Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
rhyno138;300850 Wrote: > > > Does anyone have good advice on how to safely remove the caps so that > the solder pads don't come up with them? > > many thx > rhyno Fry's carries Quik Chip - it worked well for me. http://www.chipquikinc.com/ \http://shop4.frys.com/product/2644632 (Says sold out online so check a store). Regards, Km -- krochat -- Acourate -> Inguz DSP -> SB3 -> GW Labs DSP (96kHz upsampler) -> Apogee Big Ben -> TacT RCS 2.2X -> 2x TacT S2150 -> Vandersteen 3a Signature + TacT W210 krochat's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6579 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
rhyno138 wrote: > does anyone have good advice on how to safely remove the caps so that > the solder pads don't come up with them? You are trying to hack surface mount stuff? Did you not see the giant "thar be dragons" warning? Of course real men can fix the solder pads. :-) ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
i saw in the original mod that one is to replace the original caps w/ a 4.7uf, 50v and simply wire from there to the RCA outputs. here's the rub: when i tried to remove the stock caps (shown in green circles of the pic), i throw the solder pads they're attached to. its like the pads pull off the board when i try to pull the caps out, which makes it impossible to solder anything back onto the board where the original caps mounted. (i really fouled my first when i threw the traces on the board as well). does anyone have good advice on how to safely remove the caps so that the solder pads don't come up with them? many thx rhyno +---+ |Filename: SB3 board.jpg| |Download: http://forums.slimdevices.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5066| +---+ -- rhyno138 rhyno138's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=11948 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
mswlogo;197846 Wrote: > Why didn't you use a 75ohm thin coax from the BNC connector connected > upstream. Given all the noise floating around the inside of the SB3, I was more interested in using twisting pair to insure that any noise couples equally and hopefully gets removed by the common mode rejection of the DAC input. But it's not guarantted that I'm right so if you're interested in using 75 ohm coax from the transformer to the spdif jack then give it a try and let us know what you think. ---Gary -- GaryB GaryB's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3169 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
GaryB, Why didn't you use a 75ohm thin coax from the BNC connector connected upstream. Seems to me that would have been obvious todo if you bothered to change the connector. It would have been shielded as well as impedance match. -- mswlogo mswlogo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9090 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Club1820;194167 Wrote: > As I am not tech savvy and won't be spending major bucks for an upgrade > or the transporter - the only upgrade for me would be to replace the > wallwart. Does this really improve the sound? - even if its minimal > compared to all the other mods mentioned here and in comparison to the > supplied wallwart? I found a nice regulated 5v 2.4amp linear PS at: www.hosfelt.com. To find it on their system, using their search function search for: "5 VDC @ 2.4 Amp Regulated, Filtered and Grounded". You'll find item number 56-931 for $9.95. But you'll have to change the connector to fit the SB3. I have a box of old wall-warts and found a plug that fit and replaced the factory plug from the hosfelt.com power supply. Did I notice a difference? Not at all. Zero difference. I did get an external Dac and this has made a massive improvement. -- creativepart - Great Guitar Websites: www.telecaster.com | www.strat-talk.com | www.gibson-talk.com creativepart's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10822 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
you're welcome. Removing the caps is easier than it looks. They each have a couple of solder tags that are easily attacked with a soldering iron. Try not to hang around though, if things get too hot there is a chance that surrounding pcb tracks may lift. -- parrydave *modded squeezebox 3/arcam cd92t/arcam a85/arcam avr300 dynaudio contour 1.3mkii/dynaudio focus 200c/mk k-4/rel q150 pioneer pdp-507xd/sky+/harmony 525* parrydave's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6079 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
