Preamp discussion

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DaveC113

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #20 on: 3 Dec 2015, 06:01 pm »
KECES? Man, they're setting themselves up for it...   :lol:

TomS

Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #21 on: 3 Dec 2015, 06:22 pm »
...

Of course, then there are the supercapacitors as used by Vinnie.... I have not looked into building a PS with them yet....  :icon_twisted:
I solved that and a few other problems by just buying a LIO  :green:

rollo

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #22 on: 3 Dec 2015, 06:37 pm »
Charles,

Since this is the lab circle I have to emphasize what some have already mentioned, that the quality and implementation of the DC supply matters a lot. The typical off the shelf 3 terminal chip regulator (LM12xx, LM317, etc) implementations just aren't going to get it done. As Danny said, the necessary level of elegance for a proper LPS can get expensive.

I'm not recommending this guy's stuff at all as I haven't tried them, but the articles provide interesting perspective for sonics
http://www.coreaudiotechnology.com/batteries-vs-linear-power-supply/
http://www.coreaudiotechnology.com/faqs-about-our-power-supplies/

I've used the KECES DC-115 power supply (since superceded to DC-116) with success for various low voltage applications like the Squeezebox and a Linux server, and have been quite happy with it at modest cost.
http://www.keces.com.tw/5_english/index_5_english.htm

   Thans Tom. Yes no off the shelf unit for me it will be a choke regulated power supply made correctly. Money is not an issue quality is. Thanks again for taking time to help.

charles

Davey

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #23 on: 3 Dec 2015, 06:50 pm »
   Thans Tom. Yes no off the shelf unit for me it will be a choke regulated power supply made correctly. Money is not an issue quality is. Thanks again for taking time to help.

Well, chokes don't regulate....they filter.
I imagine you're talking about a variation of the DIY config that John Swenson offered up a few years ago?  There was nothing fancy about that one, but it should probably yield good results in this application.

Dave.

TomS

Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #24 on: 3 Dec 2015, 07:19 pm »
Yes something like the Uptone JS-2 would be nice

http://uptoneaudio.com/products/js-2-linear-power-supply

rollo

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #25 on: 3 Dec 2015, 07:30 pm »
Well, chokes don't regulate....they filter.
I imagine you're talking about a variation of the DIY config that John Swenson offered up a few years ago?  There was nothing fancy about that one, but it should probably yield good results in this application.

Dave.

  Oops bad choice of wording thanyou for the correction without insult. Much appreciated.


charles

rollo

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #26 on: 3 Dec 2015, 07:31 pm »
Yes something like the Uptone JS-2 would be nice

http://uptoneaudio.com/products/js-2-linear-power-supply


  That has promise. Thanks again.


charles

TomS

Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #27 on: 3 Dec 2015, 08:01 pm »

  That has promise. Thanks again.


charles
This is the John Swenson designed unit referred to earlier. I know a couple people who have them to power their music servers and are very pleased with them. Have fun!

Danny Richie

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #28 on: 3 Dec 2015, 08:45 pm »
The premise that we ALL need some sort of AC-power conditioning and/or fancy power cords and/or other gadgets is incorrect.

Hey, if power cables from Home Depot are all that you need more power to you. But at the level I play that just doesn't work.

Quote
Grid, feeders, pole transformers, panel, house wiring, contamination from outside sources, DUT power supply design, etc, etc, are all variables.

Yeah, and all the more reason why we use or need a lot of power conditioning.

Danny Richie

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #29 on: 3 Dec 2015, 08:55 pm »
IMO, given the same budget and taking a few sets of replacement batteries into account, an AC power supply would end being cheaper in the long run and differences in SQ wouldn't be much of a factor if both were designed competently.

Nope, not even close.

I have two amps that have to run on the grid.



The power supplies built into these amps were cost on object. And the power supply for each amp weighs about 50 pounds. But they still respond positively to cleaner A/C power.

So it involves four high quality power cables, an Uber Buss, and a Dodd Audio balanced power supply. $3,900 in power conditioning and power cables.

Off the grid systems are MUCH cheaper. Like I said, a 100 amp hour battery is only about $200. And I have three of them in my system right now. I have had two of them for six years and have never had to replace one.

Davey

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #30 on: 3 Dec 2015, 09:07 pm »
Hey, if power cables from Home Depot are all that you need more power to you. But at the level I play that just doesn't work.

