among those who like to buy auto electronics on Aliexpress. The reason for this was the flawless operation of Bluetooth, which made the WT0031 an ideal radio for listening to music from your phone and using Hands Free. The latter is also favored by the absence of background noise during playback and communication sessions. Audibility is good even without an additional microphone, so you can safely make and receive calls while driving. When there is an incoming call, the caller's number is shown on the display.

In addition to a device connected via Bluetooth, music can be played from a memory card or flash drive. There is also an AUX output.

The sound quality, unfortunately, is far from the best. In reviews of the product, buyers complain about the lack of bass and wheezing speakers. However, for those who prefer to listen to music at low volume levels, this radio is just right.

2 HIEI SX-5513

Original design
Price on AliExpress: from 1399 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

SX-5513 is another brainchild of the Chinese company HIEI. The radio tape recorder inherited from its “brother” an excellent sound by Aliexpress standards (4 connected speakers, output power 60 W). At the same time, it itself was distinguished by a memorable design: the body, made of plastic and aluminum, is slightly stylized as a retro radio.

Bluetooth works without any interruptions, allowing you to listen to music from your smartphone and answer calls while driving. True, for the latter you may need to buy an additional microphone, because the built-in one may not provide the best audibility. Otherwise, the set of functions of the radio is quite standard: radio, support for memory cards and flash drives, AUX output, which allows you to use the device as an amplifier for a phone or player. A remote control is included.

The disadvantages of the SX-5513 include a constantly running clock that cannot be switched to 24 hour mode. To avoid draining the battery, you need to turn off the radio manually or remove it every time before leaving the car.

1 HIEI JSD-520

The most powerful
Price on AliExpress: from 1322 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The HIEI four-channel radio has a maximum output power of 60 W, which is one of the best indicators for similar radios from Aliexpress. Customer reviews confirm the characteristics declared by the manufacturer: almost everyone who unsubscribed praises the sound quality first of all.

Like most radios sold in Chinese online hypermarkets, HIEI has a simple three-band equalizer. But at the same time, what sets it apart from the rest is the ability to preset for a specific musical genre: pop, rock, classical, etc.

Music can be played from a flash drive, memory card or phone connected to the radio via AUX output or via Bluetooth. The radio supports ID3 tags, which means that the names of all playing tracks will be displayed on the display.

Hands free works properly, the phone also connects via Bluetooth. However, it is worth considering that good audibility of the driver due to the placement of the built-in microphone is only possible in cars with left-hand drive. For right-hand drive cars you will have to buy an additional microphone.

The best radios with a DVD drive

Today, CDs and DVDs are rapidly being replaced by other media. People prefer to store music on SD cards, flash drives and in the memory of mobile phones. After all, why waste time burning discs when you can simply connect your smartphone to the radio and enjoy the music? Nevertheless, there are still a lot of car enthusiasts who already have a large collection of wheels and continue to add to it. And despite the fact that there are few radios with disk drives left on Aliexpress, we found the best of them and included them in this rating.

3 Roadbuf 1563U

The best price tag for a model with a DVD drive
Price on AliExpress: from RUB 3,406.
Rating (2019): 4.8

One of the simplest (and therefore inexpensive) car radio models that have its own physical disk drive. In general, the device cannot boast of anything special - only basic functionality is present (FM radio, USB and AUX connectors, slots for flash cards up to 32 GB, and a small display can display the current time if necessary). However, many buyers simply do not need more and do not consider the radio in any other capacity other than as a music player. At the same time, reviews note very good sound, a user-friendly interface and menu navigation, as well as a rich set of equipment for the device (in addition to the device itself, it includes a remote control, detailed installation instructions, all the necessary cables and fasteners).

2 Ownice DGS8992G

The most powerful processor
Price on AliExpress: from RUB 18,787
Rating (2019): 4.9

Ownice DGS8992G is another two-din Chinese radio in our rating. It has all the standard features and even more. GPS navigator, DVD drive, FM/AM radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB and AUX connectors, microphone for speakerphone - all this is present in it. But its main advantage is its eight-core processor, which ensures impeccable performance of the radio.

The microcircuit is intended for use as output power amplifiers in automobile and some household radio equipment.
TDA7560 is one of the most powerful in the TDA series - 4 channels of 77 W each when powered by 12 V on-board power supply of the car. The amplifier assembled on the TDA7560 chip has minimal nonlinear distortion and noise levels.

Main characteristics of TDA7560:

Supply voltage from 6 to 18 Volts
Peak output current 9A
Output power at 4 ohms 10% THD 30W
Output power at 4 ohms 1% THD 23W
Output power at 2 ohms 10%THD 55W
Output power at 2 ohms 1% THD 43W
Maximum output power at 4 Ohm load 45 W
Maximum output power at 2 Ohm load 77 W
Gain 26dB
Load resistance not less than 2 Ohms
Crystal temperature 150 degrees Celsius
Reproducible frequency range 20-20000 Hz.

In addition, the TDA7560 has protection against load short circuit and chip overheating.

To replace the output power amplifier of the car radio with Ali, a lot was selected and an order was made.
Sent was wrapped in stretch film

When ordering, I did not pay attention to the line from the seller “Tda7560 TDA7560A TDA7560B” - after receiving it already found out difference :(
7560 and 7560A have different numbers of legs, there are differences in additional functions (presence/absence of antenna power supply) and naturally, therefore, there is a difference in pinout.
The seller, of course, to put it mildly, is “wrong” - the photo shows 7560, but the 7560A was sent, but I did not make any complaints to the seller, because Having carefully “studyed the question” I realized that no complex modifications are required to use the sent



Having compared the datasheets, I came to the conclusion that you can simply exclude the “extreme” legs on both sides and, in theory, must earn everything.
In the “process”, studying the datasheet of the installed amplifier, discrepancies were discovered with the recommended and used capacitance in the radio (1000µF instead of 2200µF) - which probably further deteriorated the sound quality, it was decided to “rework” this “flaw” as well - it was decided to replace it with the largest possible capacitor capacitance ( which could be “shoved” in size).

Difference between 7560 and 7560A

Photos of the chip replacement process

We unscrew the bolts (to remove the amplifier board) and disconnect the cable. In your case, the disassembly procedure may differ markedly depending on the model of the test subject.



Soldering the amplifier... For simplicity, it’s easier to bite off the microcircuit with wire cutters and solder the contacts separately. I desoldered it - I needed a whole soldered “instance” :)



Already with the new amplifier soldered in - as it was;)




the arrows indicate the bent “extra” legs of the amplifier and the capacitance that was replaced.

Naturally, you need to apply a layer of thermal paste (at first I completely forgot about it, and had to take everything apart)



The result of a simple repair and “upgrade” :)

After replacement everything worked right away... no problems arose due to the use of a slightly different modification of the amplifier :)
It seems to me The sound of the lows has even changed somewhat - it is likely due to the increased capacitance of the capacitor.

It's a 15-minute job, and you can do it yourself! You can safely take the amplifier option with the letter “A” if you are not interested in active antenna control (and if you have it at all).