Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Parametric Equalizer?
The Rives analog EQ unit has only three filters and is effective in improving room problems. I don't hear any phase problems using the Inguz plugin, nor with EQ effects in Cakewalk Sonar. Perhaps digital effects are not subject to phase distortion created with a capacitor based filter? Each band is a separate filter with its own processing demands. 3-4 would be enough to noticeably improve the bass in a normal room and still leave one or two filters for rolling off a tweeter, etc. Fully parametric implies "Q" or width adjustment for the filter. Inguz does not have manually adjustable Q on EQ filters. Does it's room correction feature vary width, or just apply multiple fixed width filters? Inguz also has useful features like balance, stereo image width, etc which are very nice to have, again more processing appetite. It would be nice to have these features built into slimserver. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=38739 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Stupid Newbie Questions
If you upgrade the PS and cables the SB comes close to a mid level ($1K) audiophile CD player, like Quad or Rega. Especially if you play wav files ripped using EAC software which eliminates jitter and decoding chores. There are more gains to be had by modifying the SB internally if you find you need that. For me it is not necessary yet. Other audio fish to fry first. I use an upgrade power supply and it gives me a big improvement. I have a similar rig as yours with tube (classAB1) integrated and relatively high sensitivity speakers. The difference with the new power supply is obvious and audible all across the bandwidth as well as in improved dynamics and air. The more revealing your system, the more improvement you will hear. The PowerOne linear open frame supplies are excellent and have better regulation than the Elpac. They are easy to wire up and not too expensive. The 5volt 3amp version is good for SB. About $45 plus wire, connector and box. PM me if you need help wiring it. Invest in some decent cables too if you are looking to hear changes on this level of subtlety. Anticables.com is a great bargain in high end cables. They are extremely transparent, and not expensive (really cheap!) Based on my own experiences comparing them to daddybigbucks cables, I think the wild testimonials on their website are NOT all hype. You won't be sorry! Use the Sophia's volume control instead of the SB VC to max out the SB's S/N. I read that TNT audio review of your Sophia, it is a very nice piece! :) SB is up to it. Merry Christmas Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30920 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Volume bug - can you really hear it?
No this thread is not related to the hiss you're hearing. Good job finding it, though, I looked for this thread a few weeks ago and couldn't find it!! The hiss is the "noise floor" of SB. 2 ideas to help: 1. Use an external volume control like active or passive preamp or Endler attenuating resistors. You can find a link for them by searching this forum. If your amps have a high intput impedence you can use a passive volume control like CIAudio or Placette which are very transparent. 2. Dim the display brightness, or set it to OFF except when using it. The display puts out RF which come out the right channel analog output. Turning down the SB digital volume control will not effect the gain in the analog output stage where the noise is, it only affects the "amplitude" of the digital stream before it goes to the DAC (as discussed partially in this old 2005 thread.) You want the SB volume to be maxed so that the S/N is always at its highest. Use a true analog attenuator to adjust volume after the SB analog output. Merry Chirstmas! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=18439 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Noise Floor on SqueezeBox 3 - Normal?
Hi artsrc, Here's my 02, no guarantees though! The SB stock power supply is a switching PS. Supplies of this type can put out RF and other noise which can be picked up and amplified by other components. Others have commented on the noise the SB supply emits, even when not connected to SB. Unplug the PS from the wall while listening to the noise if possible to see if this is what you're hearing. If so, try a linear power supply. You can find a thread about it around here somewhere ;) The analog output section of SB is not bad, but you might like to try SB > DAC > headphone amp or even the built in headphone amp in a good DAC if you're looking for perfection. The SB analog line outs are affected by noise from the flourescent display, especially the right channel, so the headphone out might be affected by that too. Try dimming the display to "off" while listening to eliminate it as the source of your noise. Playing SB with volume at max like you're already doing makes it hard to hear the display noise so that's probably not the problem. Maybe it's louder on headphone out? Is your external volume control powered? Could it be a ground loop somewhere? Good luck. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30645 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Question about Spouses?
Walleyefisher;161660 Wrote: > You all needed a mindless post to de-tox You got that right! My wife likes to listen to music with me, but she is usually reading a magazine or something, and does not concentrate on the as intently. Maybe it's because she is so much smarter and I have to concentrate harder than she to get it. We almost always watch TV after listening to a CD. Beethoven is just a warm up to Iron Chef or Sex in the City. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30541 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Analog volume using Transporter
In looking for the threads from the ancient past from which I learned what I know about SB volume control processing, I see they are too old and have fallen off. So I cannot refer you to the stuff I read to explain why I think the way I do. I see some new topics about TP VC, I will check those out to see if anything has changed. SB will not play 24/96 files, and its supposed ability to play 24/44.1 though analog outs is not very valuable to me, so I never thought twice about it. I would be surprised if SB could make analog output volume changes on a 24 bit wav source file. When I bought my SB, there was no mention in the advertising about anything to do with 24 bit playback. But this thread is about TP, so I should not have mentioned SB at all. The reason I did was that Sean answered a question when TP was announced about volume control processing in which he said it was done same as SB. But TP will play 24/96 files and I bet it will change volume on them, so maybe they aren't exactly the same? This topic is about analog VC, so I was not referring to SPDIF. I have no idea what SB passes to ext DAC with 16 bit input file. As for your third question, you're still talking about digital output, and I am talking about SB analog out using internal DAC with 16 bit source wav file. I don't care about quantization noise when playing mp3. Seeya! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30344 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Suggestions for a DAC ......
highdudgeon;160839 Wrote: > Pro gear is the way to go -- highest quality and more reasonable prices. > value. Some audiophiles are too snobby for it. Well, I know one with > Dali Megalines who uses a Lavry Blue. The point is output quality, > yes? If Benchmarks and Lavrys are good enough for mastering studios > then they are absolutely good enough for home use. I agree there is usually decent value in pro gear, expecially if you are using it for a pro job, like recording, etc :) Mastering engineers have very different objectives in listening to sound than audiophiles. I would take audio listening advice from most mastering engineers with a grain of salt. Pro sound and high end audio are two separate worlds with little in common. Van Alstine UltraDAC and the new Bel Canto are excellent, very musically enjoyable DACs in the $1000-2000 category. -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 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: Transporter volume control
Wombat;160244 Wrote: > Not going under -30db wouldn´t loose any bits. No bits have been harmed in the making of this movie, er..ah, volume control. :)) No data is ever lost, still 16 bits sent to the DAC, just with the word's amplitude multiplied by the reduction factor contained in the extra 8 bits tacked on to the 16 bit word coming from file whenever volume control is engaged. The processing required to reduce volume by a large amount is the same as by a small amount, just a different factor. With larger volume reductions, the resulting product is more prone to inaccuracy, due to only 8 bits allowed for VC info. But the result is dithered so any slight errors are not audible anyway. Unlike SB, noise in transporter is very low, so using the software VC has no negative effect. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30365 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Analog volume using Transporter
You will not "lose" any information no matter what the volume setting on SB is because an extra 8 bits are added to the incoming 16 bit word when software volume control is set anywhere below 40 (max). 24 bit word passes to DSP, then after volume processing is done and extra 8 bits peeled off and a new 16 bit word emerges with lower volume and sent to DAC. No information is lost and dither algorithm is excellent leaving no audible processing artifacts. The transporter was designed to allow direct connection to a power amp and can safely be used as its own preamp/VC with no loss of S/N ratio as with SB. It has built in attenuator resistors for this purpose. So it's really your choice which volume control you use. Does the kW have a volume remote control? What an awesome amp, you are a lucky dude! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30344 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Wired or not? (Newbie)
I had similar problems to Pat when playing wavs over 11b - dropouts. But if my antennas were within line of sight, no problems. The buffer inside SB can hold almost 2 minutes of wav, so hearing dropouts means a REALLY bad connection/reception, or in my case it must be Linksys, or Linski as my dad calls it. No problems with wired link, 10Mbps is plenty for almost anything. Wayne of Bolder wrote recently that the wireless transceiver does indeed affect the sound quality when in use, spilling RF and other noises into analog section, just as flourescent display does. Merely plugging in a linked ethernet cable will shut down the wireless and fix the problem. http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=34192.0 Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30342 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Attenuation mute tweek and linear power supply question
