Anyone with the BolderCables Squeezebox 3 mods?

[mofonyx]

Hey there,

I'm looking to get a Squeezebox 3 to pair with the Benchmark DAC1. I stumbled myself upon some Squeezebox 3 mods by BolderCables which improves the digital out on the SB3.

Here's the link :
http://www.boldercables.com/servlet/Detail?no=385

Does the Bybee Purifier benefit those who are using Toslink instead of Coax? The reason for this is that the Benchmark DAC1 has BNC rather than RCA input for Coax (which is quite annoying). If anyone could recomment a good RCA to BNC digital cable it would be helpful. Moreover, there is hearsay (don't know how far true it is) that the BNC input on the DAC1 is not truly 75ohm, and with that, it may not be a good idea to connect it digitally via coax.

Are the mods worth it to anyone who has done it?

Cheers.

 

[digihead]

Interesting...I have been wondering the same thing myself regarding the Bolder mods. I have read quite a bit about the Bolder mods, however most seem to say either do the Bolder mods without a DAC or get the Bolder mods and not use a DAC but haven't seen much about the digital improvements of the Bolder mod.

I have an Olive music server with the Redwine Audio mods which uses a BNC 75ohm digital jack that replaces the RCA. Vinnie made me a 75ohm BNC to BNC cable with a BNC to RCA adpater. You could contact him about making you the same cable.

 

[cleophus]

http://www.welbornelabs.com/squeeze.htm

Don't forget to replace the worthless power supply.

 

[mofonyx]

That's a ridiculous price. I already have a power supply solution, by the way.. I'm getting a s11 PSU built for me.

So.. any opinions on the Bolder Cables SB3 mods? It seems like it's not worth the money since no one has done it

 

[Turn&cough]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mofonyx /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's a ridiculous price. I already have a power supply solution, by the way.. I'm getting a s11 PSU built for me.

If you think that's ridiculous what about this?
http://www.boldercables.com/servlet/Detail?no=377
BTW - Power cable not included

 

[mofonyx]

Yeap, I saw that as well. It's not worth it IMHO.

Any opinions on the mods to the SB3?

 

[Gabe Logan]

Sorry i wish i could help you out.I too wanted to have this mod done but that means i would have to part with it for some time

.

By the way,the stereovox hdvx coax cable come BNC standard but also comes with RCA adapters if you choose to use them.

 

[Lord Chaos]

I'd say save your money and use the SB3 stock. Mine is box-stock and sounds great with a DAC1. Benchmark sells a cable to connect the two, and it works well.

The impedance question is addressed in the USB Benchmark "Jenga" thread, but I'll summarize: don't worry about it. The connector is 50-ohm because it's mechanically sturdier. For the frequencies used in the DAC1 it has no effect. If you were working with gigaherz frequencies it would have an effect.

 

[mofonyx]

Lord Chaos : I read about the 50ohm issue and I still remain unconvinced that it will not cause any audible differences with a 75ohm jack. With that, I will use Toslink instead.

Yes, I also have decided to ditch the mod because it is a "cheap budget transport" after all.

Cheers.

 

[Voltron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mofonyx /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's a ridiculous price. I already have a power supply solution, by the way.. I'm getting a s11 PSU built for me. So.. any opinions on the Bolder Cables SB3 mods? It seems like it's not worth the money since no one has done it

I think you have done the right thing. I have a beautiful s11 PS built for me as a favor by the wonder N_Maher and it is a really nice improvement on the SB3. Presumably the impact is greater on analog output, but we did some network tests at a recent meet (K1000 mega meet) and the SB3 with Nate's PS had a rock-solid signal while the other one with that crap stock switching PS was up and down and up and down. . . Turning the SB3 into a silk purse transport just doesn't seem consistent with its nature as a budget prize sow!

Sorry about the mixed and butchered metaphors.

 

[Turn&cough]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mofonyx /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeap, I saw that as well. It's not worth it IMHO. Any opinions on the mods to the SB3?

I put together a decent linear PS for about $80.00. I think anything more would be overkill and a waste of money.
Apparently the BC full analog mod gives good results but personally I would rather spend the money on a good external DAC which can also be used for other devices.

 

[Gabe Logan]

You get improvements even as a transport with an upgraded power supply.I was surprised that even power cable swapping on the power supply gave results,not that great of results because i put in a volex cord that just darkened the sound but it was a change non the less.

 

[WilCox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mofonyx /img/forum/go_quote.gif .. I'm getting a s11 PSU built for me.

Can you shed some light on what an s11 power supply is and where to go to find more info? A quick search only uncovered another reference in a Millett thread with no info.

 

[laxx]

s11 (sigma 11) Power Supply is a design from AMB Laboratories for the DIY fans.

http://www.amb.org/audio/sigma11/

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mofonyx /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's a ridiculous price.

I wouldn't go that far. Their PS appears to be a nice product and isn't a DIY product and shouldn't be compared to whatever you're paying for your sigma11.

For those looking for information on the sigma11, it is a discrete power supply designed by amb and much more information can be found here. There are no DIYFP folks currently listed as builders but clearly there are a few people out there willing to build one if you look hard enough. I would like to make it clear that I am not currently building s11's for sale and have no plans to. Voltron's was a special arrangement, he is the master of the universe and all that.