That's the best you have?  :)
Maybe one of these decades my system will be able to achieve the same orbit your system plays at.  I will keep striving.  :)

Dave.

Danny Richie

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #31 on: 3 Dec 2015, 09:50 pm »
That's the best you have?  :)
Maybe one of these decades my system will be able to achieve the same orbit your system plays at.  I will keep striving.  :)

Dave.

I thought that might get your attention.

You know what I mean though. Some level of power conditioning is needed for a high level system and decent power cables are needed. And that stuff adds up quick.

And when we'd go to a show that power conditioning was imperative.

G Georgopoulos

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #32 on: 3 Dec 2015, 10:07 pm »
Dave,dont push it man,Danny has been polite with you,ps's also cause severe distortion whereas batteries are immune to it...

cheers... :green:

Hugh

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #33 on: 3 Dec 2015, 10:46 pm »
My $0.02 worth.

Some prefers battery while others prefer not so take your pick. :)

Davey

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #34 on: 4 Dec 2015, 02:29 am »
Dave,dont push it man,Danny has been polite with you,ps's also cause severe distortion whereas batteries are immune to it...

Little does Danny know that I actually have my Home Depot amplifier in service now too.  It has a 240 input and functions as a welder also!  And and it has auxiliary 120VAC outlets (with internal power conditioning) to run my circular saw and router.  It's the coolest.

Dave.

Danny Richie

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #35 on: 4 Dec 2015, 04:08 am »
Little does Danny know that I actually have my Home Depot amplifier in service now too.  It has a 240 input and functions as a welder also!  And and it has auxiliary 120VAC outlets (with internal power conditioning) to run my circular saw and router.  It's the coolest.

Dave.

That's a funny answer.  :lol:

Davey

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Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #36 on: 4 Dec 2015, 03:21 pm »
The speakers are the heart of my stereo.  :)

How about we return the discussion to battery powered preamps and stop with the four letter words and heated rhetorical statements that are off-topic?

Dave.

Steve

Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #37 on: 4 Dec 2015, 07:48 pm »
I was not going to get into this bickering, but finally decided I will to clear up some murky points. I am retired so not selling anything.

My 11A line has been listening tested for years and if not perfect, is so close individuals have not been able to discern the difference using a multitude of
speakers from cheap, single drivers, to $28 grand. It neither adds, nor subtracts, whether in or out of the system makes no sonic difference. With that said, what does my example demonstrate?

1) If the 11A is that good, then the power supply is not adding any distortions. None. And they will last years before repair/parts replacement.
2) The 11A does not need a battery for perfect reproduction.
3) Mentioned previously is that different manufacturer's batteries "sound" different.
4) Inherent in the 11A design is AC line protection from RFI, noise, interference of any type etc. Its cost was just a few bucks, not expensive.
5) There is no need for an expensive power cord since there is conditioning in the component itself. A typical $5.00 cord will work.

A sensible conclusion is that the design makes all the difference in the world. Design improperly and one will have problems, and arguments.

Cheers
Steve
« Last Edit: 4 Dec 2015, 09:23 pm by Steve »

Folsom

Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #38 on: 4 Dec 2015, 08:35 pm »
Steve I think you mean artifacts.

And please define properly. This is audiophile stuff we're talking about. If it works you can purchase it at Best Buy, if it excels you might find it on here.

Steve

Re: Preamp discussion
« Reply #39 on: 4 Dec 2015, 09:34 pm »
Steve I think you mean artifacts.

And please define properly. This is audiophile stuff we're talking about. If it works you can purchase it at Best Buy, if it excels you might find it on here.

Artifacts sounds good, so why not. Yes, artifacts it is.

If I defined "properly" I would have to reveal/teach electronic engineering principles and designing. I do not give away design principles cheap.

Quote
This is audiophile stuff we're talking about.

If you don't understand my description of the 11A in my previous post, it adds nothing nor subtracts nothing via years of listening testing, it does not alter the sonic/musical information. Dynamics, clarity, imaging, detail, depth, width, does not change. It reveals all the natural music that is recorded. It took decades and a lot of research/development/listening testing, and lots of money. You are more than welcome to come by for an audition.  :)

The main points I meant to address are presented in my previous post.

Cheers
Steve
« Last Edit: 5 Dec 2015, 03:54 am by Steve »