Best make it 5V output to SB. 5V power supplies are easy to find because 5V is the voltage of many processor chips and the standard voltage used in logic circuits. You need a regulator or resistor to adjust the voltage to 5V. 6V battery can get by with a resistor, but using a large 12V batt for longevity is too much for a resistor to drop, will waste a lot of power as heat. I have been thinking about this battery supply idea too, found some ideas worth sharing (I hope!) Rechargeable batteries like NiCads when under load will give about 1.0-1.1 V, so a 5 cell pack might be ok if SB can handle 5.5 volts without damage. You would have to disconnect to charge. Nicad voltage changes a lot through discharge so it is never a steady voltage. not an ideal solution. Dry cells make 1.5 V. Supposedly SB will run o low voltages, but I don't know if it will start or sound good, still might not be good for it, and then the expense of throwaway batteries. This is a very nice step down regulator for our needs, but I haven't tried it yet. Use it with a big car or deep cycle marine 12V battery like Optima: http://www.linear.com/pc/downloadDocument.do?navId=H0,C1,C1003,C1040,C1055,P10037,D2740 You might find this already made power supply to be an easier project than building your own from scratch: I use one of these with my SB and it is AWESOME, and is pretty cheap at about $40 plus the connector and a box. It's far better regulation than the linear Elpacs. http://power-one.com See model # HB5-3/OVP-A Good luck with your project! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30339 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Slimdevices and NAS devices
Olav Sunde;160274 Wrote: > Check here: http://www.infrant.com/partner/tech.php for one good option. > Rgds The infrant readynas works great. Very reliable. SS GUI not as fast responding as a PC, but still not too slow either. Noisy fan, needs sperate room away from listening area, best on a LAN anyway to make use of other built in server functions. Slimserver updates must be compiled to run on it by infrant before can be used, so you have to wait a few days when a new official release emerges, and there are NO nightly updates. I am very happy with it after 9 months continuous use. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30364 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Room Correction/EQ available for mac users NOW
Great post highd. Thanks! I read the Acourate website, never heard of them before. If it can come close to the Tact preamp I tried, wow! Does it do time domain adjustments to help with room resonance, or just speaker driver alignment? I couldn't understand half the stuff the website is talking about - I know RC sounds good, but I don't know the lingo. Thanks Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30255 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Cable burn-in, does this work?
Mike Anderson;159222 Wrote: > Cable burn-in is critical ... you get a nicely "defrosted" sound. Yeah, but as cables defrost, the resistance rises, dulling the subtle, yet inaudible harmonics above 100kHz. This causes listening fatigue very late at night. I have Bluejeans 1505 interconnects and other wires from them. They are very well made and an incredible value. But when it comes to sound quality though, frozen or thawed, I prefer my anti-ICs. $100/meter, and worth every penny! http://www.anticables.com/anti-ic.html Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30223 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Good entry level speakers
Infinity makes some great speakers for very low price. They are always very well reviewed. Before I got into hifi, I used them throughout my house in different sizes. Now that I have some audiophile speakers, I still find the Infinity designs to be solid and great sounding. They all still get a lot of playtime. Models with CMMD ceramic drivers are excellent. This used to mean the Alpha or Entra series which are now discontinued. If you can find these used, you will not be dissappointed. The larger the better. Newer (largest) models are the Beta 50 ($600/pr)with the great CMMD drivers and the Primus 360 ($400/pr), both have received excellent reviews by many different critics. The Beta is identical to Revel F12, per article in AudioExpress, or was it Sensible SOund? Revel and Infinity are owned by Harmon International and they use the same Infinity developed drivers, while cabinet and crossover maybe slightly different. Anyway Sensible sound still mentions these as best choice for a sub $1000 system. Read the reviews, and try a pair at home. Since they are sold by mass merchandisers, the return policy is always generous. Primus is at Crutchfield and elsewhere, Beta used to be on display at Circuit City, who is still listed as authorized dealer, but they don't have them on the website anymore. You could call a store to see if there are some left. Infinity website lists local dealers and online sellers. For the money, I don't think there is a better option. Spending less on mid fi speakers will allow you to buy truly hifi speakers sooner. There you will want to skip over the hifi pretenders and go for a really great speaker to build your system around. That will take an investment in time and money, but the beta will serve you well until that time. Even with the speakers you have now, you can improve your music listening experience greatly buy learning about acoustics and taking steps to improve the main listening room with acoustic treatment. Read articles at realtraps.com and ETFsoftware.com to get started. Acoustics do more to color the sound your hear than anything in the actual system. Getting the room right first will help you pick the best speakers for the money because you will actually be able to hear what they really sound like and get the most out of them. Anyone who cares about the quality of sound of their music is an audiophile, so you are very welcome here!! Have fun, trust your heart over any critic, reviewer, salesperson or internet forum expert! Pick up some discs that are audiophile quality recordings and listen to them at your local stereo shop to get an idea what is possible. There is a lot of free education available online. Audioholics.com is a good website for beginner audiphiles and for mid-fiers. They have a bias against high end big bucks products, which is healthy. But you do have to pay to play in this hobby, so if your taste goes to perfection, you will be spending money in the high end eventually, it is most definitely worth it! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29736 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Speaker terminal contact cleaner
I couldn't resist: http://www.wd40jobsite.com/secret_detail.cfm?id=1395&c=&q=contact%20cleaner&s=1 Since it is designed to leave a film, of course it is not for hifi use... or is it the next tweak du jour? Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30135 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB3 -getting better with battery power
genoaz;156764 Wrote: > What if you just use four NiMH rechargable batteries, straight in - no > regulators. [EMAIL PROTECTED] volts/2500 mAh. I wonder how that would sound? At 1A+ load, they would sag below 5V even with large cells. Figure 1 V/cell in operation, so 5V batt would be right, but then regulator might be needed when batt is fresh charged. NiCad and NiMH would be quieter than lead acid. They will self discharge much faster than lead acid though. Cells that will provide high current peaks quickly will self discharge more quickly. Optima makes a spiral lead acid battery that has a higher density and discharge than a plate batt. It might be less chemical noise for given discharge rate. Plus it is totally sealed, safer for indoor use. They make a 6V version. LiPO cells are 3.6V nominal, but they hold voltage flatter than the other rechargeables, but safety is more of a concern because they will blow up if overcharged. I wonder if SB will start/run at that low voltage? Rich -- richidoo More Prokofiev... please? richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29633 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Audiophilia as a religion?
georgem;156946 Wrote: > Shouldn't the proponent of a particular tweak have a moral (or even > legal) obligation to provide credible evidence that their product does > makes a diferrence, especially when they charge $1000 per foot? Buyer beware is always preferable to regulation. Slimdevices, modwright, hypex other small businesses making products we adore could not begin if regulation was in place. Regulation does not assure that the buyer is protected. Example: Doctors are regulated, yet malpractice injures millioins of people every year and they get away with it. Pharmaceutical companies suppress old, cheap and simple drugs which work well in order to make room in the market for their new patent meds which don't work as well as old drugs and are far more expensive. In that case the regulators are the mechanism by which the consumers are hoodwinked! An educated consumer is the best regulator, because he will protect himself. A loudmouthed educated consumer (there's always one...) will warn others willing to listen. Those who are unwilling to listen or just don't care will get screwed, unfortunately, just as nature intended. Companies whose mission statement reads, "There's a sucker born every minute." will not survive the internet. I think the religious analogy is a good one! Like any hobby, people find joy in learning about audio. How they learn and the results they acheive determines whether it is a mundane religious or truly spiritual experience. Living by Sam Tellig or trying to make the "perfect system" with the best brands is audio as religion. You are doing what you believe to be generally accepted as true and you want to fit in and be accepted by your audio friends more than you want to hear God in the music. You won't even consider another way, because this is "the best." The more it costs, the better. Keeping an open mind, learning by trial and error, proving it before you buy it, being willing to change if you really hear a difference, reading about electronics, acoustics, music psyche, trying DIY, scouring the forums for an answer is a spiritual quest that gives joy every day instead of only on judgement day when your system is compared to all others and points are awarded. Happy TG! Rich -- richidoo More Prokofiev... please? richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29972 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Moderator, where are you?
