[hagtech]

I've ordered production chassis and circuit boards for The Ripper.  This machine will be available as a half-kit, but a little more extensive than in the past.  I've tried to make this as easy for you DIYers as possible.  Half-kit consists of a complete chassis, pre-cut with graphics, the various nuts and bolts you need, and the surface mount components all pre-installed on the circuit board.  Basically, it's about as easy to build as a regular Bugle.

www.hagtech.com/ripper.html

Ripper availability is in about 3 weeks.  You can pre-order now!  Those who do get a free bonus UFO half-kit.

jh

[DeadFish]

Hi Jim,

Glad to see the RIPPER coming along to fruition!  Couple of questions for you, since I didn't see a downloadable manual yet.
Size is relative, but was wondering what you were suggesting for a case for the half-kit project.
Likewise, you mention the half-kit might be more 'extensive' than in the past, and figured the manual might point out how much moreso than the Clarinet or Cornet.
Similarly, were you going to suggest two tiers of parts like in the other gear for those wanting to push the envelope of how good it can sound?
Lots of vinyl obscura here I've been wanting to digitize for a long time.
Looking forward to 'pulling the trigger' on this project.

Regards,
DeadFish

[jswallac]

Hi Jim,

Looks like a real interesting product.  I am curious about the quality of the USB DAC.  Currently I am using a Squeezebox3 but would like the option of connecting a laptop directly to my 2 channel system.  Any thoughts how this DAC compares to the stock Squeezebox internal analog out?

Thanks

jswallac

[hagtech]

The big change here is that I am providing the complete chassis (ok, it's just a little box) with the half-kit.  Previously I just sold the end panels. 

No upgrades needed, this design is pretty much tweaked out. 

The DAC portion is just a regular 16-bit sigma-delta.  Nothing fancy.  I've pushed its performance as much as I could using quality components, extra supply decoupling, and buffered outputs.  That is, I surround it with as much top-notch analog circuitry as possible.  I don't make the ADC/DAC do extra duty.  But really, don't expect magic.  There's only so much you can coax out of a $9 consumer chip. 

Can't help you with the Squeezebox - don't know a darn thing about it.  Except it probably is based on the same series of TI chips.

jh

[DeadFish]

Thanks for the response!
Those are very good answers for the likes of me.
Reading your weblog, I wasn't certain we were barking up the same tree on your meaning of 'chassis'. 
One less part to buy, no holes to slightly fudge... no fretting on boutique parts to consider...this time.

...now to see how much I can get for the grand kids.... aa

Best Regards,
DeadFish

[duff138]

do you have a picture of the complete amp in the chassis?  I'd like to see what a finished one will look like.

[hagtech]

No photos yet.  The chassis are on order, just like the boards.  When they all get in, I'll build up the first production unit, which then gets featured in the manual and on the website.  That reminds me, I need to start buying some more parts...

jh

[JoshK]

Very cool product!  I was wondering when someone was going to make such a product happen in the audiophile circle. 

[hagtech]

RIPPERs are here!  The chassis came this afternoon.  I've been working mad to fill all of the pre-orders to ship out tomorrow.  Web pages are updated, manual is complete.

Thanks again to all who pre-ordered, your patience was appreciated.  UFO deal is now closed.

jh

[DeadFish]

Outstanding, Jim!
I've been 'jonesing' for something to tinker with, and it'll be just in time.
Thanks for the update.

(now, where is that darned mailman?!)
 

DF