[jules]

Mike,

On the 4.7uF Obbligato/.01 uF Ven Haus caps between the SB2 and the BB ... This looks like a key part of the design. Given it's all in the one box, is it a replacement of both the output caps on the SB2 and the input caps on the BB, or is it one or the other, if that makes sense?

jules

[BRN]

Mike,

Thanks for the information. I wish that I could choose the resistors for the board, but it looks like it will do the trick. Also, DIY Club has some nice cases with front panels that match the display board.

Brad

[Captain Humble]

Looks great inside and out!
Nice job Mike!

[mgalusha]

DCX output stage as in Behringer DCX?  I'd be interested in knowing what you have in mind for that unit.

Russ,

Yep, I have a DCX2496 and the stock output section is pretty bad. There are a lot of folks modding these with passive output stages, some using caps and other using transformers. I am going with the active stage developed by Jan Didden (www.linearaudio.nl). All reports so far have been very good and it provides full analog volume control, channel trims and balance all via the comfort of your listening chair.

The downside is the expense, the cost is 270 Euros if you're outside of the EU, 319 if not. Plus shipping and of course currency exchange fees. Pilgham Audio also uses wire transfer for payments, and I can say this has been a very painful purchase process. I'm hoping the kit arrives soon.

Mike

[mgalusha]

On the 4.7uF Obbligato/.01 uF Ven Haus caps between the SB2 and the BB ... This looks like a key part of the design. Given it's all in the one box, is it a replacement of both the output caps on the SB2 and the input caps on the BB, or is it one or the other, if that makes sense?

Jules,

The Burson modules are direct coupled, no caps in the signal path. The caps are just to replace the coupling caps in the SB since it has about 2.5VDC (if I recall correctly) on the output.

Mike

[randytsuch]

Jules,

The Burson modules are direct coupled, no caps in the signal path. The caps are just to replace the coupling caps in the SB since it has about 2.5VDC (if I recall correctly) on the output.

Mike

Hi Mike
Another nice project.  I just got my par metel case yesterday, so I plan to start working on my SB recase project.

Wondering how much the Burson buffers improve things?  I know this is system dependent, but I starting looking at their stuff when I saw this latest project.  The buffer box is a little expensive, but they make these little op amp replacment boards that are not too bad, and the buffer box is supposed to be based on those boards, along with their super regs.

Randy

[jules]

Ah good ... thanks Mike

Jules

ps Randy, I can't speak for the SB but I'm using the BB between a CDP and an amp and the change is significant. From what I've read, the buffer works well with the SB. More detail, better dynamics and clearer imaging. How much change ... enough to make me re-evaluate the quality of quite a few CDs ... some up, some down 

[mgalusha]

Wondering how much the Burson buffers improve things?  I know this is system dependent, but I starting looking at their stuff when I saw this latest project.  The buffer box is a little expensive, but they make these little op amp replacment boards that are not too bad, and the buffer box is supposed to be based on those boards, along with their super regs.

Hi Randy,

They make much more difference that I would have expected. They seem to be a very synergistic match with the output of the SB's. IMO they are worth the cost and effort. Their discrete op-amp looks to be very similar. I suspect you could make it into a stand alone unit that is pretty much the same as their buffer modules with only a little work. Gotta do something about the feedback loop since it's an op amp. I'm betting it's almost identical to the buffer modules and could use the same parts values.

Looking at the regulators, you should be able to get away with one for each rail. Each of their opamps draws 25mA and the regulators are spec'd at 80mA. I measured the draw of my modules at 28.5mA. 'Course you could use a pair of regs for each module.

Mike