I agree with P Floding. Banter unrelated to the thread topic, or tongue-in-cheek teasing is a distraction at best and some people of different generations (younger and older) may not get the joke and they take it face value. That is their problem of course, but then they think less of the forum and participation diminishes, it hurts those who DO get the jokes. Such inspired talent is more appropriately expressed in the nations foremost arena of comic pessimism: http://democraticunderground.com Happy Thanksgiving! Rich -- richidoo More Prokofiev... please? richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29967 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: How to test linear power supply
georgem;156696 Wrote: > ..people readily accept 2000+ year old legends as facts that we will be > celebrating in few weeks.An opportunity to objectively evaluate a > controversial topic under $200 makes a great xmas gift. Hey, 2000 years from now, people will believe that a linear power supply sounds better than wallwart switcher on a Squeezebox too. They might be singing carols about it and giving iron PSUs for gifts. Til then let 'em hear grunge. georgem;156696 Wrote: > Will my system do ? Your hi end system will easily reveal the changes. Use good ICs. George I sent you a PM. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29912 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: How to test linear power supply
opaqueice;156601 Wrote: > Whoa there, hang on if the difference is so subtle a few seconds > can erase it from memory and prevent us from being able to distinguish > it, why should we care about it? I agree, which is why I said that if his system is really good he won't need an experiment to hear the difference. It was not subtle in my system, but many have tried it and said it does nothing, so there are other variables to eliminate. Also I like to encourage passion in this hobby! You'll have to ask John Atkinson why people go to extreme lengths to test devices for comparison. Ask him why people spend extra thousands for such minute differences, and why his very successful magazine is based on that desire. Some people can hear it, some people wanna believe their is better/best. If they did a switch test between their SB and dCS they might be surprised at what they learn! But if you're gonna test, you need a system that will show you the truth by eliminating imagination. -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29912 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter into poweramp?
Mark Lanctot;156668 Wrote: > - had been going on for hours according to neighbours. Yikes! I wonder if his SB was bone stock. Surely Slim got hold of the failed unit for analysis? Should be easy to see what went wrong in hindsight. Well, sh** happens, maybe a surge got it, or his cat. Or maybe the beast is still living in all SBs, lurking, waiting for someone to connect 1000wpc amps to bose cubes. hehe -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29151 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: TP changes with break in
Break in time is the time that it takes for your brain to replace the
old sound with the new sound as its standard. If you switched back to
your old setup after breaking in the new, you would have to adjust to
that all over again, but you would not think of it as break in.
Switching back to the ("already broken in") new stuff again would be an
eye opener, because you already know its broken in, but the sound would
keep improving each day as your mind readjusts to the new environment,
just as it did the first time!
The adjustment process is called homeostasis and it applies to every
function of body and mind, allowing us to adapt to any environment -
slowly.
Warm up does effect the sound, a lot more with tube electronics which
rely on high heat to do their job. As a tube heats up, it has to fill
all heat sinks nearby before it reaches its stable condition, the state
in which the unit was tuned to sound best. Since tube electronics
usually have big step up transformers and steel boxes which suck up
lots of heat until they reach stable temp.
Rich
Happy Birdday in advance!
--
richidoo
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[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter into poweramp?
Transporter is designed to run straight into an amp. The analog noise issues are much improved over SB3. And the built in resistors ar there specifically for this reason. I think I remember Sean saying Transporter has 12 separate power supplies inside or something. Stability and noise should not be a concern, so a preamp is not necessary for attenuation or protection, anymore than you would need one for a DAC or CDP w/VC. The Transporter does use software volume control same as SB, but even in the SB this doesn't make any noticeable change on the sound. The digital outs on either work great with software VC. Only the SB analog outs are a concern and need external attenuation. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29151 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB3 into TacT - how good can it get?
Glad you have found the holy grail in your system, sounds like it was in their all along waiting to get out! When I tested a Tact it had no analog inputs but made that kind of imporvement right off the bat, using a borrowed super high end digital coax cable. Two tongue in cheek comments: 1. Are you sure you didn't just have the Tact in bypass mode all along? hehe 2. You may want to lay off "The Absolute Sound" for a month or two. They might call to hire you with that kind of reviewers prose! Thanks for the very interesting post! Enjoy! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28307 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: My experience with the SB3 wireless
Hey JD, your equipment in your main room is certainly worthy of the upgrade. I bet that room sounds awesome on HT. Quality of in wall speaker wire and crossover linearity may diminish the effect of the upgrade, but maybe you have already covered those bases with good wire and well tweaked bass. Choosing Triad Gold and lossless rips indicates you have good ears so it is likely you will get your money's worth from the PS upgrade. There is no doubt that the linear, high current, high regulation power supply improves the quality of analog signal from SB. Whether your system can reveal it and your ears detect it while playing your choice of music which may or may not reveal changes in sound quality will determine the value of the upgrade for YOU, and everyone is different in those regards, thus the controversy. Try some well recorded symphonic music like beethoven played loudly as a wav file when you compare. It is very revealling of tonality and dynamics. Good luck! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29861 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SqueezeBox Through Receiver Or Not?
The ATI amp is better than the smaller receiver amp, so will sound a little better, especially at higher volumes ad/or larger more complicated music or heavy low frequency music. The power supply and output devices of the ATI are more robust than in the HK receiver. But using the SB's built in volume attenuator instead of a preamp will cause the sound quality to suffer. The reason is that the volume control in the SB is digital, happens before the analog output stage, and has no effect of the analog noise added to the signal after DAC, and inside the SB analog noise is significant due to the plasma display and computer and networking parts. When the SB volume control is at maximum (40), the signal to noise ratio is very good, comparable to most great quality consumer CD players, like stock denon, etc. When you lower the volume in software, the unattenuated analog noise becomes higher in relation to the music and S/N is greatly reduced. A preamp is better at attentuating the signal without reducing S/N than the SB volume control, so a real preamp should be used to control volume in a system which is striving for audiophile sound. You don't have to spend a lot of money either. If your HK has preamp outputs (tape out is close enough if you don't have a pure pre out,) you could use only the preamp section of the receiver to control volume, and send the attenuated signal to the ATI amps after attenuation. Even though the HK preamp stage is not sexy enough for some audiophiles, I'm sure it is good enough for a source like SB and good quality budget amps like the ATIs and your only cost will be an additional set of interconnects. Try bluejeanscable.com for great value on ICs. If you want a better performance preamp, consider building one from plans at ESP. http://sound.westhost.com/index.html, or pickup a mid-fi preamp on Ebay. Maybe an old McIntosh, etc. Depends on the kind of music you listen to and your ears and quality standards whether a higher performance preamp will really be worth it to you. Some people think the preamp is the heart of the system. It can make a big difference in the subtle aspects which become more important as your ears and taste evolve in the hobby. The best way to learn is to trial a good hifi amp from your dealer or by mail order and see if you hear the difference. Some great ones to demo are van alstine, modwright and placette. Or join a local audio club and bring your HK to a meet to see what it does to the host system's sound. If you don't hear a difference, you are a very lucky man and can just sit back and enjoy the music in peace :) Good luck!!! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29859 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter as external DAC - which cable?
