SB3 Mods - What do I really need?

bubba966 · « **Reply #20 on:** 23 Feb 2006, 12:15 am »

Quote from: dave_c

sounds like an all too familiar story. . .buy a new component, want to improve sound, ask for help on forum, go into massive debt looking for that elusive sound. . .

Here's what I would do:

1. Get an inexpensive linear power supply for the SB3
2. Get Bolder Digital Mods for SB3 and ask for BNC Connectors instead of WBT NextGen.
3. Install BNC Connector for one of the RCA connectors on the NAD T753
4. Get 1.5m Stereovox HDXV Digital Cable
5. If there's some cash leftover, get a quality ...

Why go to BNC? The NextGen's ARE 75ohm RCA's, unlike virtually every other RCA out there. And swapping out one of the RCA's on one of the digital inputs on the NAD might be a bit of a pain in the ass, and spendy as well...

Oh, and by the way I've tried the HDXV while it was quite clear and crisp, it was very grating to listen to. After 30 minutes or so of listening to anything I fed it, I couldn't take it anymore as I had one hell of a headache. That's the only digital cable I've heard that did such a thing to me.

If you want that level of clarity (actually slightly better) w/out the harsh grating part get one of the Bolder digitals with a Bybee inline.

dave_c · « **Reply #21 on:** 23 Feb 2006, 04:57 am »

Quote from: bubba966

Why go to BNC? The NextGen's ARE 75ohm RCA's, unlike virtually every other RCA out there. And swapping out one of the RCA's on one of the digital inputs on the NAD might be a bit of a pain in the ass, and spendy as well...

Oh, and by the way I've tried the HDXV while it was quite clear and crisp, it was very grating to listen to. After 30 minutes or so of listening to anything I fed it, I couldn't take it anymore as I had one hell of a headache. That's the only digital cable I've heard that did su ...

My experience witht he HDXV was anything but grating. Where you using with the RCA adapters or straight BNC all the way?

NextGen's may be 75 ohm, but they are so much more expensive and unless you install NextGen Female RCA's it becomes a moot point since other RCA's are not. With BNC's its a male and female connection that are both spec'ed to 75ohm. A set of BNC's will cost you less than $20 while NextGen's are $49 for copper females and $110+ for copper males (for 4 but I don't know where you can buy 2). I agree that swapping out the BNC on the NAD may be costly, but no more costly than swapping it out for a NextGen. Unless you optimize all of the connections in the digital signal path for 75 ohms, you're compromising so there's little advantage in doing just part of it. Economically BNC's make more sense.

I'm sure the Bolder cable is excellent, but I don't see how it falls inline with the parameters he's set forward. It doesn't make sense to me to use a digital cable that costs 40% of his receiver.

jp1 · « **Reply #22 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 04:58 am »

heres one vote for the redwine analog-only and separate $20 linear power supply purchase. i did mine this way and it's fantastic.

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #23 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 08:39 am »

jp1:
Where did you get the $20 power supply?

Cheers
Charlie

jp1 · « **Reply #24 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 03:26 pm »

sorry -it was $41

http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.asp?SKU=879-0090&SEARCH=elpac+linear+1%2E5&ID=&MPN=WM075%2D1950%2DD5&DESC=WM075%2D1950%2DD5

Allied Stk#: 879-0090
Mfr's part#: WM075-1950-D5
Manufacturer: ELPAC
Description: Linear Power Supply, 5 DIN, Single Output, Wallmount, +5/1.5 Amp Output

Allied Electronics phone number 1-800-433-5700

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #25 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 03:38 pm »

jp1:
Does the power supply come ready to go with the right hookup wire to the squeeze box?
If not what else would I need?
Can a dumdum like me get it up and running without too much hassel?

Cheers
Charlie

Rashiki · « **Reply #26 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 04:52 pm »

Quote from: Charles Calkins

Does the power supply come ready to go with the right hookup wire to the squeeze box?
If not what else would I need?

