[WGH]

I build a C.A.P.S. v 2.0 music server 3-1/2 years ago and it sounds good, better than any CD player I have ever owned and over the years have come across a couple of improvements that has convinced me that digital sound can actually sound like music.

Paul Pang's USB card with a linear power supply was a step in the right direction resulting in a smoother sound if still a bit digitally flat.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=122520.msg1290304#msg1290304

The biggest improvement came from using an Anker 2nd Gen Astro E4 13000mAh battery to power the SSD.

I first came across this idea on Computer Audiophile and has been mentioned occasionally here on AC by ted_b, our resident expert, but for the most part has remained unknown.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/cheap-music-server-power-tweak-very-good-18057/


The Good

What changed? In a word - everything. Imaging snapped into focus, depth, bass is better defined and deeper, highs are clear with more decay, low level information can be heard clearly without straining, and the sound is (dare I say it?) close to analog. There is absolutely no downside to this hardware change. I don't even consider this a tweek, wires are a tweek, caps are a tweek, audiophile do-dads are a tweek, the battery is a game changer - like the difference between a Chevy and a BMW, both will get you there in air conditioned comfort but the BMW is so much nicer.

The best part is the cost - $30, buy something else for $5 and get free shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQ5KHJW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I made my own power cord, it probably took all of 5 minutes with leftover parts. It's easiest to watch the short video to see how:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUhLjN_JpXA

The Bad

Blue Screens. The new Gen 2 Anker battery's have a 50mA shut down. New SSD's are so efficient that they are below that threshold so everything shuts down and Windows blue screens. The solution is simple, keep the amps used above 50mA. I do this by plugging in a USB light, a single LED which draws .05W or 10mA which does the trick. You may need more LED's or none at all, there is only one way to find out.

The Ugly

If you can't fix the blue screens then the next solution is something expensive like the Jcat for $432.00.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/battery-powered-solid-state-drive-tweak-really-works-23292/#post393016

And this battery thing is still a kludge because it has to be unplugged when not used, but the sound is well worth it.

Wayne

[Markhh2]

I use this for my server and it made a significant improvement.  I'm using the same Anker battery with a Samsung 850 EVO 120GB and have never had a problem with the battery not spinning up the drive.  I'm getting about 30-40 hours of use per charge. 

I'm using this cable along with a sata power to molex converter to connect the battery to the drive.
http://www.moddiy.com/products/USB-to-Molex-Fan-Adaptor-Cable-%28100cm%29.html

Best $ I've spent. 

[kenreau]

I really like the battery idea and plan to incorporate it soon.  In addition, I have plans to use the Paul Pang SATA cable.

Does anyone have experience with the Paul Pang Audio Grade SSD kit?  I wonder about the audible sonic improvements using it.  I've read it is a special SLC SSD with his custom TCXO low jitter module.  He recently came out with a newer OCXO module upgraded unit, but it is really expensive at $429. 

Kenreau

[shahed]

I really like the battery idea and plan to incorporate it soon.  In addition, I have plans to use the Paul Pang SATA cable.

Does anyone have experience with the Paul Pang Audio Grade SSD kit?  I wonder about the audible sonic improvements using it.  I've read it is a special SLC SSD with his custom TCXO low jitter module.  He recently came out with a newer OCXO module upgraded unit, but it is really expensive at $429. 

Kenreau

I use all Paul Pang stuff in my music server including OS SSD and music SSD with tcxo clock. I can't give you a comparison for OS SSD as I've never used any regular SSD. But I've compared the music SSD with TCXO clock with my regular hard disk (which is using an anti-vibration block from Paul Pang), the sound is more analogue and smooth, has more rhythm and flow.

Paul Pang makes the best stuff. I'm a fan.

[TJHUB]

One word of advise.  Keep the power cable between the battery and SSD as short as possible.  It seems to affect the sound some.  Shorter provided better clarity.

[Nick77]

I use this for my server and it made a significant improvement.  I'm using the same Anker battery with a Samsung 850 EVO 120GB and have never had a problem with the battery not spinning up the drive.  I'm getting about 30-40 hours of use per charge. 

I'm using this cable along with a sata power to molex converter to connect the battery to the drive.
http://www.moddiy.com/products/USB-to-Molex-Fan-Adaptor-Cable-%28100cm%29.html

Best $ I've spent.

Nice link on the cable, Paul probably makes one also. I made a diy cable to connect battery. I have to attach an old cell phone to battery to prevent crashes here too.

[TJHUB]

Those of you having issues with the battery powering down due to insufficient current draw, are you using the 1A side to power the SSD?

[Nick77]

No, 2 amp.

[TJHUB]

No, 2 amp.

mine didn't work with the 2A either, but the 1A ran forever.  1A is WAY more than you'd ever need.  Try it in the 1A and let us know how it works out.

[Nick77]

mine didn't work with the 2A either, but the 1A ran forever.  1A is WAY more than you'd ever need.  Try it in the 1A and let us know how it works out.

Thanks, will do.

[shahed]

Paul Pang made me audiophile grade USB to molex cable for very reasonable price. The latest generation anker battery doesn't have designated port 1A or 2A. Its dynamically decided depending on the load. I never experienced the random shutdown once probably due to having TCXO clock which draws more current.

[WGH]

Yes, the new Anker batteries have PowerIQ, each port can charge up to 3A - no need to choose.

My battery worked perfectly the first time, the next day was a random shutdown, then it worked perfectly again, then a random shutdown. The OCZ Vertex 3 must be right on the edge of the battery shutoff point.

One advantage of using a LED to draw just enough power is it's an equipment light and a pilot light to remind me to unplug the battery.

Wayne

[Markhh2]

Yes, the new Anker batteries have PowerIQ, each port can charge up to 3A - no need to choose.

My battery worked perfectly the first time, the next day was a random shutdown, then it worked perfectly again, then a random shutdown. The OCZ Vertex 3 must be right on the edge of the battery shutoff point.

One advantage of using a LED to draw just enough power is it's an equipment light and a pilot light to remind me to unplug the battery.

Wayne

I find this switch works great.
http://www.amazon.com/USB-OFF-SWITCH-3-0-HmbG/dp/B00RC1NFEI

[Markhh2]

I'm going see if this will power my q1900itx motherboard

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NGLTZQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1EFNOO03PSVLE&coliid=IKVT6NRCCYR22&psc=1

[audioseduction]

When I isolated the power supply to the internal SSD with a Uptone JS-2 linear power supply for my custom CAPS server it made a very good improvement on the SQ. The first image is the JS-2 LPS unit. The 2nd image is the back of my CAPS. The 3rd is from the front. Since the JS-2 has 2 rails it's providing 12v for the mobo and 5v for the SSD. What's real nice about the JS-2 you can set the output voltage.

[Odal3]

FYI: The Anker E4 is on sale right now for $21.99 if using code 5PJP7OEM at checkout. Only works for the white/orange.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OPZGKZU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A294P4X9EWVXLJ

[SHjb]

Old post but I'm resurrecting it with a question regarding the use of the LED to ensure enough current draw.

I'm not real techy, can someone please explain how to do this... what type of LED, how to place it on the Anker, etc. Pictures would be great!

Thanks.

[WGH]

There are literally hundreds of variations of USB LED lights. I had one laying around so I tried it and the Anker didn't go to sleep, necessity is the mother of invention.

[SHjb]

There are literally hundreds of variations of USB LED lights. I had one laying around so I tried it and the Anker didn't go to sleep, necessity is the mother of invention.

Oh THOSE type of lights.

Got it, thanks.