2 nord stage 3 in rig not sounding the same

[pterm]

The output stages follow the DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), so by definition these circuits are analog and absolutely experience aging effects and degradation over time. They remain a possible cause of the problem.

Since more than 95% of the circuitry processing sound is digital it seems most reasonable to continue to investigate all other suggested causes before considering the analog circuitry.

I hope you track down the issue quickly. Please let us know what you find!

[23skidoo]

The type of circuits used in line amplification of AD output stages exhibits largely inaudible aging characteristics until the capacitors start degrading physically. What you’re saying is true only in a theoretical and usually immeasurable degree until systems are multiple decades old using modern surface mount components. If that is the case here the output stages would be considered defective, not “aged”.

[pterm]

The type of circuits used in line amplification of AD output stages exhibits largely inaudible aging characteristics until the capacitors start degrading physically. What you’re saying is true only in a theoretical and usually immeasurable degree until systems are multiple decades old using modern surface mount components. If that is the case here the output stages would be considered defective, not “aged”.

What you say is true about surface mount components in general, but when I look at pictures of the output stages of Nords I see surface mount electrolytic capacitors. These contain a liquid electrolyte and start exhibiting measurable degradation just being stored:
https://www.dfrsolutions.com/hubfs/Reso ... citors.pdf. They degrade faster when in use and are among the most susceptible to aging of all passive electronic components.

Typically electrolytic capacitors last years, but degrade much more quickly at elevated temperature, high ripple current, or if exposed to reversed polarity. The use case for these capacitors might accelerate their degradation without them being defective. I think the analog circuitry remains a possible cause for the original poster's observation.

[ChillOnTheSun]

Hey, that means that there are some cheap capacitators and we will need to change it after 3 years. That is not son believable.

[bartley99]

I did comparison testing between the two boards and cannot tell a different. I tested pianos, organs and synths. For pianos I used nord factory piano patches, dry piano patches and tried different filter settings. Ran through the organs and used very simple drawbar settings. For synth I used very basic oscillator waveforms and tried the patchs with and without velocity settings. I also tried listening on reference headphones, studio monitors and my KC550.

I am going to have to go with keybed as the difference in tone. Pianos seemed a little brighter on Compact but I attribute that to the keybed. I would say the piano on the 88 are more expressive. At full velocity, they sound the same.

Let me know if you want me to try anything else. Take care

[analogika]

Hey, that means that there are some cheap capacitators and we will need to change it after 3 years. That is not son believable.

You're right, it isn't.

However, capacitors and other parts do sometimes just fail.