Jared,
Here is a link to some pictures of the RWA SB3:
http://gallery.mac.com/philippedancause/100041And here is the list of mods done to the SB3:
Modifications
1) Replace the stock Burr-Brown PCM1748 DAC (16-SSOP SMD) with the upgraded PCM1748KE,
which has 6dB improved Dynamic Range and SNR, as well as improved THD and channel separation.
2) Replace the stock surface mount opamp (NJM 2041) with a high-end Burr Brown chip (OPA2604). The combination of the Burr-Brown dac and output stage opamp result in improved bass punch, PRaT, and dynamics (especially when using a passive preamp). Midrange and top end performance are exceptional!
***NOTE: Modification number 2 above preserves the 2.1Vrms output, low output impedance, as well as the headphone output
3) Replace ALL analog signal coupling caps with Black Gate NX-Hi-Q non-polarized caps
4) Replace the DAC’s critical Vcc, Vdd, and Vcom decoupling caps with Gate NX-Hi-Q non-polarized caps.
5) Replace the stock RCA jacks with upgraded pair of high-quality, gold-plated jacks with Teflon inner
insulator. Hard wiring of the signal wire to the new RCA jacks
6) Removal of the 14V power feed from on-board switching power supply (which feeds the
critical 3.3V and 5V regulators used for the internal DAC as well as the SPDIF output buffer), and
replace it with the 12V supply line from the external 12V SLA battery enclosure...a much
cleaner choice of power supply.
7) Feed the SB2's 5V main input with a linear regulated 5V generated from an external 12V SLA
battery enclosure.
8 ) Install additional low ESR capacitance to the 5V input (filtering)
9) Application of vibration-dampening material to the main crystal oscillator
10) Replacement of the stock RCA digital output jack with a high-quality, 75-ohm BNC jack.
11) Installation of a custom, 3-conductor power cord and Switchcraft 'twist-lock' plug to be used
with the external battery enclosure
12) Addition of a direct A/C connection making it possible to listen to the SB3 while charging the battery
cheers