There is ample evidence that digital cables do have an impact on sound quality. I have read several articles about it that you can easily find. Sorry I did not save the links. Cheap plastic RCA audio cables do not sound as good as a well shielded cable. Whatever cable best preserves a 75 ohm composite video signal will work best for digital audio. Usually this means more shielding and good metallurgy. BNC is a professional well-shielded connection, so it's not surprising to me that it sounds better! As for the CD player, it is very handy to have when you want to play a new CD or a friend's CD without ripping to computer first. Any cheap CD player's digital output is likely more than adequate source for transporter as DAC. http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/buyingguides/cablebudgetguidelines.php -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28701 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Annoying problem: Slimserver Pausing/Stuttering
Are you using wireless cnnection to SB? Dropouts can sound like that and are unpredictable in frequency. Try using a cable connection temporarily to eliminate the wireless variable. I have 15 foot line of sight wireless connection and it still stutters with 802.1b router playing wav files. cable fixed it of course. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28684 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter balance outputs; some questions
Fifer;141488 Wrote: > I'd still like to know what the maximum practical cable length is? Depending on the devices at each end, very long! 100foot plus is fine with good quality cable, connectors and most important is the design of the devices at each end. Sound reinforcement snake cables can be hundreds of feet long connecting very high end mics and mixing boards with high noise rejection. Proaudio sound reinforcement websites can give you a more scientific answer. I would not worry about 50 feet though. I have several 50 foot runs and total silence when recording in the house and my recording equipment is not SOTA by far. Consider using balanced headphones. I saw this ad in Stereophile this month. http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-headphone-type/balanced-type/ They can modify certain popular headphones into balanced drive too, with cable length listed up to 20 feet, (mod=$400) but you might be able to get longer. Then you could use internal volume control from Transporter? You could also use a pro audio 2 channel mic preamp with headphone output: http://www.presonus.com/mp20.html but might be overkill and not sure about the headphone amp which is not an important feature on this box. Might be some other pro sound options if you look carefully, my quick search didn't find any gold nuggets. You are paying for the balanced amplifier stage which you will not use at all! Or, why not build your own balanced headohone amp, good sound @much less $! Great designs here, with PCBs: http://sound.westhost.com/projects-1a.htm http://sound.westhost.com/project51.htm http://sound.westhost.com/project87.htm I hope you're enjoying the new Transporter. I'm hoping Santa will bring me one. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28111 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: B&K 307/507 vs. Arcam AVR300
The new 350 is supposed to be incredible for audiophile music listening. Try to find some of the forum discussions about it. The 300 got incredible reviews, but the 350 is substantially improved in many ways. In a direct comparison of the two, 350 is a noticeable improvement. It is $2500 new where the 300 is only $2000. Plenty of 300s on audiogon last I looked. Just make sure your speakers don't dip below 4 ohms and you can't lose with the arcam stuff. Some of the best out there, definitely the best receivers available, for sound quality that is :) Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28071 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter on Audioholics
CEDIA review, not in depth. http://www.audioholics.com/cedia/cedia2004/SlimDevicesTransporter.php I just noticed this was posted in July, maybe already seen here, butnot by me! -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28050 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: The PerfectVision
It is a nice lightweight writeup. Good press, targetted perfectly at SB's main audience. That magazine is annoying! I guess they are swinging it towards "a younger generation" now with mp3 players, cellphones, cheap universal remotes, flat panel everything under the sun, digital cameras, etc. There is nothing perfect about the vision of a cellphone. Their customer service dept is no picnic to deal with either, I learned from first hand experience as a subscriber trying to get my money's worth out of them. Steer clear! Why pay anyway when you can read it free here: http://avguide.com/the-perfect-vision Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=27923 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Does an amp need a preamp?
Receiver is a good way to go for convenience, price, features and in some cases, believe it or not, sound quality. One of the best sounding receivers in the world is the Arcam AVR-300 ($2000)and new AVR-350 ($2500). The 300 has been out for a while, can be had used for lot less. They have real power supplies and great high end design engineering. Every review and forum comment I have ever read ranked them very high in audio quality,even in direct comparison to high end seperates. The internal DACs, preamp components, and power devices are all excellent high end parts. It is worth a listen before you plunge into the insane world $eperate$. I am trying to decide to go seperate or go back to receiver. After having a nice integrated tube preamp and finding the limits of its performance I am learning that the music itself is so much more important to me, rather spend money on music than audio gear. -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=27685 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Squeezebox Class D!
Stereophile has awarded the SB a class D performance in the Digital Processors category, along with Apple Airport Express and Echo PC sound card. There is no lower classification than D, but class D is higher than no award at all! In the rating's summary paragraph JA faulted the analog section's performance for the class D rating. His review mentioned the stock power supply as a potential liability in analog performance. While never intended to be a high end source component, SB has made its way into the audio mainstream and cracks the door open for the Transporter to hit this year, with plenty of time for reviews and consideration for next year's Recommended Components. Congratulations to Slim Devices for receiving their first Stereophile Recommended Components Award! -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=27452 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: A photo of your Squeezebox setup (please)
A poll associated with this post was created, to vote and see the results, please visit http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19817 Question: Should there be a new forum for photos? - yes - no - maybe Glad to see another SLI-80 fan on the forum! I think it is a great match for the SB. My pictures coming. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19817 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Anyone care to take a guess as to how much one may have to spend on a pre-amp to impr
TiredLegs;136458 Wrote: > In my own testing, the SB3's analog output is significantly worse than > digital out through two different DACs I've tried. So, based on your > statement, it would seem to me that SB3 digital -> external DAC -> amp > should produce the best sound quality. The SB analog stage sounds very good at full volume. Reducing SB volume reveals the noise that has been there all along, but does not reduce the quality of the music. Regardless of noise level, the music is still not being colored by an external preamp, just as it is not using an external DAC with a VC. -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=27275 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter questions
Sorry I caught this cool thread a little late... Way back when, like a year or more ago, we discussed the volume control algorithm and decided it was up to par and had no bad effect on the 16 bit output. I assume similar or better software will be used in Transporter volume control, so the digital volume control is not an issue. The real problem in using the SB direct to amp is the analog stage is noisy, and the analog noise is not attentuated with the digital volume control. I am assuming, maybe to my peril, that one of the reasons for making the Transporter is to improve the analog output stage over that of SB, and thus eliminate the need for external DAC for many high end users. The Transporter's traditional rack form and sophisticated power supply scheme should help it be quieter, along with balanced outs and talk of better analog stage design in itself. Adding internal analog attenuators will help S/N for direct to amp connection but quieting the analog stage to that of a true high end component will be the real benefit of the Transporter for me, as I am already very happy with SB performance except for the noise which precludes direct to amp connection. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=27158 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Expensive Digital Coax
Yup, blue jeans is the place. Fast delivery, incredible performance, especially for the price. They have a good article about digital cables, if I remembner right... Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=26052 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB3 into Power Amp - Suggestions?
I had the same dream, until I tried it... :( I learned that I needed some kind of signal attenuation between my SB and the power amps I was using. S/N of the SB goes to hell if you use the digital volume control to reduce volume. I tried it, it was not good with NuForce 9SE, not that they are very good either, but they did amplify a lot of noise from SB to a very noticeable degree when I have the digital volume turned down to listenable levels. The SB volume control controls DSP reduction of the amplitude of the waveform before it hits the DAC. So the music gets reduced in volume, but the analog noise from plasma display and whatever else is noisy in there is not reduced with the volume control and is easy to hear through a powerful amp when music is turned down and noise remains loud. Use the SB like a CD player, full volume straight into a preamp for volume control for the best sound. The Transporter has some presets to attenuate the analog output cleanly, so full volume on that wil not be too loud for your amps. But you will have to disable those when you do want full volume. Plus its analog output stage will be very quiet, so S/N will stay higher with DSP volume reduction. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=26241 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: RightMark Audio Analysis compares quality of all 3 SqueezeBox audio outputs
In the 2nd to last paragraph you mention more noise in right channel than left. That is due to interference from the built in plasma display. Turning this to OFF, at least during play is helpful. -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=26176 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Amplifier power article
Another gem from Gene DellaSala, this time about power supplies and audio amplifier power ratings. http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/amplifiers/ACDTEST.php -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=26028 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter missing the boat.
