Advice on SB3

Cams · « **on:** 9 Jan 2006, 03:50 pm »

Hi folks

I just discovered the whole concept of network audio a few days ago after reading a review of the Streambox 3 on Silent PC Review and am most excited about the whole idea. I've basically spent all my spare time since finding that review researching the options and, naturally, found my way to Red Wine Audio.

I'm planning to get two SB3s; one for casual use in the kitchen and one to plug into my AV amp (Yamaha DSP-AS620 with Tannoy Revolution R3 speakers).

I'm not very experienced with high-end audio components at all but would like the best that I can afford for now.

My questions are these:

1. Would I notice any benefits on my AV amp from a modded SB3? It's not an audiophile amp by any stretch of the imagination and was bought primarily for watching 5.1 movies.

2. Does Red Wine Audio in fact deal with Europe and provide the appropriate power supply? If so, how should I go about placing the order? I was going to purchase locally, but I guess it would make more sense to order the one for modding from a US source and have it shipped to RWA?

Thanks in advance,

Cams

Cams · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Jan 2006, 06:41 pm »

Well, phase 1 is complete -- I just ordered an SB3 and will give it a good trial to see whether I want to order another for modding. Exciting times!

Now to get ripping!

JLM · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Jan 2006, 10:29 am »

Cams,

Welcome to Red Wine Audio, Squeeze Box, Audio Circle, and hi-end audio!

Some can't believe/accept that the future of hi-end can be in something as inexpensive and easy as SB based PC audio. I guess it's not exclusive enough (or maybe they need to rationalize the $$$$ spent on CD players, transports, and DACs.

Best to p.m. Vinnie about European service.

I'd try the stock SB3 in your AV system first to gauge its quality vs. the rest of your system. (Realize that the SB is 2-channel stuff.) If you go ahead with a 2nd one, it can be ordered from SlimDevices and shipped directly to Vinnie for mods.

Hope ripping and software setup goes well with you.

Ferdi · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Jan 2006, 12:53 pm »

HI, I have an SB3 from Vinnie and I am in NL.

Ferdi

Bequerel · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Jan 2006, 03:46 pm »

Cams,
Ordering a 220-240V SB3 should be no problem. Just order the correct version from Slimdevices, and have it shipped directly to Vinnie.

Regarding gear that needs a battery charger, like eg. USB Select, you can buy suitable chargers at Conrad in Germany. These chargers usually come with clips, but I am sure that Vinnie will provide a few feet of cable with the correct plug to use with the charger.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Jan 2006, 04:16 pm »

Hi Cams,

Welcome to Audiocircle! (All, thanks for chiming in to help Cams.)

If you are looking for the analog-only mods, you can order the SB3 from Slim Devices with the Europe power supply

Quote from: Cams

1. Would I notice any benefits on my AV amp from a modded SB3? It's not an audiophile amp by any stretch of the imagination and was bought primarily for watching 5.1 movies.

I would try a stock SB3 first, see how you like it in your system. If you love it, you can buy anther one (with European power supply wall-wort) and have it sent directly to me for mods. Based on your comments above, I wouldn't mod it any more than the basic analog output mods.

Please note that I will be moving at the end of this month: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=23990

Regards,

Cams · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Jan 2006, 07:03 pm »

Thanks all for your helpful advice. I'm waiting on my first SB3 arriving, along with a couple of HDDs to set up my server. I'll see how I get on with it and then think about whether to get another for modding after that. From what I've read, I expect that I'll get on great with the SB3.