[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
Thanks, guys for sharing your ideas! I'm going to implement many valuable suggestions including simultaneous power on/off for the SB3/amp. Will post pics and details soon. @ezkcdude - My integrated amp/dac concept doesn't exclusively work with SB3's but its built-in dac along with the power supply option could be considered an upgrade for audiophiles desiring better sound quality from IPods and their SB3. Other digital sources such as dvd players certainly benefit, too. I'm essentially packaging a nice-sounding dac (internally shielded in its own box) with dedicated psu, pre- and poweramp. No need for expensive standalone components and interconnects. Shortest signal path. Plus you get SB3 linear power outputs straight from your amp. You "mod" your SB3 without opening the box and risking warranties. Total retail price might be in the $1200 range (you get a high-end dac, power amplifier + SB3 linear supply) DAC module is upgradable and I plan to offer a 5 year warranty. Maybe I can also offer a lower-powered version for less. USB and iPod connectivity are nice add-ons that were not so costly to implement so I decided against limiting the flexibility of my design. Regards, Dave -- AudioLaboratories AudioLaboratories's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5416 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
JJZolx Wrote: > I'm not a fan of VU meters. Although it wouldn't be a deal breaker, I > just don't find unnecessary eye candy to be at all appealing. > > Also, I don't own an iPod and maybe never will, so the addition of a > docking station just means added complexity and expense. > > USB input is also unnecessary if I'm using a Squeezebox as the source, > but if you'd like the DAC to appeal to users without Squeezeboxes, I > suppose it makes sense. > > I don't have a need for a phono input, but then again I see this sort > of product as a convenient amp/dac for a secondary system, not as > something to replace dacs and amps in the main rig. I pretty much echo these thoughts, plus the remote/remote power. Since I only use the SB for a music source, afaic the simpler the better. -- joncourage SlimServer Version: 6.5b1 - 6939 - Windows XP - EN - cp1252 Player Firmware Version: 41 SB3 > Audio Note DAC 3.1x Sig > Levinson 383 integrated > Amphion Argons joncourage's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2837 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
I don't really understand this concept. How specifically can a DAC or any component be specifically made for the SqueezeBox? Is this just a case of really targeted marketing? Now, if you can isolate the I2S lines on my SqueezeBox, and therefore, bypass the usual SPDIF receiver (i.e. CS8416, etc.) and connect directly to the DAC chip, that would be something interesting. As for specific components, I am designing a DAC for my SqueezeBox, too! It will have CS8416->AD1896 (upsampled to 96 kHz) ->PCM1794. I'll let you all know when it's done, but I can guarantee I won't be selling them. In fact, when I'm done with the schematics I will post them in the DIY section. -- ezkcdude SB3->Derek Shek TDA1543/CS8412 NOS DAC->MIT Terminator 2 interconnects->Endler Audio 24-step Attenuators (RCA-direct)->Parasound Halo A23 125W/ch amplifier->Speltz anti-cables->DIY 2-ways + Dayton Titanic 10" subwoofer He's not hi-fi, he's my stereo. ezkcdude's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2545 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
Beyond controlling a cruise missile, there is no amount of electronics that can possibly be worth $7,000 in absolute terms... -- Phil Leigh Phil Leigh's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=85 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
yes Pat - you are right...to regain that "Dansette" moment, you need to spend the gdp of a small country :o) -- Phil Leigh Phil Leigh's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=85 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
Phil Leigh wrote: > Yeah - I'd lose the phono input as these days if you need vinyl you'll > probably want to invest in a proper phono stage... Audiophiles who are into vinyl these days are really into it. I have a hard time seeing someone wanting a turntable and not insisting on a dedicated preamp if not a dedicated phono preamp costing thousands. Manley makes a 'steelhead' preamp for phono cartridges that is well regarded by the audiophile press. I think it is $7000. -- Pat http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimserver/slimsoftware.html ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
Yeah - I'd lose the phono input as these days if you need vinyl you'll probably want to invest in a proper phono stage... -- Phil Leigh Phil Leigh's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=85 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