It would be nice to have a composite video output on the SB and TP that displays data formatted exactly the same as the onboard plasma display. SB4 maybe? Also been wondering if a software plugin for slimserver could be written to send some version of the SB display from slim server out to PC video display. It may not respond as quickly as SB display, but better than nothing if SB composite video out is not possible. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=25800 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Attenuation
If you have a power amp with a lot of gain, you need external attentuation to preserve S/N ratio. Without it, you will definitely hear noise when SB volume is turned down and SB analog stage noise (of which their is a lot) is still blasting at full crank. SB should be cranked to 40 whenever sound quality matters. It is still handy to be able to turn it down over the web though! Don't forget your interconect impedence when adding passive attenuation after the SB. It should be low as possible and cable short as possible to avoid cutting off highs -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=25792 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: ELAC ps with 240 V
Power One HB5-3/OVP-A single output, 5V, 3A $36.50 from digikey. It is easy to rewire it for 240V input. The wiring legend is printed right on the metal frame. If you can solder you can easily set it up for 240VAC. You might find the manual on power one website with the details. http://dkc3.digikey.com/PDF/T062/1726.pdf It is open frame, so needs a box and connectors. Somebody on the forum is selling them all wired and ready to go. Good Luck Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=25681 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: I need a DAC !
The only reason I am suggesting this is because you said you are new to SB, and it is a well-worn subject around here:) Consider upgrading your power supply before you get a new DAC. It is cheaper than a new DAC and "may" improve the SB analog and digital outputs. It made a world of difference for me using only analog outs. I have compared it to Tact preamp's DAC using coax with good digital cable in bypass mode, and it was to my ears identical sound. Somebody on this forum is selling nice homemade ones. Good Luck and welcome to the forum! Be sure to check out some of the internet radio stations. The sound sucks, but the programming is great on some of the "stations." Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=25690 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: What is the best NAS Solution?
I have a ReadyNAS NV and I am very happy with it. It is a good unit, very robust and reliable. You have read all the good points on their website. So the only bad points I have noticed are that it has loud fan noise which never shuts off, so you cannot put it in your listening area, gotta LAN it somewhere else. If you like getting nightly upgrades from slim, you cannot do that with ReadyNAS. You have to wait until slim makes an official upgrade release, then infrant will compile that into a Raidiator Add-In upgrade. I waited a long time to get all the bug fixes that came with slimserver 6.2.2. But infrant had it available within a couple days. When 6.3 came out, I asked for the upgrade twice before I saw it on their support page, took more than a month. The speed of the NAS webserver is adequate, but not as fast as running locally on a P4 PC. It might take you 3-4 seconds longer than a PC to pick a song or adjust the volume using NAS instead of PC as slimserver host. Also, after a power outage, NAS loses its DCHP license from external (Linksys) DHCP server, so my link to slimserver changes. I guess it doesn't know enough to ask DHCP for the same address like windows client does. This is easily solved with a UPS, which is a good idea anyway, or maybe using the internal DHCP server in the NAS, I haven't used it yet. Overall I think it is worth the money, I got it with one 250GB drive for ~$1000. The applications that come with it are very useful and well developed, backup, ftp, http, dhcp servers, etc. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=25727 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: The best setting for the SB3, and slim server for Audio Quality only!
SOWK Wrote: > And if I play my music, its slows down the music to half pace while in > play back, very strange. > SOWK I havce similar experience, some wavs playback at double speed. I thought it was weird, but just ignored, it thinking it couldn't be SB. Now I wonder! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24926 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Check your hearing
Dear Abby, High freq hearing can be helped a lot by keeping the ears clean. They make more wax the older you get. After a few years of not cleaning, the wax hardens and gets stuck in there. Wax reduces hearing sensitivity, especially highs. The body makes wax to protect the ear canal from debris and infection, the amount is based on the environment. Everyone's environment (including food and job) differs greatly so people have different amount of wax forming. Of course your doctor can clean them for $100 and a 2 week wait, or you can do it yourself. Get a red baby syringe bulb from any drug store, or online. Run a hot soapy tub, immerse your ears for 15-20 minutes. Sit up and drain them occasionally to get new hot water and new soap in there. Fill up the bulb with water and get all the air bubbles out by squeezing it with tip pointed up underwater. Put the tip into your ear but DO NOT SEAL IT OFF, DO NOT PRESSURIZE THE EAR CANAL! Just aim it at the ear canal from 1/8 inch away, and squeeze the bulb squirting the water in there. The stream remains in laminar flow and will enter the canal and do the cleaning without direct contact or pressurizing the canal. If it hurts, stop and go slower. If it doesn't do anything, squeeze faster. After one or two tries, a big black chunk of wax will pop out and you will have better hearing. http://www.med-worldwide.com/product1235.html $1.63 is the cheapest high-end audio upgrade available!! A doctor uses the same method, using a big metal water squirting syringe and is much less gentle than you are to yourself. Ear cleaning drops that come in the little kit are just glycerin (vegetable fat soap) which softens the wax so you don't have to take a bath. The bath works better because gets it all out at once. The little blue ear bulb is just for rinsing the soap and it cannot blast out the wax like the big red one. Try one ear at a time to hear the difference! If you think you don't have ear wax, you will most likely be very surprised! Your brain adapts to the slow changes over time so you think you can still hear just fine. Sometimes the wax will make the ear canal itchy but not after it dries out over the years. Sincerely, Disgusting -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24693 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: An audiophile forum without an Audiophile SB!!! Let's define our needs!
ScottMayo Wrote: > And yes, a bigger display would be nifty. Imagine a wall-mounted > SuperBox, with a display, say, 18"x18", capable of being read across a > room, putting up titles, lyrics, and medium resolution album art. And, > of course, the browse menus. (Yes, I know - expensive.) A composite video output of the scroll or rendered video still from SS would be fine to send to a TV, using cheap parts. Plugin that lets SS play CDs from a shared CD-ROM bay without ripping first. Adding linear power supply and using good interconnects on analog outs is enough to make my stock SB sound as good as any high end CDP or external DAC I have tried so far. Speakers and amplification are still the major influence on audio quality. If you think improving SB by 1% (i2s, or better internal DAC) will give you a big effect, you are wrong, it can only be very slight because the SB is already close to any other high end digital source that is reasonably priced. Improving amplification and speakers will give you a lot more benefit, as will room external correction. But those aren't cheap. -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24732 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: High freq noise from analog out?
Sean I agree with your point about S/N, and for that, SB volume must be maxed. I had read so many comments about using the SB direct to amp before I bought it that it had become a belief, one that is now refuted. I got spiced because I thought you were referring to the danger of putting unattenuated SB output into the full gain amp. To me that is not as much of an issue as the S/N. Thanks for your insight. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24445 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB/Tact/NuForce
Skunk, right on about the remote. Phil, I will try the GV software today. The Tact is digital input only. I am using it as preamp with SB volume cranked. So far, I have not been able to tweek the Tact to sound as transparent as SB connected analog straight to the amp. If GV is easier to use, that will help experimenting with target curves. Thanks -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24366 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: High freq noise from analog out?
