"Cheap" replacement power supply for Squeezebox2

Bob F. · « **Reply #80 on:** 6 Dec 2005, 08:25 pm »

Quote

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=211060

Thanks to all for the informative thread. It's all over my head and I'm looking for an off-the-shelf solution.

Would the above PS be an appropriate upgrade for an unmodded SB#3?

tinear99 · « **Reply #81 on:** 6 Dec 2005, 08:46 pm »

shouldn't it be 1.5a??

mgalusha · « **Reply #82 on:** 6 Dec 2005, 09:35 pm »

Quote from: tinear99

shouldn't it be 1.5a??

Supposedly the SB2/3 draws 1A of current. I haven't measured it myself but that is what I've heard. 'Course I've also heard 1.5A and the back of the SB says 5V/2A, so hopefully someone who has measured it will speak up.

Davey · « **Reply #83 on:** 6 Dec 2005, 10:19 pm »

It draws about 750mA. That's for my wired version. I would think the wireless version might be a little more.

Cheers,

Davey.

Bob F. · « **Reply #84 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 03:42 pm »

Thanks for all the repllies, but I'm still confused. Will this PS work for me?

mgalusha · « **Reply #85 on:** 7 Dec 2005, 04:07 pm »

Quote from: Bob F.

Thanks for all the repllies, but I'm still confused. Will this PS work for me?

Bob,

It should. I ordered one for a friend and it shipped yesterday via priority mail, so hopefully it will arrive in a couple of days and I can say for certain. I'll post once it arrives and let you know for sure.

It is the right voltage and current and it looks to have the correct plug.

mgalusha · « **Reply #86 on:** 30 Dec 2005, 02:59 am »

Follow up on the PS from Jameco. The plug has a 2mm center opening and has to be replaced for use on a SB2/3. It otherwise worked fine and was, to my ears, an improvement on the stock switcher.

Carlman · « **Reply #87 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 01:36 am »

From what I've gathered through this thread and others:
1- The 1.5A 5V supplies work fine on the SB2 but the SB3 need 2A
2- The Hosfelt is no longer available and probably wouldn't work because of the above.

So, is there any cheap options like this for the SB3 users? (5VDC 2A Linear supplies with wires already attached)

Thanks,
Carl

samplesj · « **Reply #88 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 01:55 am »

Quote from: Carlman

From what I've gathered through this thread and others:
1- The 1.5A 5V supplies work fine on the SB2 but the SB3 need 2A

I'm not sure it really needs 2amps.

I started with a SB2 and an Elpac 1.5amp, but I got a couple more 3s during the 100 off of 2 so I'm using it with a SB3 now. I'm not having any problems with only 1.5amps on a SB3, but I'm only using digital out and it isn't wireless.

To be honest haven't really tested the elpac vs the stock (it was cheap enough that I just didn't care). One of these days when I get enough time I'll build a nice one for myself, but while the elpacs lasted they were a great deal.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #89 on:** 24 Jan 2008, 10:36 pm »

Two years later......
Now that the wireless SB3's are much more prevalent certainly there's some more options available?
Is it 'written in stone' the amperage needed for a wireless SB3? 750mA....1.0.....1.5....2.0....?
(using an UNmodded wireless unit with analog outputs)

More than 50% of the links in the past 9 pages are dead, as are most of the photos.
I recently bought a SB3 and noticed the sound quality in my system took a dive

I thought a cheapo PS might be a good place to start.

Bob

mcgsxr · « **Reply #90 on:** 24 Jan 2008, 11:20 pm »

I suppose el cheapo is tough to qualify, but could you elaborate on what that might equate?

I would keep my eyes peeled for a Bolder PS, any of them, and see if that works for you - they come up used now and again, as folks like me find the upgrade bug in their bed... but I have avoided it so far!

Rashiki · « **Reply #91 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 01:05 am »

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 24 Jan 2008, 10:36 pm

I recently bought a SB3 and noticed the sound quality in my system took a dive
I thought a cheapo PS might be a good place to start.

Bob, are you using an external DAC or the analog outputs of the SB3? If you're using the analog outputs, I'd suggest getting a DAC before doing anything else. I think that investing in an inexpensive DAC (under $300) would do more to improve the sound than putting the same money into a PS.

-Rob

satfrat · « **Reply #92 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 01:49 am »

Bob stated in his last post that he was using analog outs. Have you considered the Channel Island VDC-SB made especially for the Squeezebox? If I wasn't going for a Bolder PS, that CI unit would be my first move,,, IF I owned a Squeezebox, JMO.

