[Blackmore]

I've got a prototype Squeezebox that was modded by Pat at ART.  You might have been following the discussion on A/C as the "SB3/SPDIF transformer output" thread.  He's added a separate power supply for the clock and worked to clean up the digital output.  I brought it to MerRev's last Friday night and it was great.  Since a lot of you have modded SB3 and big power supplies, I'd like you to hear this in your system.  Pat spent quite a lot of time on the mod and I think you'll really like it.  Mine's been converted to BNC, but I can bring some adaptors over if need be. (this isn't the best compromise since the BNC connector, the modification and Pat's 16 foot U-Byte digital cable are meant to work in tandem)  Pat also would like some feedback on the standard analog output since cleaning up the clock should also clean up the analog supply.  Let me know when I can bring it over to your house.  I'll even bring some beer if that sweetens the deal.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Only a true friend would bring toys and beer. 
Sounds like the making of a mini GAS G2G.
My rooms still not much different than you heard it last time Mark. I wasn't happy with all the 'diddling' I'd done with it (moments before) the day you last visited. It's better but still "not suitable to show" as of yet. But I'd love to here the difference the mods make on somebody elses rig.

Bob

[bpape]

I'd love to host something if it ever settles down at my place.  I have a Bolder Statement mod SB3 with the matching PS.  Would be an interesting comparison.  The only DAC I have though is a stock MHDT Paradesea.

Bryan

[Blackmore]

Bryan,
Let me know when you want to hear this thing.  You're the perfect person to evaluate this little baby.  I think mine is only one of two in existence, so we're on the cutting edge of something here.
We can also see what your p/s will do for this since I'm stuck with the stock p/s right now.  Could be a fun evening.

[MerRev]

thanks for bringing it out Mark.  
The ART modded SB sounded considerably better than the stock Squeezebox.  The most apparent difference was less grain and hash and the sound was so smooth and no longer seemed mechanical.
                                                 Merrev

[Blackmore]

That's exactly how I hear it, too.  Less hash, more relaxed, better bass = more fun.  Now if it was only Yamamoto red, it would be perfect.

[Charles Calkins]

ART got a website? Any info. there about the Mods to the SB3?

                                                        Cheers
                                                       Charlie

[Blackmore]

Here's the website.   www.analogresearch-technology.net/index.html

I don't think Pat doesn't mention the mods on the website.  Shoot him an email about the mods and also the U-Byte cable. I think there's also going to be a dedicated power supply available soon that will have the 5v and 12v taps necessary for his mod.  He's fun to talk to and to email.  Lots of very technical talk and a no-nonsense approach to all of this.

[Charles Calkins]

Thanks.
 Wonder if they'll be at the RMAF?

                                      Cheers
                                      Charlie

[Charles Calkins]

How is the BNC cable used? To a DAC? To the PS?

                                     Cheers
                                     Charlie

[Blackmore]

Yes, the SB3 rca digital out is swapped for a high quality BNC connector for his digital cable and connected to your DAC.  That's what started me on this path.  I wanted to be able to connect the SB3 to my conrad johnson DAC 's BNC input. I believe that Pat would argue that his BNC implementation ensures a true 75 ohm connection between SB3 and DAC.

[Charles Calkins]

My very fine APLHIFI DAC has an RCA input. So it looks like I'd have to get an adapter. BNC to RCA.

                                                 Cheers
                                                 Charlie

[BPT]

Mark:
I wouldn't mind giving it a listen, since I use a modified SB3 for the majority of my listening. I just happen to have a nice battery supply sitting here with 12V and 5V outputs--could be good  . Let me know when you might be available.
Chris

[Blackmore]

I'm in town for the next two weeks then I'm gone for a week in the first part of June.  I'm free quite a bit on this weekend if you don't have too many Memorial day festivities.  The wife and I are playing a concert on Monday, but Saturday and Sunday are good for me.  Let me know if that's good. 

[BPT]

I've got the ART for a few days, and will post my thoughts. I want to thank Mark for bringing it over and staying for a mini listening session. Like most of you, I am continually tweeking my system and appreciate his feedback and listening expertise. 
Chris

[arthurs]

My very fine APLHIFI DAC has an RCA input. So it looks like I'd have to get an adapter. BNC to RCA.

                                                 Cheers
                                                 Charlie

Charlie - Is this the new APL DAC that is their brand or a modified?

[jhm731]

I've got the ART for a few days, and will post my thoughts. I want to thank Mark for bringing it over and staying for a mini listening session. Like most of you, I am continually tweeking my system and appreciate his feedback and listening expertise. 
Chris

So, how does it sound?

[BPT]

Finally had some good listening time with the ART SB3 and am happy to report it is an improvement over the stock unit and my own lightly modified unit in every aspect. I hear a deeper soundstage, better separation between instruments, finer high frequency detailing, better low level resolution (lower nosie floor) and an overall less digital--more analog like, relaxed sound. I only auditioned the unit's digital out--I did not use the analog out as my pre/processor only accepts a digital input. Great job, Pat.
Chris