SB3 Analog Only Mod - Any Opinions?

Horizons · « **on:** 9 Dec 2005, 07:17 pm »

I'm really thinking about chucking most of my system and stripping it down to:

PC server
SB3
Amp
Maggie 1.6QRs
Powered sub

Wondering if the analog modded SB3 would provide enough voltage to drive a power amp directly. Also, I would have to use the SB3 volume control since I would like to lose my preamp - is there a quality tradeoff with using the SB volume? Lastly, would the modded SB3 sound as good as a non-OS DAC (Monica) that I am currently using?

At a minimum I am going to lose the transport and get the SB3 into my life. But wondering if I could take it to the next step and still be happy.

Thanks for any inputs here...

JLM · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Dec 2005, 08:42 pm »

I'd call/e-mail Vinnie and ask him.

The SB volume control is in the digital realm and should be very good.

He could tell you best how the stock SB3 and Monica compare. Don't forget that for $200 he can do the non-battery mods.

Be prepared to give him specifications on your amp, room size, preferred listening volumes. My guess is that the output of the SB3 will work just fine.

Horizons · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Dec 2005, 10:34 pm »

Quote from: JLM

I'd call/e-mail Vinnie and ask him.

I'm hoping that he will eventually read this post and reply.

Quote from: JLM

Be prepared to give him specifications on your amp, room size, preferred listening volumes. My guess is that the output of the SB3 will work just fine.

Right now I'm thinking of running the SB3 with his analog mods directly into a parasound HCA1000A amp to the Maggie MG1.6QRs. I have an average size room with average volumes. Nothing extreme.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Dec 2005, 10:54 pm »

Quote from: Horizons

Quote from: JLM
I'd call/e-mail Vinnie and ask him.

I'm hoping that he will eventually read this post and reply.

Quote from: JLM

Be prepared to give him specifications on your amp, room size, preferred listening volumes. My guess is that the output of the SB3 will work just fine.

Right now I'm thinking of running the SB3 with his analog mods directly into a parasound HCA1000A amp to the Maggie MG1.6QRs. I have an average size room with average volumes. Nothing extreme.

Hi Horizons,

Your amp is rated at 33k input impedance and a 1V input sensitivity.... this would work fine with the analog outputs of the modded SB3.

The SB3s digital volume control is very good.

I'd take the Monica 2 over the stock SB3 any day, but after mods it gets interesting... Both are very good and it is a matter of taste and system synergy. The modded SB3 is a little bit more detailed and resolving, while the Monica 2 is a little less detailed and warmer sounding. The modded SB3 also seems to have a little bit better dynamics and bass punch.

Regards,

Horizons · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Dec 2005, 12:29 am »

Thanks Vinnie.

I think I'm sold on the SB3 mod route. Can you do the analog mod first and can I possibly have you do more mods on the SB3 down the road (a more phased approach?

My Monica DAC is currently battery powered so long-term, I want my DAC to get juiced from 12V and not the power grid!

jswallac · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Dec 2005, 01:06 am »

I am currently running a SB3 straight into a Clari-T. The SB3 has Vinnie's analog only mods. I was part of the "too much business" group. Don Vito (Vinnie) Corleone made me an offer I could not refuse with his incredible special. The only thing more incredible is just how good this thing really sounds. Hard to imagine the full mods can sound much better given just how good the analog only version sounds. I cannot see much future in CDPs. Stack them up with your 8 track players. This PC based process is the future right here in the present. Now if I can just figure out how to keep the drop out from occurring. Anyone know if it would help to replace my 802.11b with a 802.11g router?

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Dec 2005, 03:17 am »

Quote from: Horizons

Thanks Vinnie.

I think I'm sold on the SB3 mod route. Can you do the analog mod first and can I possibly have you do more mods on the SB3 down the road (a more phased approach?

My Monica DAC is currently battery powered so long-term, I want my DAC to get juiced from 12V and not the power grid!

Hi Horizons,

Yes, you can go with the analog output only mods, and later on have more mods done if you wish....no problemo!

Quote from: jswallac

The only thing more incredible is just how good this thing really sounds. Hard to imagine the full mods can sound much better given just how good the analog only version sounds.

Hi jswallac,

Thanks for posting and I'm glad you are enjoying your modded SB3 + Clari-T combo!

I think it might be a good move for you to try a 802.11g router. I am using a Linksys WRT54G and never had a dropout before. This is something that you might want to ask Slim Devices tech support about (also ask in the "Square Circle" here on audiocircle).

Regards,

jp1 · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 Dec 2005, 09:41 pm »

Hi vinny, after completion of the mods on SB3 that you advertised until nov 30 (excluding battery & power mod), which do you recommend using from the SB3 - analog out or digital out?

looking forward to my new toy from Santa Vinny !

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Dec 2005, 04:01 am »

Quote from: jp1

Hi vinny, after completion of the mods on SB3 that you advertised until nov 30 (excluding battery & power mod), which do you recommend using from the SB3 - analog out or digital out?

looking forward to my new toy from Santa Vinny !

Hi jp1,

If you ordered the SB3 with the analog output mods only, I recommend that you use the analog outputs

If you have a favorite external dac, try that out as well and see what sounds better in your system.

Santa Vinnie is VERY busy this year and there are no elves to help out

Regards,

Regards,

Horizons · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Dec 2005, 10:47 pm »

Quote from: Vinnie R.

Hi Horizons,

Your amp is rated at 33k input impedance and a 1V input sensitivity.... this would work fine with the analog outputs of the modded SB3.

Hi Vinnie:

Well, I heard a brand X pro power amp the other day and the specs are as follows:

10K ohm input impedance
320 mV input sens.

Wondering if your analog-modded SB3 would drive this OK.

Thanks!

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #10 on:** 20 Dec 2005, 01:05 am »

Quote from: Horizons

Quote from: Vinnie R.
Hi Horizons,

Your amp is rated at 33k input impedance and a 1V input sensitivity.... this would work fine with the analog outputs of the modded SB3.

Hi Vinnie:

Well, I heard a brand X pro power amp the other day and the specs are as follows:

10K ohm input impedance
320 mV input sens.

Wondering if your analog-modded SB3 would drive this OK.

Thanks!

Hi Horizons,

Yes, the analog modded SB3 will drive this with no trouble at all.

Regards,