Banzai, Sean, Interesting discussion! Thank you! My experience is that I normally use SB as traditional source (vol=40) into an integrated amp with volume control. Amp's volume control further enhances apparent S/N by attenuating the noise with the signal and I never noticed the noise before. I am now sampling a set of full gain monoblocks, and like you, and like many people on this audiophile forum, I run the analog outs directly into the amps, because preamps that I can afford always screw with the signal. My speakers can take 1812 Overture's cannon shots at full SB volume with the NuForce amps, it is loud, yes, but I smile quite a bit, though I do stand about 20 feet back. Anyway, with the more powerful amps amplifying the noise component at full gain, and the software volume control only attenuating the music, the S/N is low enough to hear the noise playing in the quiet passages of music, or just steadily whining in the background like an old TV when there is no music playing at all. Squeezebox has been designed to be a high-end component, and when John Atkinson proclaims it officially ordained into the high end in July Stereophile, Sean and everyone at Slim will be glad it is used as a combination source/preamp and such performance available for $300 garners them a class A gear designation. Adding a Preamp that is in the same price class as the SB just ruins the sound. I have yet to hear a complaint that the SB attenuation failed causing speaker damage like I have recently read about T-amp and other high end low price wannabes. Has SB ever returned under warrantee for such a repair to the volume control circuitry, and does it even have a separate failure mode when music would continue to play at runaway volume level? I though volume is written into the digital word, is it possible to somehow skip that step and still hear music or any signal that would put a dangerous voltage to the analog outputs? I am glad to hear that changing the display brightness will help, that is an excellent tip! I think I would be pretty ticked if I sent SB in and lost a week of listening time and the replacement came back with the same flaw. I have always thought it would really be cool if the SQB had a RCA composite video output for viewing the display on a TV just for the weak vision crowd like me, and now maybe adding defeatable plasma display to composite video would solve this whine too. Great responses, guys Thanks so much! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24445 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB/Tact/NuForce
Phil, I hope your wife is back by now, and I hope the cats are still pissed :) I have the Tact still here in the house, been playing with it to get used to it, see if it is really for me. No doubt it improves the clarity, and I smile big when I hit the preset. But it seems to add some kind of psycho mind tricks which make me feel a little weird when I am listening to it. I feel like I have to concentrate on the music just a little bit more in order to get into it, it is not as easy-going pure soulconnection as straight to the amp. In bypass mode I can hear the preamp "being there" in line, it definitely has a sound. Highs are not as crystalline in bypass or running a preset as straight into my tube amp, or even straight into the NuForce9SEs. The dealer originally setup one of those target curves included with the software, which rolls the highs down by -10 at 20k, and I knew that didn't sound right, so I ran some new cals today, with same kind of target, but I bumped up the highs to be co-linear with the mids, just ran it straight out to 20k, slight slant down to the right. The bass has a 2-3dB bump. I found this to be pleasant to listen to, but nowhere near as impactful and exciting as the pure FLAT curve! That program really sounded good. It still has the weird psych feel though, like I am listening through someone elses ears or something. Maybe I should be buzzed when I use this thing? Maybe it is like new glases, It takes a little while for the brain to adjust to the new (artificial) environment. I am more excited about it now that I have found a target that I think actually sounds good. Have any of you Tact guys ever tried flat? I guess to each his own, given equipment, room differences.. Thanks Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24366 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Looking to buy an intergrated amp and I need help
I got a Cary SLI-80 on AUdiogon for 1600. I upgraded the tubes for $300. I have had a lot of visiting amps come show their stuff in my room with a wide price range. Nothing touches the SLI-80. It is liquid love. I play it in ultra linear mode, which gives a measured 70watts per channel. Bass is almost as tight as NuForce Reference 9SE, but the rest of the freq range kills the Nuforce. Nothing can touch the mids and highs with ribbon tweeters. Not even other tube amps. I don't think there is a better musical amp for less than 2000. I listen to large symphonic stuff with big bass drums and big brass, as well as big band, jazz combo, and R&B. I do not listen to hard rock, but that is usually easier to reproduce than classical symphonic dynamics. I play it into efficient full range speakers, Legacy Focus Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24396 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] High freq noise from analog out?
I have a 8-10kHz whine coming from SB right channel analog output, confirmed by swapping and experimenting with other components. I have entered a bug fix for it, maybe it is just something broken and not a bug. But for curiosity.. Does anyone have similar high pitched whining noise coming from one or both channels of their SB 2/3? It is most easy to hear with SB connected directly to a high powered separate amplifier while SB is muted. The noise level does not change with software volume control, but music level does. I noticed it while trying the NuForce amps. I never noticed it before with the integrated amp where I use the amp volume control and keep SB S/N maxed with its volume control set to 40. Thanks, Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24445 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB/Tact/NuForce
rbl Wrote: > If the frequency response deviates by 10db (an absolute minimum in most > setups), then a 100W amp would have to have an output of 1000W at that > -10db point, and I'd hate to think how the speakers would react. So can > it really flatten the frequency response and still give a sensible > listening volume? No frequencies get boosted, all frequencies are cut to match a target curve. We placed the target curve (drag and drop) onto the freq/amplitude chart of the measured room response so that all freq plots are above the target curve. Then Tact adjusts all volumes downward by some amount to result in the target curve. The weird thing is that it seemed like the corrected sound was much louder (2dB?)than the bypass mode with no correction. The dealer explained that when all the freqs are clearly audible after correction, it seems louder, and indeed at the point of correction (microphone location) it is louder because SPL reducing negative nodes are removed, but total energy in the room is not changed and same power is coming out of the amp, just optimized in EQ to match room thus much more efficient use of power and higher level. It seemed louder no matter where we stood in the large room because the long wavelength bass tones were corrected too. Comparing the sonic character of corrected and bypass requires boosting gain of bypass mode to match the corrected. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24366 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] SB/Tact/NuForce
t all this music is actually coming off the CD but I had never heard it despite a very good but still low end "high end" stereo system. Now I figure out how to keep this demo gear! I recommend you try to hear a Tact preamp or some other brand of room correction. You will be forever spoiled for plain stereo. Even most of Denon's cheap receivers have Auddessey room correction now, and Kalman Rubinson and even my Tact dealer said the Denon stuff does work very well, and their internal DACs are especially good on the higher priced units like 4806. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=24366 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB mod on not mod, what to expect vs CD player?
I feel that SB3 with a linear power supply, played through a full range (30-30k or better) very dynamic speaker/amp combo is hard to beat. You won't hear the benefits of the PS upgrade unless your system is transparent and dynamic enough to allow the greater dynamic range of the upgrade to show through. But this is the audiophile forum, and so some of us do actually have systems sensitive enough to reveal a large improvement by canning the stock wart for a 5V/3A linear PS. If you have a mid-fi rig like a good receiver, the improvement you will hear will be in the smoothness and more natural sound on acoustic instruments. The dynamics and ultra lows will not be evident and so that diminishes the value of the upgrade for some people. It doesn't mean that the upgrade is not improving the quality of the input signal though. SB is vastly better than my $250 Samsung universal player on CDs, but the Samsung does sound pretty darn good on SACDs. I can only imagine what a decent SACD player is like. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23948 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SqueezePower final design Power supply
Patrick is charging a very fair price. I considered assembling these and priced out the cost per unit. HB3 is the way to go, no doubt, it works great! I am way too lazy for that kinda thing nowadays, but I came up with about $110 cost with a box less attractive than Patrick's choice. Add in labor and profit, and $175 looks like a great deal. Good Luck Patrick! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23227 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Active speakers for a large room to replace Quads
Nuforce Reference9SE power amps are very small and sound incredible. Martin Logan Voyage in-wall speakers are the best sounding in walls in the world, impressive to every high end reviewer that has ever written about them. You will see 2 attractive, curvy paint colored rectangles on the wall, and the SQB on the table. The amps are so small and need no special ventilation they can go in a small drawer. I would like to hear that system! SQB will tune in radio stations, although the sound quality of internet radio sucks. Another speaker choice is BG inwalls. They have large ribbon transducers and will compete favorably with the accuracy of your 63s. There is a significant world of high end speakers out there which are as enjoyable as your quads, believe it or not. The 989s sound pretty darn good, but still choke on big music, like stan kenton big band, organ or orchestral bass drum, even with 400 watts of tubes on each side as I heard them. Midrange and bass will never have the balls of a high end dynamic speaker. The 63s will not even play low notes on Tuba, they are just silent! With a good ribbon tweeter and/or midrange driver like Legacy or BG you will not miss the mid/high accuracy or your quads. Imaging is the quads strongest suit, nothing with driver mass will image that well. Sounds like a fun project, good luck!! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23172 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Welborne Labs linear power supply
Observed with what? You need a MHz (ms) fast scope to clearly see current during low frequency transients. Compare directly to the stock wallwart on the same scope. A handheld digital multimeter will not reveal the differences. -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23179 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Is a 1.5 amp linear PS really too wimpy for a SB2
I have Power One 3A supply and it instantly made a very noticeable improvement in every aspect of the sound of my system, lows to highs, dynamics and tonal quality. I got the PS for free, so I have no bias about the improvement. Without a case, the PS is very ugly lying on the table next to the beautiful and talented SB3, so I would have ditched it immediately if there was not a very noticeable improvement. Standard electronic engineering practice is to size a power supply as important as that in a line level hifi audio preamp with 3 times the expected current capacity. Any current measuring instrument with less resolution than human ears or at least able to accurately record 1ms peaks is not suitable for characterizing a low level audiophile grade preamp power supply. Your playback system should be moderately to extremely transparent (sensitive to slightest component changes) before you start worrying about SB power supply. The stock PS is good enough for the typical 80wpc receiver with Bose/Infinity/Polk speakers, which I imagine is the target audience for the $300 SB. If you send a hot 30Hz signal to such a receiver, you will get very little back on the speaker terminals, and the speakers will reduce that by many times again. Same with a typical circuit city silk dome tweeter. It won't make a violin sound sweet with the best tube amp in the world behind it. This is an expensive hobby, but worth every penny if you really love fine music! Still cheaper than photography!! The flame war about power supply upgrades exists because not everyone is listening through systems with the same high degree of transparency. High sensitivity, natural sounding full frequency speakers and audiophile quality pre/power amplification along with good audio cabling will easily reveal the improvements in signal with upgraded power supply. It is night and day, and very exciting to hear how such a cheap upgrade makes such a big difference. Anybody who wants to sell a good audiophile product to a large and growing market of SQB owners should consider packaging a Power One linear PS in a simple attractive box. Happy listening! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23193 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Linear Power Supply DIY Weekend Project
Nice project, crooner. I have a linear frame PS too, one given to me by a friend years ago. The biggest difference in sound that I noticed was in the bass, that it was more powerful, more dynamic, not as compressed as the stock wart. I can imagine a couple scenarios of how it could affect bass, but I am just guessing. Could the stock switching PS have trouble delivering current fast enough to accurately amplify large cycles which demand longer sustained current than higher freqs? It has very low power reserves and no magnetics to draw on through transients. I don't think the switching noise, if any, would have much effect on dynamics, maybe just on tone smoothness. I also noticed better dynamics and smoother tone in mids, and just smoother and clearer highs. To me the differnce was night and day. Switching the PS in and out was a definite improvement with the linear. Like you I need a box. I have mine sitting on a piece of cardboard on the threaded studs of the PS. You did a nice job on the assembly. Metal working is not as easy as it seems! I have read that wood boxes are suitable for audio projects, I may try that, with plenty of ventilation, and leaving the three aluminum sides of the frame exposed to air. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=21505 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Denon AVR-4806 with modified Squeeze Box???
