What will give me the best sound-quality with Squeezebox 3?

robert1325 · « **on:** 4 Sep 2006, 02:09 pm »

Hello,

I'm a 17 year old student from holland and I'm interested in getting a squeezebox to replace my cambridge audio 640C cdplayer. My question is , what will give me the best sound ?

A squeezebox with analog mods ( the basic or maybe the one with better caps)
A squeezebox with digital mods and a simple DAC like the lite DAC-AH or derek shek NOS(possibly modded by diyparadise or pacific valve)

A squeezebox without any mods and a better dac like the lite- dac 68 or xindak dac3 mkII ( getting an amplifier from china so this will save shipping costs)

I can't find the SB2( for better analog sound with the mod) anywhere so it will be a SB3. And I have read about the linear power supply I should get.

Will they also on improve on the sound I already have from my cambridge cd -player?

Also is it possible to buy a squeezebox at slimdevices and ship it to bolder company to save shipping costs?

Sorry for the long post....

hum4god · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Sep 2006, 02:25 pm »

there is one for sale on agon:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1162522509

perhaps that would be what you are looking for????

robert1325 · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 Sep 2006, 02:29 pm »

Looks like a really good deal, it says , shipping to USA only. Slim Devices Squeezebox 2 (SB2) - Wireless Version

• Modified by Wayne at Bolder Cables
• Analog Mods
• Platinum and Gen 2 Sonicaps in output section
• Black Gate caps for all internal power supplies
• ERS fabric around the display, caps and wireless card
• Color: Black
• Functionally perfect; conservative 8/10 cosmetically
• Power supply: Bolder modified ELPAC (brand new/never used)
• Paypal add 3%
• Original box, remote, cabling, and owner’s manual

How would this compare to an SB3 with a good dac or one with a cheap dac and the digital only mod?

mcgsxr · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Sep 2006, 04:28 pm »

Quote from: robert1325 on 4 Sep 2006, 02:09 pm

Also is it possible to buy a squeezebox at slimdevices and ship it to bolder company to save shipping costs?

I had my SB3 shipped directly to Wayne, no issues there.

Good luck with the search!

Wayne1 · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 Sep 2006, 03:16 pm »

At the price range you are looking at, an analog modded SB3 will sound better than a digital modded or stock SB3 with an external DAC.

Early on, ScottF, who reviewed the modded SB3 for Enjoy The Music was a proponent of using the SB3 into a DAC. He recently sent me this note: "Tell you what, the Black Gates finally broke in. I tried a couple of DACs with the Teresonics but I kept coming back to your analog mods. The bass is 'crushing'. Really deep and really defined and I'm only using a stock Elpac."

I have not yet heard an external DAC for under $1000.00, stock or modded, that sounds as good as the analog modded SB3. Upgrading the bypass caps to the Platinum Sonicap makes this gap even wider. Adding Bybee Purifiers in the analog section improves the sound even more. In fact, I have not heard ANY external DAC that sounds better than a full out modded SB with the Ultimate PS MKII.

Along with this is using a very good power supply. The stock ELPAC is better sounding than the stock PS Slim Devices supplies. The modded ELPAC is much better. The various power supplies I make or have made are better yet.

The SB2 on A'Gon is a very good deal. I know the unit and the person selling it. He recently upgraded the power supply to the Ultimate PS so has no need for the modded ELPAC. Unfortunately ELPAC does not have a PS that will work on 240 VAC input with the various European AC connectors.

If you do get a SB3, you can have the unit shipped directly to BOLDER Cable for the mods. I get lots of units shipped direct from Slim Devices to me for customers. I ship overseas through USPS Global Priority or Global Express Mail. Global Express is usually about $10.00 more expensive than Global Priority but Global Express does provide tracking information. Global Priority does not.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #5 on:** 5 Sep 2006, 03:28 pm »

To add some context to this, from a user perspective, I sold off the following equipment, once the SB3 arrived.