parrydave;194125 Wrote: > Looking over my notes, those are the caps I had listed for removal. Let > us know how you get on. > > cheers > Dave Thank you for you confirmation, Dave. What trick did you use to remove those caps? It doesn't look so easy. -- ssb ssb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=11107 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Club1820;194182 Wrote: > Bob, thanks for the quick reply. > > So is the item I posted a link to what I need and what the original > poster of this thread stated as Mod #1?. Replace the wallwart. > > I have my squeezebox connected to my Rotel 1068 Pre/Pro which then > feeds to a Rotel 1095 amp. Its connected via coaxial. So, correct me > if I am wrong - but through this connection, isnt the DAC in the Rotel > Pre/Pro being utilized instead of the Squeezebox's? Thus no need for > an external DAC? ??? > > Thanks for your help and responses. Yes, if you are using the digital coax output then you are using the DAC in the Rotel. For an inexpensive linear power supply, check out this thread. http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31971) -- jeffmeh jeffmeh's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3986 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Bob, thanks for the quick reply. So is the item I posted a link to what I need and what the original poster of this thread stated as Mod #1?. Replace the wallwart. I have my squeezebox connected to my Rotel 1068 Pre/Pro which then feeds to a Rotel 1095 amp. Its connected via coaxial. So, correct me if I am wrong - but through this connection, isnt the DAC in the Rotel Pre/Pro being utilized instead of the Squeezebox's? Thus no need for an external DAC? ??? Thanks for your help and responses. -- Club1820 Club1820's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10999 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Some folks have reported nice improvements with a better external power supply, others haven't noticed any change at all. Someone posted a theory here that whether you hear an improvement is dependent upon the rest of your system - the stock switching power supply apparently emits a lot of high frequency noise, which some systems are sensative to. I know I didn't notice much change in my system when I went with an improved power supply. Where I did notice a big improvement is when I began using an external DAC. This is your best bet, especially if you don't know what you're doing in swapping parts inside the SB3. I've done lots of parts swapping in other gear, but decided to not mess with the internals of my SB3 and just get an external DAC, myself. I got the Pacific Valve modified DAC 60 (www.pacificvalve.us), and am very happy with it - they carry quite a few other, less expensive Chinese made DACs (some below $200) if you're trying to keep costs down. -- bobschneider bobschneider's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10074 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Ok. I hope that you guys dont mind me posting this question. As I am a new owner of a squeezebox and love it so far. But also one who is always looking for a better sound. Just like you guys. As I am not tech savvy and won't be spending major bucks for an upgrade or the transporter - the only upgrade for me would be to replace the wallwart. Does this really improve the sound? - even if its minimal compared to all the other mods mentioned here and in comparison to the supplied wallwart? Is this what I should use? http://www.electronicpartsforless.com/storefrontprofiles/processfeed.aspx?sfid=100806&i=51622665&mpid=36&dfid=1 Its a 5 volt regulated 1 amp power adapter. Is this what I should get? I saw on another page, someone suggested a 5 volt regulated 1.5 amp - but I can't find one of those anywhere. Would 1 amp suffice? Do they have these at Radio Shack - checked their webpage and can't find it there. OK - Thanks for all your help and hope you dont mind the simple questions from a fellow squeezebox lover! -- Club1820 Club1820's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10999 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Looking over my notes, those are the caps I had listed for removal. Let us know how you get on. cheers Dave -- parrydave *modded squeezebox 3/arcam cd92t/arcam a85/arcam avr300 dynaudio contour 1.3mkii/dynaudio focus 200c/mk k-4/rel q150 pioneer pdp-507xd/sky+/harmony 525* parrydave's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6079 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Could someone please help me confirm the caps to be removed for the SB3 analog mod are C16 & C20? Thanks Skunk for providing the original high quality pix. :) +---+ |Filename: cb.jpg | |Download: http://forums.slimdevices.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2682| +---+ -- ssb ssb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=11107 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