I'm not a fan of VU meters. Although it wouldn't be a deal breaker, I just don't find unnecessary eye candy to be at all appealing. Also, I don't own an iPod and maybe never will, so the addition of a docking station just means added complexity and expense. USB input is also unnecessary if I'm using a Squeezebox as the source, but if you'd like the DAC to appeal to users without Squeezeboxes, I suppose it makes sense. I don't have a need for a phono input, but then again I see this sort of product a convenient amp/dac for a secondary system, not as something to replace dacs and amps in the main rig. -- JJZolx Jim JJZolx's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
Sounds cool - do you have any intentions regarding a means of turning it on and off automatically - maybe by the remote or an audio signal level switch? I like my SBs to be able to bring the amps out of standby. A direct wired IR signal interface might offer some interesting options and save the need to dangle an unslightly emitter over the front. Chris -- lostboy lostboy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=125 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
Hi Jim, JJZolx Wrote: > - You say it's an integrated amp. So, analog volume control knob and a > remote. Yes, volume control would be in the analog domain (digitally controlled precision resistor network with rotary encoder) A basic remote would be part of the package. JJZolx Wrote: > - Multiple source inputs, besides the USB and iPod. Would be nice for > either adding a tuner or perhaps audio out from a small video system, > such as in a bedroom setup. Yes, I currently have 2 high-level analog inputs in my prototype and 3 more selectable digital inputs (coax,toslink,usb/ipod). Anyone interested in phono (perhaps as an option?) - Form factor: Compact is nice, but be sure a Squeezebox2 can sit on top of it. Ok, not a problem. - Styling: Keep it simple, with a nice brushed aluminum faceplate. As for the finish, I was thinking of aluminium with faceplates either gold/chrome glossy + analog VU meter and blue leds. - Power button/switch. Should turn off both the amp and the Squeezebox. Excellent! Will work on implementing this suggestion. Explain more about the iPod input. Is this a docking arrangement, or some kind of front stereo mini-jack? It's basically a docking station that allows recharging the iPod and playing back your music. I might implement a master clock input/output or even battery power for the dac in a higher-end version so long as the retail price remains reasonable enough. It would be a factory-direct deal, no dealers or middlemen. As soon as I have pics of the finished prototype, I'll post them along with full details. Regards, Dave -- AudioLaboratories AudioLaboratories's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5416 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
AudioLaboratories Wrote: > I'm working on an integrated amplifier/dac specifically > for audiophile SB3 owners that will be available soon. > It would be nice to receive your feedback as to what > particular features you would (possibly) appreciate. > Some preliminary details: > > - 90W/channel integrated switching amplifiers > - built-in 24-bit/192kHz Wolfson DAC > - decicated psu sections for preamp/power amp/dac > - external SB3 supply output (supply SB3 directly from amp) > - USB and iPod inputs > - nice appearance, compact > > Price tba - but on the very reasonable side... > Please let me know your thoughts. - You say it's an integrated amp. So, analog volume control knob and a remote. - Multiple source inputs, besides the USB and iPod. Would be nice for either adding a tuner or perhaps audio out from a small video system, such as in a bedroom setup. - Form factor: Compact is nice, but be sure a Squeezebox2 can sit on top of it. - Styling: Keep it simple, with a nice brushed aluminum faceplate. - Power button/switch. Should turn off both the amp and the Squeezebox. Explain more about the iPod input. Is this a docking arrangement, or some kind of front stereo mini-jack? -- JJZolx Jim JJZolx's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
seriously, an external master clock input for the DAC would be good news... -- Phil Leigh Phil Leigh's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=85 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
It must have a nice blue LED. -- Phil Leigh Phil Leigh's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=85 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amplifier for Squeezebox
See my post on DACs, but basically something that is warm and detailed in the mid/upper mid range with good bass control, timiing and stereo sound stage. But then I guess that's what everyone wants...(sigh) -- adrianh1960 adrianh1960's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5421 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23756 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