Nakamichi cd player (as transport)
Bolder Mensa DAC
Hagerman Clarinet tubed pre
Assorted IC's etc

In my system, the best sound comes out of the analog outputs of my fully modded SB3, and I use an earlier version of a power supply, known as the Rev1 with Jensen caps.

Excellent piece, my front end for some time to come!

woodsyi · « **Reply #6 on:** 5 Sep 2006, 04:42 pm »

I have done some comparisons. I won't say Bolder modified analog is the best. What I will say is that you have to go very far into DAC esoterica to beat it. Really, if you have music ripped, fully modded SB2/3 with good linear supply gives the best bang for the buck sound. Not only that, it's a pretty good bang.

Just as a reference, I will say that analog out of a Bolder modded SB2 with an industial linear power supply beats the heck out of stock Sony SCD XA777ES.

ted_b · « **Reply #7 on:** 5 Sep 2006, 05:10 pm »

This response/request should probably be on Critics Circle...(unless of course the Bolder wins

)

Has anyone compared the sound of the modded SB2/SB3 to a Modwright redbook offering (modded Denon 3910 or Sony999ES, etc)? I know those also do hirez (and for that I keep mine), but for the ease of reducing cd jewel cases from thousands to nill, and for someone who already has 1000+ cd's on Flac, I was interested in what league these SB mods are playing in. It's clear from the feedback that they are in the pro leagues, but Class A, etc or truly the bigs. Many reviews and comments also factor in, as they should, the incredible flexibility and ease of use fo us sofa sitters (as I said, cd jewel case clutter, ability to pick any song from thousands). That notwithstanding, I'm interested in the feedback purely from a Modwright tubed analog sonic level (for me, the bigs....with no Red Sox collapse or Tribe underacheivement).

thx

Ted

Wayne1 · « **Reply #8 on:** 5 Sep 2006, 05:14 pm »

Thanks for the comments, woodsyi.

I do not think you have had the oppurtunity to listen to any of the modded SB2s or 3s with BlackGate caps and Gold Bybee purifiers. The power supply has been improved since you listened to Jim's Ultimate.

All are welcome to come to the BOLDER Cable room at RMAF. Room 1009. You are encouraged to bring any DAC or digital playback system and compare it to a modded SB2 with Ultimate MKII PS. You can then make up your own mind as to which you like.

Ted,

The modded SB2 has not been compared directly to a Modwright machine, that I know of. Early versions of the mod and power supply were compared to a Exemplar Audio modded Denon with tube output stage, Silver wire, Sonicaps etc. The basic modded SB2 was preferred. The sound of the mods has improved quite a bit since then.

Here is the first thread where my first mod was compared to a modded Denon 2900 http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=20939.0

Here is the thread where the early mod was compared to the Exemplar http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=21029.0

ted_b · « **Reply #9 on:** 5 Sep 2006, 05:45 pm »

Wayne,
Thanks. I may just have to pull the trigger (I'm keeping the Modwright anyway cuz of hirez). The cd clutter and jewel box issue is enough to make me insane.

robert1325 · « **Reply #10 on:** 5 Sep 2006, 06:23 pm »

Thanks for the reply's !

So if I understand this correctly , the SB3 analog modded ( just the basic mod or the one with the platiniums ) will sound better than say an SB3 digital modded (the basic mod to) with a liteaudio dac-60? Of course I will try to get a simple linear power supply.

Because I think this would save me some money when you take the DAC and a good digital cable in mind.

As you probably understand I'm on quite a tight budget, Do you have an estimate what the shipping costs will be to Holland? ( The Netherlands ) .

I was reading about all those chinese dacs and am getting really confused wich is the best, but going with the analog mod makes sense a bit, it would simplify the signal path...

Sorry for my english , I only learned it from my dad who is from Scotland.

