I have been rather busy working on my backlog of SB mod orders. I have managed to spend some time on R&D.
First, I have redesigned the power supply for the Squeeze Box (again
) It will be using an different E-Core transformer but it will be mounted 90 degrees off axis of the original one. This will keep magnetic field interaction very low. I changed the regulator and the circuit, This will allow just about any voltage to be set to come out of the box.
In other words, you can use this design of power supply for a 12 volt application. You can buy multiple boxes for whatever DC voltage your gear may require. If you have a DAC that uses 12VDC I can build you one. You can have another box for 5 volts for the Squeeze Box. The PS is now rated to 3 amps total.
Listening to it compared to the older design, you first notice it is quieter. Mechanically and electrically. The new circuit has a ripple rejection 20db greater than the old one. I have found more subtle details emerging and far greater sound stage and width coming through.
Here is a photo of a proposed new case for the PS:
It is the same size as the Basic Rev 1, but it certainly looks better.
I first started on this when I listened to the CyberLight cables. I liked what they did but felt the PS was a bit wanting. I built a prototype and it improved the sound quite a bit over the $400.00 battery pack they sell for them. I went on with it and came up with this case.
If the case is attractive to most, I will order some in and start offering it in 5 volt for the SqueezeBox ans 12 volts for CyberLights and DACS. The prices would start around $750.00 to cover the higher costs of both the transformer, case, and circuitry. Add-ons like Bybees will be available. AC and DC cables will be extra cost items.
If the price is too high for some, I am offering mods to the Elpac 5 volt PS. For under $150.00, including the mods, this is a great buy. It isn't as refined as the new supplies, but it is a LOT better than the stock switcher.
I have refined the mods to the SB2 and SB3 a bit more. The SB3 analog mods are now available with Teflon bypass caps and Bybee purifiers. This gives the best sound I have heard from the SB3.
The SB2 still will sound better then the SB3, through analog outputs . There is more space to work and larger, higher quality caps can be used. The best sound yet from an SB is with the Sonicap, Sonicap Gen2, and Sonicap Platinum bundle with Gold Bybee Purifiers. I have also identified some places on the SB boards where noise is leaking into the DC line. I have taken steps to reduce that noise. I also am using some ERS around the display to block some of that radiated energy. All of this lowers noise levels even more. With some early mods, there was some noise pick-up when the display was set on full brightness and it started scrolling. This is now greatly reduced. If anyone still has one of these mods, please get in touch with me for updates.