I used Sonicap Platinum 0.1uF as bypass. Any bigger and you may struggle to fit it inside an SB3. Danny from GR Research agreed this would do the job when I ordered. The blackgate was as suggested by GaryB, 4.7uF N. I don't have any pictures, but basically I mounted the Sonicaps where I could, then just wired the small BGs across them. So yes, just wire the leads of the caps together. I read around a little and there seems to be common practice on how to wire these things up (non-polar so not sure why) With BG caps, the short lead should go to the input signal, i.e. DAC and with Sonicaps the Long lead goes to the DAC. I did all the modding in one go, so can't comment on the improvement that the Sonicaps bring over just using the BGs. But overall it sounds very nice. Hope that helps -- parrydave *modded squeezebox 3/arcam cd92t/arcam a85/arcam avr300 dynaudio contour 1.3mkii/dynaudio focus 200c/mk k-4/rel q150 pioneer pdp-507xd/sky+/harmony 525* parrydave's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6079 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Hey i was wondering what value sonicap u used? and how do you bypass? just wire the lead together of booth caps? thanx parrydave;185952 Wrote: > Hi, > > I've recently modded my SB3 analogue output as per GaryB's original > post. Whipped out the opamp, upgraded the DAC to KE version and couple > directly to RCAs from DAC with Blackgate/Sonicap platinum bypass. It > sounds great. Big improvement over stock (thanks to GaryB for info), > but I want to push things further. > > I replaced the external 5V with a DIY supply based on LT1086adj with FC > caps etc. But so far, I haven't done anything with the internal power > supply. I had planned on upgrading internal DAC supply caps, but am > keen to get the DAC off the display derived supply. > > Should I be looking at rerouting both the 3.3V and 5V Dac supply? The > 5V Dac supply is most critical right? could this feed directly from the > external supply or will I introduce all kinds of mush into the mix? I > can't fit a superReg inside the SB3. Also is there an option to get > the 3.3V feed from the linear reg for the headphone amp? This is > supplied directly from the external 5V. > > Any thoughts appreciated. -- tsingle999 tsingle999's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10215 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
parrydave;186570 Wrote: > thats fine about the superReg board. I wasn't sure where you were. It's available still, so I can send it to you if you'd like. Just send me a private message w/ your address. I still have the padded envelope and it's marked 1.46 pounds sterling shipping cost from the trip here- so no problem at all. > So the DAC Vdd shares it reg with "wireless/IO/logic". It is not > derived from the 14V line, and is not cascaded from the 5V Vcc reg as > shown on the dac datasheet. > Thanks for helping me understand that. I noticed the 14 pin TI chip below the 5V reg gets power through C40, and feeds what I assume is the headphone section. Is this where they are talking about feeding the 3.3 linear reg from? Maybe once you get your super reg board we should start a thread in the DIY forum about building them and the ways to use them. -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
thats fine about the superReg board. I wasn't sure where you were. The 3.3Vdd is the digital side of the DAC. My understanding is that the only change from SB2->SB3 was that the regulator in question was changed from a switcher to linear reg. So exactly as shown in that diagram (http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=20977.msg185744#msg185744), except the first reg is now linear. So the DAC Vdd shares it reg with "wireless/IO/logic". It is not derived from the 14V line, and is not cascaded from the 5V Vcc reg as shown on the dac datasheet. Not sure how critical Vdd is, but definite room for improvement. -- parrydave *modded squeezebox 3/arcam cd92t/arcam a85/arcam avr300 dynaudio contour 1.3mkii/dynaudio focus 200c/mk k-4/rel q150 pioneer pdp-507xd/sky+/harmony 525* parrydave's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6079 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
