[mca]

I just purchased a new Logitech Duet (the remote rocks!) and plan to pair it up with an outboard DAC. (Looking at the Mhdt Havana, Altman Attraction, Van Alstine or the Red Wine Isabellina)

My question is, will I need to mod anything on the Duet to take full advantage of this combo? I know there are several power supplies available, but not sure if these will make a difference when running an outboard DAC. 

[tanchiro58]

I just purchased a new Logitech Duet (the remote rocks!) and plan to pair it up with an outboard DAC. (Looking at the Mhdt Havana, Altman Attraction, Van Alstine or the Red Wine Isabellina)

My question is, will I need to mod anything on the Duet to take full advantage of this combo? I know there are several power supplies available, but not sure if these will make a difference when running an outboard DAC. 

mca,

You are absolutely right. I build a Felix with a japanese high quality switching PS for the Duet. To be honest we have to do something inside the unit like I did install the Newava digital transformer to my SB3. The sound was so weak and almost dull with a new PS compared to modded SB3 with the same Felix/SMPS IMO.

[Wayne1]

I am a bit biased on this topic, but I do feel that an aftermarket, linear power supply will help out a great deal.

The switching power supply that comes with the DUET system does inject high frequency noise into both the AC line and the DC line feeding the Receiver. This high frequency noise will ride on the DC and carry through on the voltage supplying the digital output section.

To my ears and on my system, changing to a linear power supply reduces the hash or harshness from the digital output. There are some comments about this in my circle here on AC. Duet Mods

Dusty's power supply (Channel Islands Audio VDC 9.0) is very good sounding for the money. Tyson now has the one Dusty sent me for evaluation. He will be comparing it to a much more expensive one that I built him. You may want to keep an eye on this thread Initial thoughts on the modded Duet for his and other comments on mods and power supplies.

I do agree with you 100% about the remote.   I just love it. Now that Rhapsody is streaming at 192 kbs, I am finding LOTs of music and it sounds pretty darn good. Check out the Crazy for Covers channel.

[jhm731]

Recently got my Duet receiver back from Pat at analogresearch-technology.net. IMO, his latest digital output upgrades make a much bigger improve than spending lots money on a linear PSU.

If you want to upgrade the Duet receiver''s PSU to a linear, here's one:

Acopian -B9G50. Cost- $100.

www.acopian.com/

These power supplies have screw terminals.

You'll need an AC power cable and a DC cable and plug. Make sure you check the stock wall wart for the correct polarity on the DC plug.

PS- This PSU doesn't need a Felix, Bybee Purifiers, cryo-treatment or Ebony pucks.

[tanchiro58]

Recently got my Duet receiver back from Pat at analogresearch-technology.net. IMO, his latest digital output upgrades make a much bigger improve than spending lots money on a linear PSU.

If you want to upgrade the Duet receiver''s PSU to a linear, here's one:

Acopian -B9G50. Cost- $100.

www.acopian.com/

These power supplies have screw terminals.

You'll need an AC power cable and a DC cable and plug. Make sure you check the stock wall wart for the correct polarity on the DC plug.

PS- This PSU doesn't need a Felix, Bybee Purifiers, cryo-treatment or Ebony pucks.

Here is the Acopian's ordering main page:

http://www.acopian.com/store/productdetail.aspx?q=dNominal+Output+Voltage:+9;+Adjust%2B%2F-:+1;+++Max+Output+Current+Amps+(40+C):+0.5;++Regulation+Load+%2B%2F%2D:+0.1;+Line+%2B%2F%2D:0.05;++Ripple+mV+RMS:+1;+Case+Size:+G3,i316

[mr_bill]

I am a bit biased on this topic, but I do feel that an aftermarket, linear power supply will help out a great deal.

The switching power supply that comes with the DUET system does inject high frequency noise into both the AC line and the DC line feeding the Receiver. This high frequency noise will ride on the DC and carry through on the voltage supplying the digital output section.

To my ears and on my system, changing to a linear power supply reduces the hash or harshness from the digital output. There are some comments about this in my circle here on AC. Duet Mods

Dusty's power supply (Channel Islands Audio VDC 9.0) is very good sounding for the money. Tyson now has the one Dusty sent me for evaluation. He will be comparing it to a much more expensive one that I built him. You may want to keep an eye on this thread Initial thoughts on the modded Duet for his and other comments on mods and power supplies.

I do agree with you 100% about the remote.   I just love it. Now that Rhapsody is streaming at 192 kbs, I am finding LOTs of music and it sounds pretty darn good. Check out the Crazy for Covers channel.

Wayne,
Are listening to Rhapsody via the monthly fee'd account or is it free?  Are you listening with the squeezenetwork or through the SC software?
Thanks,
Bill

[Wayne1]

You get a 30 day free account when you get a SqueezeBox.

My ISP offers free access to some of the channels. I have been listening to these through my computer for a few years. When I received the DUET system, it was very easy to access these with the remote. I started listening more through the various SB I have.

Finally I bought a Rhapsody To Go MP3 player for use when away from the house. I also signed up for a full access membership.

I enjoy have the different channels to choose from to play in my backyard when I am relaxing on the deck. It is also very good for finding out about new music and artists.

When at home I just access Rhapsody through the SqueezeCenter software. There was a upgrade to the software last week that affected Rhapsody. I had to down load one of the nightlys.