Cheers,
Robin

denjo · « **Reply #93 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 07:11 am »

Robin
I routed the digital out (RCA) to my Altmann Attraction DAC and optical out to my Paradisea (stock) and I now have the best of both worlds! The Paradisea runs on WE386 tubes and this gives some added warmth which makes for easy listening. The Altmann has a more expansive stage and is more detailed L to R and front to back, but the Paradisea (after a good warm up) sounds very good too!

Best Regards
Dennis

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #94 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 05:58 pm »

Mark - I'd qualify 'cheap' as in real cheap. At this point in my life, I didn't want to take on any huge monster DIY projects. "huge" as in cost factor and/or time consumption. I've got too many projects on my plate and really didn't want another one. I bought the SB because....well....because I could I suppose. But my goal wasn't to starting a modding frenzy, just to simplify my two channel life. I was disappointed (to say the least) to find the unit sounds crappy. So my goal now is to get my sound quality back to what it was before I added the SB.
So to answer your question, 'cheap' defined would be one of these $20 jobbies guys are talking about.

Ron - Yes, Robin is correct. I'm using the analog DACless. Simply wired to the receivers two channel input.

Dennis - You gave me an idea....I could use ALL of the SB3's outputs to the receiver, then I could switch between them to find the better sound. aa

Actually, my little "guardian audio angel" called me at home two hours after I posted this question and told me he was staring at one of those Lexmark walwarts online as we speak. His finger was hovering over the "BUY" button waiting for me to say the word. So.....I said the word.
$21 bought the little dude, complete with all the specs that have been mentioned in the previous pages here.
One of the days when I've got less going on and more cash, I'll get probably DIY something. Or maybe buy a used Boulder unit.

Guys, thanks to all of you for the very speedy replies. A special thanks to my guardian angel.

Bob

satfrat · « **Reply #95 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 06:11 pm »

Bob, I would recommend that even given the opportunity that you never listen to either a modded Squeezebox or a higher end power supply as surely your wallet will suffer. A lot of times, audio is like drugs,,,, if you've never tried it then you're not going to know what you're missing. Hense you don't develop the craving. This comes from an ex-substanse abuse and a present audio addict.

Cheers,
Robin

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #96 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 06:47 pm »

Quote from: satfrat on 25 Jan 2008, 06:11 pm

Bob, I would recommend that even given the opportunity that you never listen to either a modded Squeezebox or a higher end power supply ...................

Too late Robin.
I've been to the mountain top and spoke with the wise man.
He's not only got the modded SB, he's got the $1000 Boulder power supply and it sounds SWEEEEEEET aa

Bob

richidoo · « **Reply #97 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 07:29 pm »

Sorry if this info is redundant, but I just found this thread today and too lazy to read ten pages to avoid repeating somebody, maybe even myself from months ago??

Anyway, you can make a great linear supply for <$100 including all parts and box using this frame power supply from power-one, available new from digikey $41. It is .05% regulation and high current for lots of headroom. We did direct comparision between mine (I have only 2A version) and stock switcher and a modified Elpac unit, playing on a modified Squeezebox, with and without Burson Buffer. There was a noticable difference on stock and modified SB3s. Much better bass, and more refined highs. I have helped a couple of guys on AC build these via PM. Sometimes you can find surplus units on EBay or surplus shops.

Power-One Open Frame power supply, Model HB5-3/OVP-AG
specsheet: http://www.power-one.com/resources/products/datasheet/lin.pdf
Digikey link: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?name=179-2316-ND

Here is an example of a used model from surplus seller, this is a 9A model, for $20, will work fine, same great specs. http://www.powersupplydepot.com/productview.asp?product=17151+PS

If you need help putting it together lemme know. You need a box, fuse, power cord, 5V cord, SB power plug. It sounds excellent, brings the stock Squeezebox up to it's potential at a sensible price.

There are a lot of great SB PS's available now from various sellers. 2 years ago denial about whether PS upgrade makes a difference was rampant. It makes a HUGE difference.
Rich

barkerpj · « **Reply #98 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 07:55 pm »

richido,

I have bought one of the power suppies listed. just checking on what fuse vaule you used and what is the SB power plug type

kyrill · « **Reply #99 on:** 27 Jan 2008, 01:26 pm »

although "cheap" refers to the unconscious acceptance of yr. own financial means ( there are ppl which consider anything under 1000 dollar being too cheap to be a worthy contender.) 1000 dollar pws for the SB3 had been mentioned in this thread.

Why do i read so few threads over the Paul Hyne's designs ( http://www.paulhynesdesign.com/page7.html) which i thought to be of high quality too?
He is vastly "cheaper" than Bolder or Empirical audio solutions