parrydave;186517 Wrote: > > Sorry, I missed your kind offer of the SuperReg board. If you still > have it, i could definitely put it to good use. I'm in UK though. I'm afraid that would mostly just be doing the postal service a favor, by shipping it back across. I only got 4, and plan to use three on Sb- so will have to leave the offer open to Gary or someone else in the US I'm afraid. They are reasonably priced though: http://www.at-view.co.uk/alwsr.htm > > I found something interesting over on AudioCircle.com about the origins > of 3.3Vdd for SB2... > > "Apparently, the 3.3Vdd for the DAC is not coming from a separate > regulator off the 14Vdc rails, but is coming off the switching > regulator (the 1st regulator shown in the above diagram) which is also > powering a slew of other stuff. Moving it to the linear regulator > powering the headphone amp, assuming it is of sufficient quality and > quantity, might be a good idea." > There were some changes I asked sean about in the second post that I linked to earlier, to which he responded seanadams Wrote: > > As far as the power supply changes from SB2 to SB3, this was a design > optimization where a integrated dual switching IC for 1v2/3v3 supply > was replaced with a 1v2 switcher and a 3v3 linear reg for the digital > sections. It does not affect the analog rails. But I'm not sure if Vdd is considered analog or digital. For what it's worth, you should take anything I say about so and so being connected w/ a grain of salt, if I haven't already demonstrated a lack of experience :) -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Skunk, Sorry, I missed your kind offer of the SuperReg board. If you still have it, i could definitely put it to good use. I'm in UK though. Good job confirming U5=Vcc and U8=Vdd. As you say though, it'd be nice to see where they get their feeds. I remember an old post where Sean reported an improvement with analogue output when powering the SB2 DAC with superRegs. Unfortunately, the details are no longer available on seanadams.com. It would have been interesting to see how he did it. -- parrydave *modded squeezebox 3/arcam cd92t/arcam a85/arcam avr300 dynaudio contour 1.3mkii/dynaudio focus 200c/mk k-4/rel q150 pioneer pdp-507xd/sky+/harmony 525* parrydave's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6079 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
parrydave;186397 Wrote: > Maybe U8 is the 3.3V reg and is fed from U5 as in the DAC datasheet > application notes. Although U6 looks better positioned for pin 5 > (3.3V). Need to look at the board properly. Thanks for looking into this further, and I'm glad you found the schematic. Let me know if you'd like any more pics/measurements, because I'll have mine apart for awhile. I think U6 is for the 2041 opamp, and I do get a reading on the meter connecting the two. I can also get a reading from U5 to Vcc, and U8 to Vdd- but haven't figured out U5 to U8. Also, the big ass cap is the filter from the display power (IIRC), but I'm still not sure exactly where 12-14V could be routed in, to avoid messing w/ the surface mount regs alltogether. -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
GaryB;186354 Wrote: > Well it has been a long time since I poked around inside my SB3 but the > way you figure these things out is to check the chip datasheets and > then visually trace the wiring on the circuit board. Using a > multimeter to verify things are wired up the way one expects is > critical. You do this by measuring resistance with the SB3 turned off. > Thanks a lot Gary, the offer of a free alw superreg +board is open to you as well, since dave must not've wanted it (:P). As soon as I had the multimeter in hand I realized the probes were far too big not to short things out, so I let it sit overnight before mucking around. I'm not positive, but it looks like the output for the regulator goes to a trace on a different layer. > Then you have a few options in terms of how to wire in new Vdd and Vcc > supplies. Easiest is to just remove the existing regulators and use > the pads for those regulators as the entry points for the new power > supplies. My main concern right now is whether replacing Vcc would get Vdd off the switcher as well, using a single superReg at U5. That brought up the question of whether they need to be on the same rail for startup reasons, which may be a silly question for all I know. I would rather use a second super regulator for the spdif out. I seem to remember reading a comment by sean about a chip in the clocking circuit that was easy to superregulate by lifting a pin and decoupling, so that may be my next project :-) -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Thanks for your input GaryB. Regarding the regulators... In the photo, the only bits that look like regulators are U5, U6 and U8. I found a post from Sean Adams (link below) which identifies the 5V and 9V regs as Texas Instruments UA78L05ACPK and UA78L09ACPK. Looking at the datasheet for these, the "PK" package looks a lot like U5 and U6 on your photo. Also, I can just about see what might be a "5" written on U5, and "9" on U6. U8 looks to have "L33" or something written on it and is possibly linked to U5 - hard