[zilch0md]

The Best Portable Solution Yet for Powering the Stepdance at 15-Volts
 
I figured out a way to attach the XPAL Willy Cable WI15 to the Stepdance with NO SOLDERING REQUIRED!
 
Thanks to an earlier post in this thread by Head-Fi member Avi, I ordered the PowerStream Slip-On Barrel Connector Assortment that he is using with his Jameco 12-Volt regulated linear power supply.
 
Just gambling that the PowerStream Slip-On Connector which fits into the Stepdance jack would slip onto at least one of the tips provided with the XP8000 Battery Pack, I was thrilled to discover today that it works perfectly!
 
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Edit:   If you want to order this stuff...
 
1)  Start by ordering and receiving the XP8000 (or XP18000) - They are available at many online retailers.
  
2)  Then REGISTER your XP8000 (or 18000) online, so that you can get a discount when you order the Willy Cable WI15  ($7.95 instead of $19.95).
 
3)  Order the XPAL Willy Cable WI15 here (pretending that you intend to use it with a Toshiba Satellite M55-S1352 (notebook computer):
 
     XPAL now has the Meier Audio Corda Stepdance in their catalog of devices (thanks to me)  

     http://tipfinder.xpalpower.com/01finder.php?key=stepdance&select_model=3&x=23&y=24
         
4)  Order the PowerStream PST-WX07 Slip-On Barrel Connector Assortment here:  http://www.powerstream.com/dc-tips2.htm 
     (It's $7.00 + shipping for the complete set of connectors, not for just one connector.)
 
             -OR-
 
    Order just the one adapter you need from here:  
    JDS Labs sells a coaxial power adapter for their cMoy BB v2.03 amp that fits the power jack on the back of a Stepdance:
 
    http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=PSTWX07
 
    
 
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Pictures + words speak louder than pictures:
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

[Girls Generation]

Time to order the XPAL Willy WI15, and powerstream slip on. Does anyone know where I can purchase these in Canada?

 

[pksam2005]

million thanks to * zilch0md, can you please give the difference between 12v and 15v stepdance performance?

 

[Girls Generation]

The shipping rate for the PST-WX07 from the site is $20 for the cheapest AND UPS.... wow.
I have to purchaset he willy WI15 seprately, correct?

 

[ianmedium]

Mike, thank you so much for all the hard work. One last favor. Could you write the link for the willy as text, I can't seem to copy it from the images. Hopefully Energizer take paypal as I have not owned a CC for 15years..Luddite I know but it is also great having no debt!
 

 

[smial1966]

Mike - great work so thanks very much.
 
ianmedium - here's the link you need - http://tipfinder.xpalpower.com/02tip.php?rp=&cno=&did=3&device=Laptop&bid=49&brand=Toshiba&mid=8774&model=Satellite%20M55-S1352
 
Energizer do take PayPal.
 
Happy days!
 
Cheers.

 

[zilch0md]

I have just added these ordering instructions as an edit to my post regarding the XP8000 + Willy Cable WI15 + PowerStream Slip-On Connectors:
 
-------------
 
         If you want to order this stuff, start by ordering and receiving the XP8000 (or XP18000) - They are available at many online retailers.
  
         Then REGISTER your XP8000 (or 18000) online, so that you can get a discount when you order the Willy Cable WI15  ($7.95 instead of $19.95).
 
         Order the XPAL Willy Cable WI15 here (pretending that you intend to use it with a Toshiba Satellite M55-S1352 (notebook computer): 
         http://tipfinder.xpalpower.com/02tip.php?rp=&cno=&did=3&device=Laptop&bid=49&brand=Toshiba&mid=8774&model=Satellite%20M55-S1352 
 
         Do NOT order the AB07 tip that's needed only if you actually want to use the WI15 cable with a Toshiba Satellite M55-S1352!
 
         Order the PowerStream PST-WX07 Slip-On Barrel Connector Assortment here:  http://www.powerstream.com/dc-tips2.htm 
         (It's $7.00 + shipping for the complete set of connectors, not for just one connector.)
 
-------------
 
That should help for those who want to take the plunge.
 

 
Mike

 

[zilch0md]

You're welcome!!
 
Quote:

million thanks to * zilch0md, can you please give the difference between 12v and 15v stepdance performance?

It's really gratifying to know that all the research might actually be of use to other people.
 
To answer your question - the difference between 12v and 15v is a 41.8% increase in Peak Watts supplied to the headphones - a 41.8% increase in headroom (and the SQ improvements that come with higher Wattage).
 
A 15-Volt external supply, whether it's a battery pack or an AC-powered linear regulated PSU that provides 15-Volts DC, actually increases the OPA1611 opamp's output voltage (and Watts) available to your headphones by 41.8% over the opamp's output voltage (and Watts) had with a 12-Volt power supply (even though the supply voltage has only increased by 25%, from 12 to 15). 
 
An explanation of my findings can be found in these two posts:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/507835/meier-audio-stepdance-discussion-and-impressions-thread/1005#post_7312910
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/507835/meier-audio-stepdance-discussion-and-impressions-thread/1020#post_7314921 
 
You might want to take my assumptions and interpretations of the OPA1611 datasheet with a grain of salt, but in a January 11th e-mail exchange with Jan Meier, he did write the following: 
 
"Yes, a good powersupply [for the Stepdance] will definitely improve on sound quality, especially when it's supply voltage is so much higher than your battery voltage." 
 
Mike
 

 

[cooperpwc]

Wow, I was away for a long time and things have gotten really interesting. Glad to see the fun continuing.  

 

[zilch0md]

 
Hi GG,

 
Quote:

The shipping rate for the PST-WX07 from the site is $20 for the cheapest AND UPS.... wow.
I have to purchaset he willy WI15 seprately, correct?

Yes, see my new detailed ordering instructions, above.  (No soldering required!)
 
Thanks,
 
Mike
 
 

 

[ianmedium]

Mike, thank you once again my friend, am ordering today!
Edit! All done, tips and willy on the way, now to wait for the slooooow shipping from the States( to be fare, it is fast until it gets to the border!

So, now I have the most power for the amp, the solo and three pairs of headphones that I love.. Pure bliss!

Thank you once again Mike for making this so easy and very enjoyable!

 

[Armaegis]

Arising from a discussion of using the XP8000/18000 as "clean" power sources over at AMB, from the man himself...
 
Quote:

The Energizer XP8000 and XP18000 you linked have multiple output voltages.  Chances are the pack has internal charge-pump DC-DC converters to produce the various voltages, so the outputs probably not direct power from the battery.

Anyone have comments on this?

 

[Girls Generation]

Mike, thank you once again my friend, am ordering today!
Edit! All done, tips and willy on the way, now to wait for the slooooow shipping from the States( to be fare, it is fast until it gets to the border!

So, now I have the most power for the amp, the solo and three pairs of headphones that I love.. Pure bliss!

Thank you once again Mike for making this so easy and very enjoyable!

NOOOOOOOOOOO I was going to ask you to order two for me so we can split the shipping fee and make it less T_T_T_T_T_T_T

you should cancel the order it's the exact same shipping fee for two....

 

[Avi]

Mike, that's amazing—especially the pictures. I hope you're enjoying audio bliss! I have to save up for a new desktop, so I think I'll hold off on the XP for now, but I'm really happy to see you got it working, and a no-solder version too which provides hope to klutzs like me

 
Also, I know it's been said a gazillion times, but thanks for the clear descriptions, images, and step-by-step procedures you lay out; it makes it so much easier for us less-technical types

 

[monoethylene]

Mike,
 
May I ask what will be or is your source to feed the Stepdance??