Pale Blue Ego Wrote: > Don't you realize that by using the higher-bandwidth WAV files, you are > putting added stress on the ethernet, dulling the highs and veiling the > critical midrange? Hi Pale Blue, Wired 10Mbps ethernet (slowest type, and what I use) doesn't even breath hard streaming stereo wav. The SQB buffers the incoming data from the slimserver so that even when you shut down your slimserver, the SQB keeps playing normally for 20-30 seconds. When the ethernet network is low on speed, as with wireless with low signal strength, the buffer does often run dry, and you get dropouts of silence, not any kind of altered sound quality as subtle as you describe. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=21333 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Denon AVR-4806 with modified Squeeze Box???
mwphoto Wrote: > If you are in a position to repeat a blind AB test and succeed in > telling the difference between FLAC and WAV it would be interesting to > hear the results. Especially as such a situation is almost guaranteed > to get SlimDevices staff interested enough to want to fix up the SQB so > it doesn't happen. > Malcolm Malcolm, Thanks for the very informative explanation of flac. I believe that I can hear the difference between the formats. My system is very transparent and my ears are pretty well trained being a musician for 30 years. I will attempt to create a test using a few different well recorded sources, and ask my wife to run the remote to select the files at random. I will name them with random names so she will not know either. I do not want to give the impression that I care whether I can hear the difference, as I said prior, I listen to flac myself because it sounds excellent. My only point was that flac is discernable from wav and that it is plausible that this should be true. The degree to which a difference is audible is naturally very small, since only slight variance of hardware is the only variable. When I first started to try flac, I was curious whether it was really as good as people claimed. I did AB by myself, on a recent digital recording comparing a soft passage of music containing instruments with very distinct harmonic signatures, like accordion, percussion bells, etc. I sensed that I enjoyed the wav sound better, that I could hear more warmth, or hear deeper into the sound than with the flac. I am very interested and open minded to see whether I imagined the differences or not since it has been about 6 weeks since then, and I have upgraded my amplifier with better tubes since then. I tend to think that comparing recordings that are less than excellent would not reveal any difference. I will not have an opportunity to do a blind test until this coming Thursday or Friday when my wife can assist. I will post as new topic. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=21333 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Denon AVR-4806 with modified Squeeze Box???
mamsterla Wrote: > FLACs are not lossy compressed. They ARE WAV files with a lossless > algorithm. Flac is not wav, it is flac. My comments in this thread were referring to flac's sound quality as it comes out of the SQB, not the theoretical performance on paper or the good intentions of the flac inventor which I'm sure are without fault. But don't forget the layer of hardware and software added between the flac file and your ears which is not present with wav. Flac is far more dependent on the quality of these resources than wav is, and so is more sensitive to the playback equipment than wav. SQB can play both, so a comparison is easy to perform and is valid since all other system components remain equal. The difference in audio quality between wav and flac formats as played by SQB3 is definitely audible if both the listening equipment and the listener's expectations are sufficiently transparent. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=21333 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Power supply
With the SQB priced at 300, you are in lower mid fi range for an audio only source. The strongest selling point to non-audiophiles being easy access to music collection, other software features and network related benefits. Buyers in that category are the ones keeping Slim afloat and thriving. Typically, their price range will not afford amplification and speakers/cables which allows the listener to hear the difference between the stock wart and a nice tranny PS. The biggest gains I heard in upgrading PS were clarity and purity of highs and increased cleaner dynamics in bass. Small or cheap or both speakers will not reveal these differences. Thats why there is a separate Audiophile section in this forum, and for those that can hear the difference, it is very noticeable, and it is a cheap upgrade relative to the performance gain, IMO. -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=21357 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Denon AVR-4806 with modified Squeeze Box???