to tell on photo. My guess would be that U8 is the 3.3V reg and is fed from U5 as in the DAC datasheet application notes. Also, referring to an old schematic of the DAC section from Sean (link below), the power supplies each have 100nF, 10uF and 220uF filter caps. So C7 and C9 are something to do with it too. http://forums.slimdevices.com/showpost.php?p=43522&postcount=10 http://forums.slimdevices.com/showpost.php?p=141404&postcount=5 -- parrydave *modded squeezebox 3/arcam cd92t/arcam a85/arcam avr300 dynaudio contour 1.3mkii/dynaudio focus 200c/mk k-4/rel q150 pioneer pdp-507xd/sky+/harmony 525* parrydave's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6079 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Skunk;186232 Wrote: > > What would be helpful to me is if you/someone could define the > theoretical connection points in the following pic, especially in terms > of how Vcc,Vdd are powered together/separately (don't they need to see > their voltages in sequence- i.e. from a rail?). > Well it has been a long time since I poked around inside my SB3 but the way you figure these things out is to check the chip datasheets and then visually trace the wiring on the circuit board. Using a multimeter to verify things are wired up the way one expects is critical. You do this by measuring resistance with the SB3 turned off. Looking at the DAC datasheet you learn that Vcc (5v) is pin 6 on the PCM1748 and Vdd (3.3v)is pin 5. From your photograph, you can see that the power supply caps for Vcc are C11 and C16 and the power supply caps for Vdd are C10 and C6. You now need to trace back from those caps and figure out which regulators are supplying Vcc and Vdd. Then you have a few options in terms of how to wire in new Vdd and Vcc supplies. Easiest is to just remove the existing regulators and use the pads for those regulators as the entry points for the new power supplies. Hope this makes sense. ---Gary -- GaryB GaryB's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3169 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Good question. But I'm afraid I don't know either. Some definitive input on where to attack the DAC supplies would be very useful. Anyone? A possible alternative to SuperReg for me would be try a TentLabs Shunt regulator, which at only 15 x 38 x 8mm might just fit inside the SB3 case. Don't know much about them, but Guido Tent seems to know what he is doing! http://tentlabs.com/Products/Components/Shuntcomp/index.html This would then be a direct replacement for the 5Vcc. The 3.3Vdd would be unaltered, but is probably far less critical. -- parrydave *modded squeezebox 3/arcam cd92t/arcam a85/arcam avr300 dynaudio contour 1.3mkii/dynaudio focus 200c/mk k-4/rel q150 pioneer pdp-507xd/sky+/harmony 525* parrydave's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6079 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
parrydave;186172 Wrote: > > However, if I use an external SuperReg to give 5Vcc, it would make > sense to also derive the 3.3Vdd as per the app note and power the DAC > completely off-board. > > Sounds relatively straightforward. Just depends on where to attack the > Dac supplies. Also, would need to think about pickup with extended > supply wires and make sure grounding is done properly (re: note). I have an extra ALW super reg board if you're interested (NC), but it's around 2x4 inches unpopulated. >From what I've gathered you wouldn't want to use an external super reg for Vcc though, due to interference (as you mentioned). What would be helpful to me is if you/someone could define the theoretical connection points in the following pic, especially in terms of how Vcc,Vdd are powered together/separately (don't they need to see their voltages in sequence- i.e. from a rail?). Would the best way to find the possible 12V external linear connection point be simply using a multimeter? Thanks in advance. +---+ |Filename: cb.jpg | |Download: http://forums.slimdevices.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2511| +---+ -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Hi Skunk, Some good stuff there. Having read the links it makes a lot more sense, but I am far from expert in such matters! First, my comment about no internal SuperReg was based only on the fact that I don't want to rehouse the SB3. If I can make one fit, ofcourse that would then be the favourite option. Otherwise I can locate one outside the box, but very near. Sean seems to be saying that the pecking order for SuperReg treatment should be DAC:5Vcc, then OpAmp 9V, then DAC3.3Vdd. For me (OpAmp removed) this suggests that inserting a SuperReg into the 5Vcc line will give me most of the available benefits. However, if I use an external SuperReg