I just want the convenience and a nice rockin' sound from my B&W's , I listen to all sorts of music...
Oh and one last question, will it be a so so improvement over my current cdp or a big one? ( Cambridge audio 640C v1)

Thanks again for your help

EDIT: i'm also planning an amplifier upgrade ( something from china ), I'm looking at integrated amplifiers but I read something about the analog modded SB3 being better directly connected with a power amp? If so I would consider buying a seperate Pre-Amp / Poweramp . It would be using it's Digital volume? Is there no danger in blowing up my speakers or amp by doing so? Does the digital volume stay on it's position when you switch the SB3 on and off?

I was thinking of this power amp: http://www.ornec.com/product/EU/100054/. ( would get a matching pre-amp with it to play my dvd and vinyl.)

tvyankee · « **Reply #11 on:** 5 Sep 2006, 09:08 pm »

Hey

I am listening to a modded squeezbox2 with the analog out hook stright into the Dussun DS99 integrated amp.I have to tell you that for $600.00 american this amp kicks some ass.It really has my vsa's vr-1's singing.

This amp offers control and power that i have not heard for this kind of money.

Well good luck looking for something but you might want to check this amp out.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #12 on:** 5 Sep 2006, 11:32 pm »

Robert,

Your English is quite a bit better than my Dutch

Most modded SB owners feel that the SB is a rather large improvement over their CD player.

As long as you can get your music ripped in .flac and not have router troubles, you should be very impressed with the SB.

I am not very familiar with a lot of the amps on the market now. tvyankee does have a good suggestion. I have read very good things about the Dussun integrated amps.

I do feel that running straight into a power amp will give you the best sound, but having the switch for inputs and another volume control may come in handy

robert1325 · « **Reply #13 on:** 6 Sep 2006, 06:49 am »

I read a lot about the dussun ds99 , I have auditioned the dussun v6i, It's really big and has great control in the low - end. But I found it sounding very cold and distant. I like something more dynamic and musical. Of course the ds99 is really a different amplifier.... and I don't want to offend you with my remarks on the V6i. I'll be thinking about what I'm going to do, I'm probably going for the analog modded SB3 with the platinium caps.

Again thanks for the reply's.

Felipe · « **Reply #14 on:** 6 Sep 2006, 09:11 am »

I can give you my advice : http://www.aksaonline.com/

The AKSA N+ is a hell of an amplifier KIT. If you dont know how/dont want to build a amp kit, you could ask the owner to build it for you (some extra $), i bet he is more than willing to do so.

This is my amp, and there are quite a few guys out there using it with the SB2/3. (The owner of AKSA - Hugh Dean himself - uses it. ). Some even modded their SB here at Wayne. I am one of those, though my SB2 is on its way right now...didnt arrive yet . It costed me around $40 in shipping to Portugal.

Wish you luck
Filipe

robert1325 · « **Reply #15 on:** 6 Sep 2006, 09:58 am »

Hey thanks, I'll certainly Look into those amplifiers... I'm going to send Wayne an email to.

tvyankee · « **Reply #16 on:** 6 Sep 2006, 12:31 pm »

i heard the 8I at a rave and it didn't do it for me either.

that is why i so interested in the s99 because it did not sound like the other amp.

this amp is really different from the other and i think anyone who is in the market for a $600.00 intergrated amp should really check it out.

this thing is a real sleeper.

robert1325 · « **Reply #17 on:** 6 Sep 2006, 12:40 pm »

How would you describe the sound? Is it not cold and clinical like the V8i/ V6i? Is it more musical? I like the sound of my cambridge audio 640A better than the v6i, ofcourse it does not compare in details and everything else....

tvyankee · « **Reply #18 on:** 6 Sep 2006, 12:46 pm »

i feel like it has the power of a bigger amp, and the vocals are very clear and open sounding.

i am listening right now as i type.its just sems to me that the sound i'm getting is very involving and easy to listen to.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallerylastup&cat=0&pos=0

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallerylastup&cat=0&pos=1

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #19 on:** 7 Sep 2006, 06:57 am »

Hey Krusty....your photo1.....and....photo2........

One's you posted above are of a vintage receiver.