DUDE~! I am so jealous of you! What a great receiver. Im sure you have read the reviews in Stereophile last couple of months, column is "In the Round." He is very favorable as are all the honest reviews of Denon's big guns. I would hope you would take a minute to report how you like the sound from an audiophile perspective. Might have to let 'er break in a bit huh? Anyway, I play my SQB through an extremely revealing preamp/amp and speakers, so I hear every minute tweek. Upgrading the power supply from the stock unit was the biggest improvement in sound I have heard in my system for a long time. That includes swapping input tubes to NOS goodies. It is obvious and very worthwhile. It is cheap for the amount of improvement. I had a cheapo CDP before, so I was happy the SQB could sound so great with tweeked PS. If you can build your own, look at my post from few weeks ago. If you want plug and play, there are a lot of posts here about upgrade wall warts. You will not be disappointed. After PS upgrade, be sure you have good connector to Rx, even if you are using optical Toslink, get a good one. All digital cables are NOT the same. Reviews consistently report that upgrade digital cables, optical or coax sound better than The Shack's. I would spend some serious time with new PS and otherwise stock SQB before you send it off for surgery. You will probably find that it sounds pretty damn good as is. I have compared mine to $1000 CDPs and found it in the same ballpark. Adcom 850 DVD player was a little nicer, but it costs $1000, Quad CDP nice, not as smooth or dynamic as SQB, when ripped with EAC. Make sure you analyze it with recordings that demand incredible fidelity and always listen critically to WAV files, not mp3, flac or any other compressed format. My imagination CAN hear the difference. I like to use Chicago SYmphony's recording of Holst The Planets, it has a little of everything. Another good one is Maria Schneider Concert in the Garden. Very subtle delicate textures simultaneous to rich power big band chords. Nice music. Great stereo recording. Enjoy your new toy! I might be just behind you in that 4806 line. Waiting to see how they mod the 5805 to handle new HDMI 1080p stuff. My speakers can take bi-amped 5805 into 4 ohms. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=21333 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: audible snaps
Sorry, I fell off the edge of the world again. The snaps ceased when the weather got a little warmer and some rain came through. I have not upgraded in some time. Same power supply, same files, no snaps. It seems to have just been during that very dry period. Incidently, I stated humidity was ~30%, actually it was ~20% during that time. Humidity is now ~30% and no snaps. This reading is very accurate because it is taken directly from the LCD readout of my $60 thermostat from Home Depot, with +/- 10% resolution. If static really was the cause, perhaps next cold snap we could look for which component is building/holding a charge. Not sure how to go about that search. Seems it would have to be after DAC to sound like a real "static discharge snap?" If it were static affecting digital stream it would not sound so realistically "static." -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=21294 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] audible snaps
Eminent Audiophiles, I have been having perfect performance from SQB for two months since new, but tonight I noticed some very short ticks coming out of the speakers, different pan location each time. They are like vinyl noise, but happen only once every 5 minutes or so, random intervals, full frequency sound, it is like a 1ms snap. Happens on both wav and flac files, I've listened to them before, there are no ticks on the files. Rewinding to replay same passage gives no tick. 2 different CDs, same thing. Seems like playback equipment static electricity issue. It is cold dry (<30% humidity) weather hear in NC, and I get a good static shock when I touch the amp chassis, but that doesn't cause an amplified snap sound in the speakers like I am hearing randomly even when I am sitting 10 feet from the system. I use a Cary integrated tube amp plugged straight into the wall on dedicated 20A circuit, which has confirmed good ground and is dead quiet other than the snap. SQB is using external upgrade linear PS with 3 prong plug into good grounded 15 amp outlet on surge strip. No problems with the new PS for the 2 weeks previous since I installed it. Any advice, comments, guesses, wise cracks, etc. are appreciated. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=21294 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Power supply upgrade
Kurt Wrote: > Plus it looks really cool! ;-) Make no mistake, I did not infer that it looks good.. It looks like crap unless you hide it in a case, or if you (or your wife) is a electronic geek and can appreciate the beauty of exposed circuitry. See attached pic of my setup with the PS. It is open frame, so it is a PC board with a 3 sided alum box acting as heat sink. The other 3 sides of the box are open to the wind and any stray conductors like fingers that may get to close and make sparks fly! WAHOO!! I did it twice yesterday measuring it to fit a box before I realized my tape measure was shorting something on the PC board at the edge of the heat sink. It carried on with no problem. Yikes! Variable inputs are not auto sensing, you have to wire mains to the appropriate transformer inputs for the input voltage. Default wiring is for US 120V input. The problem with tweeking your system to a level where power supplies make an obvious difference is that many well-loved older recordings just don't live up to the potential of the system. You can suddenly hear deficiencies in the microphones and recorders as well as recording technique on the older stuff. I find I am buying a lot of new music to get a modern digital recording of stuff I listened to on LP, cassette and CD for years. Of course the older performances are often better than the new, but thankfully there is still lots of good music being made in all styles. I do wish Leonard Bernstein was just now at the peak of his career and was being recorded with modern equipment. Charlie Parker too for that matter!! Food for another thread maybe... Rich +---+ |Filename: DSC_4106.jpg | |Download: http://forums.slimdevices.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=883| +---+ -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=20844 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Power supply upgrade
The Power One HB5-3 accepts input voltage from 85 to 280V. Voltage regulation is +/-0.05%, or 2.5mv for 5V output. Ripple is listed as <5mv, or 0.1%. Looks like with PS, unpretty alum box, connectors, assorted parts should cost about 75-80 bucks. Do non-US electronic products have power inlets with removeable power cord connectors? Is that an international standard? Is that called EIC connector or something like that?? You know like on the back of computers. -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=20844 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Power supply upgrade
Skunk Wrote: > Is it's construction documented more in detail anywhere you could link > to? Thanks, Skunk! The PS I am using is Power One model HTAA-16W-A. It is an open frame unit that is designed for benchtop electronics work as it has 3 different voltage taps. They make one with a single 5V tap and 3A current that I think would be perfect for SQB, and sonics should be as good or better than the one I am using. It costs about $40, DigiKey #179-2035-ND. It is just raw PS, no case, input or output cables. I am thinking about putting together a kit around this unit that would allow solder-free audiophiles to enjoy the benefits of a great sounding upgrade without the hassle of gathering parts and working them into a usable lump. I have not heard the Elpac wall wart upgrade recommended often, but I would have to imagine that as a wallwart it is not a precision power supply with ripple less than 1% and continuous current of 3A. Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=20844 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Power supply upgrade
Audiophile forum, Thanks for the tip to upgrade power supply from stock. I knew something wasn't quite right with SQB since it didn't really pop as everyone here said it should. So I swapped in a 16 watt linear PS that I had lying around. I can't believe the difference. I am playing wavs, ripped from CD using EAC. The dynamics, clarity, timing, everything is literally doubled in improvement with the bigger PS. It is simultaneously more delicate and refined while having much bigger and ballsier power in mid and bass. It is not subtle at all. You don't need golden ears to hear the difference and it is so cheap to upgrade. The SQB3 plus a good PS upgrade has superior performance to $1000+ dedicated CD players. I have not listened to players that cost more than that, but it is better than any at dealers that I have tested at home with my system before buying SQB. I am so happy with my decision to buy SQB instead of stand alone CDP. Anyone interested in getting the best sound from their system should upgrade the SQB power supply before you make any other tweeks to your system. Mine is a full blown stand alone powersupply with a large tranny, and large caps and regulation circuitry that hold it at 5V no matter the load, up to a full 2amps continuous. This is what accurate dynamics require - CURRENT. It even has remote sense to monitor voltage at the device, but I have not used that. Thanks again! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=20844 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Hosfelt Power Supply
Horizons I just soldered a connector to my new power supply (see separate thread) this morning. I used Switchcraft part #760. http://www.switchcraft.com/products/jack-146.html Available from Mouser, part #502-760 for 2.38. It is very high quality part and fits perfectly. I manufactured an item using this part. It was a very difficult application, dust, moisture, high current, physical abuse. I sold over 2000 of them with never one problem. I gave a lifetime guarantee. Yes, I know it is just a plug, but the metallurgy prevents corrosion and the solder tabs are large, it is designed for high current, up to 5A. The handle is screw on, with plenty of room inside for amateur soldering style. Avoid junk Chinese made parts from Radio shack. They are not designed to pass current above 100ma. Hot (red) goes to the center pin, on the 760 plug that is the short solder tab. Use your voltmeter, set to DC to check the polarity after you are done soldering. Stick the red probe into the hole in the end of the plug and then touch the black probe to the sleeve of the plug. You should get 5 volts POSITIVE. If there is a negative sign in front of the 5, you are wired backwards. Do this test on the stock power supply to learn what it should look like if you don't understand my story. Enjoy your new power supply. If is anything like mine, ohmygod what a difference. All the trouble is worth it. You will double the performance easily. Good Luck, Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=20829 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SPDIF - 16 or 24 bit?
digital stream coming from slimserver with an 8 bit coefficient containing volume control setting, to make data going into the SB DAC a 24 bit sample with volume information embedded which DAC understands. It is pure digital, and the analog of the original 16 bit music word is produced by DAC without losing anything to the signal purity. At very low volume settings there is some slight degradation, but at SB volume control levels above -35dB (#12 or #16?), the loss is inaudible. Connecting direct to your power amp would only apply if you were going to use the SB digital volume control. Then your external pre-amp or ext. passive volume control would not be necessary because the analog output signal voltage would be "attenuated" digitally by the SB DAC itself. This is the optimum way to use SB, because then you eliminate the cables and distortion inherent with passive VC or preamp and interconnect cables. I hope you are not offended if I reiterated something you already know. It can be hard to learn some of these concepts, so sometimes simple is better. The subtleties make it a fun hobby, always more to learn! Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19697 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SPDIF - 16 or 24 bit?
DitherMan Wrote: > I'm now using that mode on 2 SB3s to feed one 16 and one 24 bit DAC. The > 16 bit DAC feeds an analogue preamp for volume, the 24 bit DAC upsamples > to 192 kHz, has its own volume control and its output goes straight to > active speakers. What is your 24bit DAC with volume control? Thanks Rich -- richidoo richidoo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3097 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19697 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