to give 5Vcc, it would make sense to also derive the 3.3Vdd as per the app note and power the DAC completely off-board. Sounds relatively straightforward. Just depends on where to attack the Dac supplies. Also, would need to think about pickup with extended supply wires and make sure grounding is done properly (re: note). -- parrydave *modded squeezebox 3/arcam cd92t/arcam a85/arcam avr300 dynaudio contour 1.3mkii/dynaudio focus 200c/mk k-4/rel q150 pioneer pdp-507xd/sky+/harmony 525* parrydave's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6079 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Skunk;186084 Wrote: > I suppose you could check the circuit that the 3.3V follows, and figure > you'll be OK with an external feed to the 5V only. > Sorry, I forgot/didn't realize you said no super regulator. Here are a couple posts that may help in considering where to feed the local superReg vs. an external linear or battery. http://forums.slimdevices.com/showpost.php?p=164554&postcount=44 http://forums.slimdevices.com/showpost.php?p=162206&postcount=19 -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
parrydave;185952 Wrote: > > Should I be looking at rerouting both the 3.3V and 5V Dac supply? The > 5V Dac supply is most critical right? could this feed directly from the > external supply or will I introduce all kinds of mush into the mix? I > can't fit a superReg inside the SB3. Also is there an option to get > the 3.3V feed from the linear reg for the headphone amp? This is > supplied directly from the external 5V. > > Any thoughts appreciated. Hopefully someone who has direct experience will chime in, but.. The idea is to have a 5V supply going to the DAC that is separate from the internal switching supplies. The app note* recommends deriving the 3.3V digital input to the DAC from a linear reg fed by the 5V input. I suppose you could check the circuit that the 3.3V follows, and figure you'll be OK with an external feed to the 5V only. I have read about the headphone supply being routed to the clock, if I'm not mistaken, so that might be an option. Seems like a lot of work just to upgrade the 3.3V DAC linear reg, that's fed by a super reg. though. http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/pcm1748.pdf (fig. 28,29,30) -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Hi, I've recently modded my SB3 analogue output as per GaryB's original post. Whipped out the opamp, upgraded the DAC to KE version and couple directly to RCAs from DAC with Blackgate/Sonicap platinum bypass. It sounds great. Big improvement over stock (thanks to GaryB for info), but I want to push things further. I replaced the external 5V with a DIY supply based on LT1086adj with FC caps etc. But so far, I haven't done anything with the internal power supply. I had planned on upgrading internal DAC supply caps, but am keen to get the DAC off the display derived supply. Should I be looking at rerouting both the 3.3V and 5V Dac supply? The 5V Dac supply is most critical right? could this feed directly from the external supply or will I introduce all kinds of mush into the mix? I can't fit a superReg inside the SB3. Also is there an option to get the 3.3V feed from the linear reg for the headphone amp? This is supplied directly from the external 5V. Any thoughts appreciated. -- parrydave *modded squeezebox 3/arcam cd92t/arcam a85/arcam avr300 dynaudio contour 1.3mkii/dynaudio focus 200c/mk k-4/rel q150 pioneer pdp-507xd/sky+/harmony 525* parrydave's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6079 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
dorkus;185817 Wrote: > yes, that would be the proper way, but i was lazy and in a rush, and my > friend has a really bad ground loop problem in his old apartment > building so he would have lifted it anyway. although i did account for > this somewhat... chassis ground is tied to circuit ground through 100 > ohms in parallel with 0.1uF. > > i tested continuity on both halves of the case, and there is sufficient > conductivity (via the tapped screws) that separately tying grounds is > not necessary. Well I must say it looks really nice, and not nearly as prone to arcing the mains with the loose half of the case as some of the others posted (including my own). I probably won't mess with power supplies anymore unless I build one using those blue CB mount encapsulated torroids (like in Transporter), and regulate them locally on a reboxed Sb3. I have some super regulators, but have not decided on trying to get those close to the circuit or just using an upgraded SMD regulator, with the super regulator at the 5V external input (which is what I gathered ALW himself did from one of his later postings, but could be