Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Stontronics 1.5A linear PSU (UK)
After looking at the circuit I decided the only useable parts from the supply were the transformer, board and case, so I rebuilt the circuit using low-noise 1.5A LT1086-5 reg and schottky diodes, plus caps as recommended in LT's application notes. I mounted the reg in the centre (bottom of the 'U') of the heatsink, removed every other slat in the top of the case and drilled ventilation holes in the bottom of the case, plus fitted four feet to improve the airflow. I think the results were worth the effort. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=61090 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Stontronics 1.5A linear PSU (UK)
I bought two of these supplies and both failed with the same fault. One of the 5v regs had blown, so the 5v output was still present with no load but collapsed when connected to the SB3, so your proposed solution share the load between the regs probably won't work. See this thread for my solution, which requires some reworking of the pcb and some discrete wiring http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=26937&highlight=power+supply+downgrade -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=61090 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] SB+ review by TNT - Audio
Thanks to JJZolxss tip I have taken the option to hide all posts by opaqueice, because he was really 'getting on my tits', to use a good old English expression! If we all ignore him he may go away and irritate people elsewhere. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33917 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] SB+ review by TNT - Audio
Title says it all - here is the link: http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/at-tunes_e.html rgds Richard -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33917 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Suggestions for a DAC ......
I have for sale an Ack! dAck2 which I used with my SB2 until I bought an SB+. Its performance was better than the 24/96 dacs in my Bryston pre, so it's pretty good. PM me for more details. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30408 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: UK Mods for SB3
Rangdo No secret afaik, it's £800 for the SB+ with digital output only, and £1000 for the SB+ with analogue and digital outputs. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28505 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: UK Mods for SB3
I'm sorry I can't comment, as the Transporter wasn't available when I ordered the SB+. In any case I don't need the additional features that the Transporter provides over and above the SB2 or 3. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28505 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: UK Mods for SB3
The SB+ from Patrick Dixon is a seriously good upgrade, based on the SB3. See www.at-tunes.co.uk I highly recommended it - its performance has to be heard to be believed. It's as least as good, if not better than top-end cd players imho. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28505 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Sound quality using 6.5.0
Yes that's what I'm getting at - 6.5 seems to improve SB2/SB3 so much that if it had been available before its simultaneous release with the Transporter, then maybe some Transporter customers might have had second thoughts? But probably not because the Transporter is so much more versatile, and visually appealing than the SB2/3. I myself am waiting delivery of one of Patrick Dixon's extensively re-engineered SB+, and when I receive it in a couple of weeks time I will compare the sound quality running 6.5b1 versus 6.5, just to hear how significant the difference in sound quality is. I had a demo of the SB+ using 6.5b1 and it out-performed my SB2 by a surprisingly large extent, so it should be capable of revealing all. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28074 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Sound quality using 6.5.0
The cynic in me might suggest that the acclaimed sound quality of the Transporter may be due as much to 6.5.0, as due to the circuit design of the Transporter itself ;-) It would be interesting to compare a SB2/3 powered by a linear power supply, with a Transporter, both running SlimServer 6.5.0. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28074 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Sound quality using 6.5.0
I have always had the SB volume set to max, so I don't think that is the reason. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28074 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Sound quality using 6.5.0
It seems unlikely, but is it possible that the sound quality output from the Squeezebox (SB2 in my case) has improved with SlimServer 6.5.0? The reason I ask is that I heard a definite improvement when I upgraded to 6.5.0, using coax digital out from SB2 into digital in on my Bryston SP1.7 - my prefered method of connection. Tonight I went one step further and also connected the SB analogue outputs to the Bryston's analogue inputs, as well as the digital connection as before. I played several of my usual test tracks and switched the Bryston between digital in and analogue bypass while the music was playing. I'm damned if I could hear a difference, whereas previously when using 6.5b1, the digital output into the Bryston was clearly superior to the analogue connection. Has anybody else noticed an improvement in the SB's sound quality using 6.5.0, or am I going nuts? Could external DACs now be redundant? -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28074 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Power Supply Downgrade
I investigated the fault on Octavian's ps and found that one of the pair of 7805 three-terminal regulators had failed. That meant that the remaining regulator was unable to maintain 5 volts at the current demand of the SB, and the voltage collapsed to around 2v. Whether the SB had blown the ps or vice-versa is unknown, but more probably the former. Interestingly the no-load output voltage was still 5v, which fooled me for a while! However I was not impressed by the use of two 7805 regs which were connected in parallel, with no provision for load sharing between the devices. I decided to repair the ps, using a single LT1085CT5 (5v,3A) three term reg in place of the two 7805s. At the same time I replaced the 1N5402 diodes with IR MBR360 Shottky diodes, and the reservoir cap and the o/p stabilising cap with better electrolytics. I found the original supply had run very hot under load, so I modified the case to allow a better airflow across the internal regulator's heatsink. The audible results was surprising and immediate. The improvement in the sound over my original CPC ps was as great as the original CPC ps had been over Slimdevice's switch-mode ps. It is much quieter electrically (lower ripple and noise), which has revealed the micro details previously hidden in the noise floor, and which in turn has increased the dynamic range of the output. The dimensions of the reproduced sound stage have increased noticeably, and the performers now operate their own clearly defined spaces, with an extended decay to the notes they are playing or singing. It is now very much easier to 'hear' the recording venue. I think this was a worthwile exercise, and I have now modified my own (CPC) ps as well. All the components were sourced from CPC. Now I am wondering how much more can be extracted from the SB if I build a proper 'no-holds-barred' supply, or source one of Bolder's power supplies from the US. Maybe one of Andrew Weeks' Super Regulators feeding a series-pass power transistor might be the answer? It just goes to confirm, to me anyway, that any bit of hi-fi kit is really only as good as its power supply. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=26937 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Recommended inexpensive Linear PSU Wallwart for SB3?