Charlie, it's not clear from the datasheet if it comes with a 5-pin DIN or the proper barrel-type plug. In either case, it wouldn't be hard to cut off the old plug and solder on a new one -- they have squeezebox compatible plugs at Radio Shack.

Other than that, all you'd need is a soldering iron and a voltmeter to make sure you're connecting the right wire to the right connector.

I'm sure my wife would let you borrow her soldering iron if you don't have one.

-Rob

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #27 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 05:06 pm »

Rob:
Are you sure Jen would let me borrow HER!!! soldering iron?

Cheers
Charlie

mpauly · « **Reply #28 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 06:11 pm »

I've not purchased one yet but been looking at the lower amp version (1.2 vs 1.5) for $18 (plus shipping).

http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.asp?SKU=879-2050&SEARCH=elpac+linear+power&ID=&MPN=WM050%2D1950%2D760&DESC=WM050%2D1950%2D760

Over on the slimdevices audiophile forum a few have been using them for a few months on wireless SB3's with no issues.

Michael .......vinnie modded SB3 supposedly on it's way in the mail.

jp1 · « **Reply #29 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 06:21 pm »

it fits the squeezebox perfectly. no work required

jp1 · « **Reply #30 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 06:22 pm »

no soldering required.

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #31 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 06:29 pm »

jp1:
Thanks. I'll order one now. I like products that are designed for dummies like me.

Cheers
Charlie

jp1 · « **Reply #32 on:** 28 Feb 2006, 03:08 am »

no problem. i was in the same situation a couple months ago.

Den · « **Reply #33 on:** 28 Feb 2006, 01:24 pm »

Quote from: DSK

Don't forget that (for those of us with only one source) the Bolder modded SB2/3 and Deluxe PS allow you to eliminate the pre-amp and associated interconnects from the signal path. This is what I have done, removing a Sony SCD-XA777ES and excellent modded tube hybrid pre-amp, and I'm getting the best sound I've ever had.... not missing SACD at all (or my former PT P1A/modded P3A/P3 combo).

Quote from: jp1

heres one vote for the redwine analog-only and separate $20 linear power supply purchase. i did mine this way and it's fantastic.

I third the suggestion for analog mods to the SB.
Direct to --->amp, if your receiver has separate inputs for the amp.

There is no DAC + preamp combo available for ~$300 that will sound this good. Woohoo!

'Course, you will have to give up the switching function of a preamp, but you can't have everything, especially on a budget. Suffer for your art...er hobby.

pm314 · « **Reply #34 on:** 1 Mar 2006, 06:07 pm »

Quote from: jp1

it fits the squeezebox perfectly. no work required

I ordered this off of their website, but I guess I didnt pay enough attention to the details. It comes with a 5 pin connector. Did you have to request the barrel plug from allied or did you convert it yourself?

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #35 on:** 1 Mar 2006, 11:47 pm »

pm314:
I got one on the way. From what jp1 said I thought it came with a barrel connector. Let me know what you do to get it right.

Cheers
Charlie

jp1 · « **Reply #36 on:** 2 Mar 2006, 12:25 am »

gents.
i'm looking at the converter right now

Elpac power systems
output 5 VDC 1.5A
input 120VAC 60Hz 0.16A
model numer: wm075-1950

I plugged it right into the back of my SB3
cheers
jp

pm314 · « **Reply #37 on:** 2 Mar 2006, 12:30 am »

I think there is actually one with a barrel connector, it just wasnt the one linked. JP1 may not have known that if he made the order over the phone. I'm going to call Allied tomorrow. The web site isnt very helpful. I have everything I need to cut it and put on the barrel connector, but since its new.......we'll see, I'm a little impatient....

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #38 on:** 2 Mar 2006, 12:34 am »

jp1:

Did your converter come with a barrel and a 5 pin cord. Or just the barrel.

Cheers
Charlie

pm314 · « **Reply #39 on:** 2 Mar 2006, 12:35 am »

Well I guess JP1's response answers my question. There is one that meets the specs its just not the one that ends in "D5" (which I can now put a pretty good guess means DIN 5).