wrong). Getting the internal DAC off the display feed would be nice though. Lots of work, but it's fun I suppose, and not something you can just buy off the shelf* (save for SB+ and possibly Bolder but not sure what he does internally to the PS). *EDIT: oops, almost forgot- transporter is off-the-shelf, and has these features :-) -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Skunk;185815 Wrote: > Shouldn't that top lug on the PEM be connected to a part of the case > where you have sanded down to bare metal? Also, in a two part enclosure > both halves should be connected to the safety ground IIRC. [i don't have > a reference and am not a tech] yes, that would be the proper way, but i was lazy and in a rush, and my friend has a really bad ground loop problem in his old apartment building so he would have lifted it anyway. although i did account for this somewhat... chassis ground is tied to circuit ground through 100 ohms in parallel with 0.1uF. i tested continuity on both halves of the case, and there is sufficient conductivity (via the tapped screws) that separately tying grounds is not necessary. -- dorkus dorkus's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3373 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
dorkus;185809 Wrote: > > some more pics, not very good quality but a few different angles: > > http://marc.picbee.net/c/marc/gallery-show/GLqp5QIDNTEU Shouldn't that top lug on the PEM be connected to a part of the case where you have sanded down to bare metal? Also, in a two part enclosure both halves should be connected to the safety ground IIRC. [i don't have a reference and am not a tech] -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Anne;185805 Wrote: > Wow, nice, how much for one ? 230 volts please the actual parts cost isn't so bad, i'd guess well under $100 not including PCB fabrication... but the labor is a serious PITA. i briefly toyed with the idea of doing a group parts buy and making kits at a reasonable price, but after all the time and energy expended making just one i don't think it's happening... :( getting married in the fall so not much time for these pet projects! some more pics, not very good quality but a few different angles: http://marc.picbee.net/c/marc/gallery-show/GLqp5QIDNTEU -- dorkus dorkus's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3373 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
dorkus;185755 Wrote: > finally finished up my SB power supply for a friend... other than one > silly mishap (mixing up the pinout on the regulator IC), everything > came out ok. i didn't have time to do extensive measurements or > listening tests but he seems happy with it. > > some construction details: Corcom line input filter, 35VA toroid, > Fairchild Stealth soft-recovery rectifiers, 10,000uF Cornell Dubilier > filter cap, LM350T regulator, other caps are Wima MKT, Pana FM and > KEMET organic electrolytic. all critical resistors are SMT metal film. > majority of components were sourced from Digikey and Allied > Electronics, aluminum case was bought on eBay from a reseller in Hong > Kong. captive DC power cable is Canare GS6 instrument cable, about 18" > long. PCB etched at home. > > [image: http://quickpic.us/img/12/ps.jpg] Wow, nice, how much for one ? 230 volts please -- Anne Anne's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10071 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
finally finished up my SB power supply for a friend... other than one silly mishap (mixing up the pinout on the regulator IC), everything came out ok. i didn't have time to do extensive measurements or listening tests but he seems happy with it. some construction details: Corcom line input filter, 35VA toroid, Fairchild Stealth soft-recovery rectifiers, 10,000uF Cornell Dubilier filter cap, LM350T regulator, other caps are Wima MKT, Pana FM and KEMET organic electrolytic. all critical resistors are SMT metal film. majority of components were sourced from Digikey and Allied Electronics, aluminum case was bought on eBay from a reseller in Hong Kong. captive DC power cable is Canare GS6 instrument cable, about 18" long. PCB etched at home. [image: http://quickpic.us/img/12/ps.jpg] -- dorkus dorkus's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3373 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Modifying the Squeezebox 3
I'm trying to get together a minium order to buy these transformers from Scientic Conversion. I need three. I expect the price will be again around $20 (unless the order size is more than 50 ;->) If interested let me know by Wed noon. -- Jitterbug Jitterbug's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4955 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