The PAR-0530 is not suitable. It is rated at 0.3 Amp which is nothing like sufficient for the Squeezebox. The PAR-0510 has the best spec at 1 Amp, which may be enough, you will have to try it to find out. I can confirm the CPC power supply is linear - I've had a look inside it - and it is rated at 1.5 Amps. I can also confirm that mine and the two others I know of are working well with S/box 2 and 3. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19452 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Recommended inexpensive Linear PSU Wallwart for SB3?
I wouldn't have thought it was worth risking it. Not withstanding M3Rocket's comment, the Squeezebox smps wall-wart is rated at 2Amps (10VA), but the CPC 1.5Amp (7.5VA) linear supply works well with the three players I know of. In comparison with the 1Amp (5VA) Power Pax, the size and weight of the CPC unit is substantial, and it's too large and heavy to use as a wall-wart if it had been constructed like that. This suggests to me that the Power Pax transformer may be a tad undersized and working at the limits of its spec, if needs to supply 1Amp continuously to the player(?) YMMV -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19452 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Recommended inexpensive Linear PSU Wallwart for SB3?
Chris, I consider the quality of the analogue outputs is excellent. I have compared the dac in the Squeezebox to the dacs in my Bryston pre/pro - by feeding the Squeezebox analogue outputs to my Bryston processor in analogue by-pass mode (ie no digital processing involved in the processor), and feeding its spdif output to the Bryston's own inbuilt Crystal 24/96 dacs, I can then switch the Bryston in and out of by-pass mode and compare the Squeezebox dac to the Bryston dacs. I am unable hear very little, if any, difference between them. If I hadn't already got the Ack! dAck! I would have been very happy using either of the dacs. One of my friends is using the analogue outputs into Naim and PMC FB1+, and he is delighted with the sound quality he is getting. The supply comes with interchangeable dc plugs, so it's plug and play - in fact my Naim colleague is using his like this. I have soldered the correct sized dc connector to mine because I wanted to eliminate any possibility of a bad connection. Having said this the connector supplied is perfectly ok, it's just that I had the right connector in my spares box so I used it. afb -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19452 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Recommended inexpensive Linear PSU Wallwart for SB3?
Chris OH spdif out into an Ack! dAck! 2.0 > Bryston SP1.7 & 4B-SST > PMC IB1 -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19452 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Recommended inexpensive Linear PSU Wallwart for SB3?
I am using an in-line 5V 1.5A linear regulator from CPC very successfully. CPC's order code is PW00187, price £16.56 inc VAT. http://tinyurl.com/8rz6x. There may be better, but this one is cased and ready to go, unlike the open-frame types. I also transfered the ferrite from the Squeezebox supply to the new supply. Two friends are also using these supplies and we all agree that there is a significant improvement in the quality of the sound output - it's much less 'edgy'. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19452 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Absolute BEST ripping combo?
I went through the process of configuring EAC with flac, which I found fairly difficult and time consuming, even though I followed the tutorials, but I am old(ish)! I used it successfully for a while until I saw dBPowerAMP Music Converter recommended on this forum. http://www.dbpoweramp.com/ I installed this and found that, like EAC, it uses AccurateRip to configure the read offset of your CD/DVD drive, which is important I feel. The program is quick, it takes 3 min to rip and convert Beethoven 9th, for example. Tags and flac compression level can be set up, and it can also rip to Monkeys Audio, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, WAVE and WMA v9.1. If you want to rip to MP3 you have to register and pay GBP9.91 (US$16.45), but for this you obtain an improved GUI, which allows you to play the cd or individual tracks as well, prior to ripping. I find it is easy and straightforward to use. -- afblaster afblaster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1643 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=18707 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
