[Ric Schultz]

Here is what I plan:  Small box attached to SB2/SB3/Duet or inside the Transporter.  The 32 Bit DAC would be hardwired via I2S (yes, no connectors and especially no crappy SPDIF).  The DAC and op amp output stage would be run on a 12 volt battery.  The Op amp would only be used in those systems that need more than the one volt RMS that the DAC can give by itself (sounds amazing without output stage!!!).  The single op amp will give at least 3 volts RMS and will sound great, but not quite as pure as running straight out of the DAC.

After hearing the AKM4397 32 bit DAC in the Oppo, I knew that I had to put it in the Slim Devices thangs.  I expect this hardwired, battery powered 32 bit DAC solution will beat any mod/DAC combo by anyone!

So, anyone out there with a spare SB3?  I need a guinea pig....he he.  Mods would be done at the cost of parts and you would get the first one in existence.

Website is back up....will update it shortly

[dnewcomer]

I would , pm sent

[Audiovista]

Hi Rick - just a quick question about the link to your website....is that the correct one? 

Thanks,
Boris

[Gaara]

Looks like Ric forgot to renew his site, that is the correct link and I am sure it will be resolved soon.

[Ric Schultz]

Yes, I emailed my rewewal on the 13th.....and they did nothing.....so no website till Monday.

[konut]

Would you care to share which op amp you're using?

[NewBuyer]

Your mod sounds like a terrific idea. I am really looking forward to hearing more from you about this.

Edit: I'm thinking of the SB3 (not Tranporter) as I say this, and hoping it will be a nicely affordable mod.

[prokennex]

Rick how does the new AKM4397 32 bit chip sound compare to the older AkM chip in the oppos?

The battery with the new AKM4397 32 dac in the transporter sounds very interesting.

[Ric Schultz]

Op amp selection will be made later......could be National, could be TI, could be Linear, could be Analog.  There might be options for discrete circuits and transformer outputs too.

The stock Oppo has a lower line Cirrus Logic (Crystal) DAC in it (CS4361 to be exact).  No comparison. 

[Ric Schultz]

Thanks everyone,
An SB3 is on the way to me.
I figured there would be several people who would want to get a "wild parts only cost" mod. 

I will reveal more info as I do the mod and figure out the pricing.
There might be a cheap version that uses a wall wart.......then you could upgrade to battery power later when more funds are available.  Also there will be "cheaper, more funky" battery solutions and "MONSTER" battery solutions for those crazy audiophiles who have to have it all.

[mfsoa]

Hi Ric,
Would a mod like this disable any other features in a Transporter?

Thanks

Mike (Schulz)

[NewBuyer]

Do you have a (very approximate) ETA on when you can be selling these mods please?

[tanchiro58]

Here is what I plan:  Small box attached to SB2/SB3/Duet or inside the Transporter.  The 32 Bit DAC would be hardwired via I2S (yes, no connectors and especially no crappy SPDIF).  The DAC and op amp output stage would be run on a 12 volt battery.  The Op amp would only be used in those systems that need more than the one volt RMS that the DAC can give by itself (sounds amazing without output stage!!!).  The single op amp will give at least 3 volts RMS and will sound great, but not quite as pure as running straight out of the DAC.

After hearing the AKM4397 32 bit DAC in the Oppo, I knew that I had to put it in the Slim Devices thangs.  I expect this hardwired, battery powered 32 bit DAC solution will beat any mod/DAC combo by anyone!

So, anyone out there with a spare SB3?  I need a guinea pig....he he.  Mods would be done at the cost of parts and you would get the first one in existence.

Yes, my website is down.  Should be back up Monday.

Hi Ric,

I would be interested if you plan to build one for a Slim Device DUET. Thanks.

Tan

[yooper]

I may be interested in this mod for my Transporter.  I'll be watching this thread for more details. 

In the event you need a Transporter as another guinea pig to experiment with, the "MONSTER battery solutions for those crazy audiophiles who have to have it all" mod sounds exciting and I will send you mine.

Mark

[Gaara]

I may be interested to depending on the specifics, like expected price, turnaround time, system synergy etc.  I would want one w/out battery power, just standard ac for me, if you need another guinea pig pm me.

[Ric Schultz]

The better DAC system/output stage does not change any function of any device they are mounted in.

Other mods will be done to the SB2/3/Duet/Transporter to lower jitter, including superior power supply mods and damping.  Superclocks?  We will see!

I expect to have all mods worked out within a month......at least for the SB3.  I also have a Duet coming and will, of course, do the thing big time inside the transporter.  Parallel Dacs and other mods are possible too.

There might be options for fully discrete output stages or coupling transformers (for those that need more than one volt per phase).  Also balanced outs will still be available on the Transporter....not sure about the other smaller boxes.

Also, any of the above can be added to a Modwright tubed output transporter (assuming it improves the sound)......and I am sure it will!  Some of you just "have" to have a sweet tubed output stage!

[NewBuyer]

The better DAC system/output stage does not change any function of any device they are mounted in.

Other mods will be done to the SB2/3/Duet/Transporter to lower jitter, including superior power supply mods and damping.  Superclocks?  We will see!

I expect to have all mods worked out within a month......at least for the SB3.  I also have a Duet coming and will, of course, do the thing big time inside the transporter.  Parallel Dacs and other mods are possible too.

There might be options for fully discrete output stages or coupling transformers (for those that need more than one volt per phase).  Also balanced outs will still be available on the Transporter....not sure about the other smaller boxes.

Outstanding. Greatly looking forward to seeing these mods become available. From the descriptions, your mods will be a sonic dream come true for SB3 owners!

[NewBuyer]

The better DAC system/output stage does not change any function of any device they are mounted in.

Other mods will be done to the SB2/3/Duet/Transporter to lower jitter, including superior power supply mods and damping.  Superclocks?  We will see!

I expect to have all mods worked out within a month......at least for the SB3.  I also have a Duet coming and will, of course, do the thing big time inside the transporter.  Parallel Dacs and other mods are possible too.

There might be options for fully discrete output stages or coupling transformers (for those that need more than one volt per phase).  Also balanced outs will still be available on the Transporter....not sure about the other smaller boxes.

Wondering please, is there an update / availability ETA you can share on these SB3 mods?