VDC•SB Update (Squeezebox Power Supply)

CIAudio · « **on:** 29 Aug 2007, 10:18 pm »

The VDC•SB will be available in a few weeks.
I've had a lot of fun doing this project...The sound we're getting with a Squeezebox/VDC•SB fed into a VDA•2/VAC•1 combo is very impressive.

Preliminary info on VDC•SB is as follows:

discrete Schottky diode bridge
4A low output impedance transformer
20,000uF capacitance
regulated 5v output
can be configured for 120 or 240v input
$259 (includes shipping)

Our first production run is 100 pieces, so call to get on the order list!

JLM · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Aug 2007, 09:34 pm »

Seems good Dusty. At that price it should fill the gap between wall warts and the Bolder power supply.

Can't wait for one of local audiofests to gather all them for a shoot out .

Just wish my Squeeze Box experience had been better.

BradJudy · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Aug 2007, 09:57 pm »

Is it safe to assume it looks like the VAC-1?

CIAudio · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Aug 2007, 10:23 pm »

Quote

Is it safe to assume it looks like the VAC-1?

Very similar in looks to a VAC•1, with a blue power LED added.

SatoriGFX · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Sep 2007, 05:03 am »

Dusty,

Can you give us a better idea of the affect the VDC•SB has on the Squeezebox's sound?

Adam.

CIAudio · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Sep 2007, 03:58 pm »

Quote

Can you give us a better idea of the affect the VDC•SB has on the Squeezebox's sound?

By replacing the the stock switching supply with VDC•SB, switching noise is eliminated providing a more analog sound...smoother, more dynamic, and extended.

SatoriGFX · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Sep 2007, 01:02 am »

Quote from: CIAudio on 2 Sep 2007, 03:58 pm

Quote
Can you give us a better idea of the affect the VDC•SB has on the Squeezebox's sound?

By replacing the the stock switching supply with VDC•SB, switching noise is eliminated providing a more analog sound...smoother, more dynamic, and extended.

Sounds good. I am even more interested than before because I recently picked up a CEC TL-51X belt driven transport and it clearly betters the Squeezebox in several areas running into my VDA-2 w/VAC-1 (and that's without having levelled the CEC (supposedly necessary to get the most out of them) which is simply sitting beside my TV on my cheapo Ikea TV stand). If you really want the analog sound the TL-51X with the VDA-2 is one hell of a way to go. The TL-51X/VDA-2 combo is far more nuanced than the SB3/VDA-2 combo, though some might find it too laid back. If the VDC•SB can help the SB3 compete with the CEC I would be very happy.

JLM · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Sep 2007, 01:28 am »

I'm currently slumming with an Oppo 970, but plan on adding a VDA-2 soon, and have considered the CEC down the road. Please keep us informed how that combination works after you've fully set it up.

CIAudio · « **Reply #8 on:** 21 Sep 2007, 03:46 pm »

VDC•SB's are now available and will start shipping on monday (9/24)!

Kenji · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Oct 2007, 02:29 pm »

What is the lenght of the umblical powercord between the VDC-SB and Squeezebox? Sent a google mail to you a couple days ago but no response

WoonPing

CIAudio · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Oct 2007, 03:57 pm »

Quote

What is the lenght of the umblical powercord between the VDC-SB and Squeezebox? Sent a google mail to you a couple days ago but no response

The DC cable is 26" long (for placement near the Squeezebox)

tanchiro58 · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 Oct 2007, 05:13 pm »

Hi Gents,

I got one and love this "little cute cube" which brings my SB2 to another level of music.

John151 · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 Oct 2007, 05:19 pm »

Quote from: CIAudio on 2 Sep 2007, 03:58 pm

Quote
Can you give us a better idea of the affect the VDC•SB has on the Squeezebox's sound?

By replacing the the stock switching supply with VDC•SB, switching noise is eliminated providing a more analog sound...smoother, more dynamic, and extended.

Will this have a noticable improvement when the SB is connected to a DAC (i.e. the SB analog circuits are not being used)?

Kenji · « **Reply #13 on:** 20 Oct 2007, 01:03 am »

Quote from: CIAudio on 19 Oct 2007, 03:57 pm

Quote
What is the lenght of the umblical powercord between the VDC-SB and Squeezebox? Sent a google mail to you a couple days ago but no response

The DC cable is 26" long (for placement near the Squeezebox)

Thanks for the info. I am interested to get one. Please check PM.

WoonPing

jam2001 · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 Nov 2007, 05:30 am »

Has anyone else purchased this? If so, have you noticed an improvement in sound?

jam2001 · « **Reply #15 on:** 6 Dec 2007, 03:04 pm »

Quote from: tanchiro58 on 19 Oct 2007, 05:13 pm

Hi Gents,

I got one and love this "little cute cube" which brings my SB2 to another level of music.

Do you have this connected via Digital or Analog RCA connections?

tanchiro58 · « **Reply #16 on:** 6 Dec 2007, 05:32 pm »

Quote from: jam2001 on 6 Dec 2007, 03:04 pm

Quote from: tanchiro58 on 19 Oct 2007, 05:13 pm
Hi Gents,

I got one and love this "little cute cube" which brings my SB2 to another level of music.

Do you have this connected via Digital or Analog RCA connections?

Hi,

It is a power supply and connected to the DC source via a power cord just like from a walwart to the unit. You can power your SB2 or SB3 instead of your stock one and the difference is the VDC-SB sounds way better than the stock one or even a custombuilt I did build before. This does nothing to do with your digital and analog connections. Any questions please feel free to ask.

Best regards,
Tan

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #17 on:** 6 Dec 2007, 05:41 pm »

Tan:

What power supply did you use before you got the VDC.SB?

Cheers
Charlie

jam2001 · « **Reply #18 on:** 6 Dec 2007, 05:49 pm »

Tan,

Thanks for the reply, but I understand what the VDC-SB is/does.

My question is how do you have your Squeezebox hooked up to your stereo receiver? I've heard that changes made to the Squeezebox power supply don't make much difference if your Squeezebox is connected to a receiver via digital connections (optical or cable). So I'm curious how your system is setup.

tanchiro58 · « **Reply #19 on:** 6 Dec 2007, 06:15 pm »

Quote from: Charles Calkins on 6 Dec 2007, 05:41 pm

Tan:

What power supply did you use before you got the VDC.SB?

Cheers
Charlie

Charlie,

This is my list of SB PS from okay to best one:
1. Bolder modded Elpac
2. Basic Bolder modded PS
3. My custombuilt PS with Power-One
4. CI VDC-SB
5. Paul Hynes Shunt regulated PS
6. RWA/SMART battery charger

Notes: I have not owned 5 and 6 yet but I will consider to purchase them. But I know for sure the RWA is the best one IMO since I own one for my Altmann Attraction DC and BYOB amp.

Tan