Hugo M Scaler by Chord Electronics - The Official Thread

[alekc]

Finally putting M-Scaler to work What an amazing album it is

M-Scaler > TT2 > Feliks Envy Performance > T+A Solitaire P-SE

 

[musicinmymind]

Added Farad Super3 PSU for MScaler, which replaced BP90 and I did not find much difference in noise floor. Keeping Farad for convenience.

Did test both using ghentaudio cables.

 

[Reactcore]

Best musical wishes to everyone!!

A first nicely recorded album for HMS this year

 

[bpcans]

@Reactcore, have you listened to this album by Johnny Griffin? I found it very enjoyable.

 

[eric1974]

I currently use Rob's recommended BixPower BP90-12 in pure battery mode from the unregulated 12v output to run the M Scaler. But, in reading about electronics wear and tear in general, the consensus seems to be that a steady regulated power is potentially safer for electronic components. So, I'm concerned about what the long-term impact of using the BixPower setup will be on the M Scaler. Secondly, I'm confused about using 12v (and dropping lower as the battery level drops) versus the specified 15V 4amp stock SMPS included with the M Scaler. Finally, it seems like the best of regulated power plus the behavior of batteries is found by using the Farad Super3, but it's amp rating is only 3 amps versus the 5 amps from the BixPower battery or the 4 amps from the stock power supply. So, here's my question: Would connecting the Farad Super3 in a 15V configuration result in improved sound, less wear on the M Scaler and adequate power under all music demands given its 3 amp limitation?

 

[Reactcore]

Would connecting the Farad Super3 in a 15V configuration result in improved sound, less wear on the M Scaler and adequate power under all music demands given its 3 amp limitation?

3A is just the max rating the PSU can supply.
Any apparatus draws a current according to its voltage and load specification. In case of Mscaler thats about ~1A at 15v.

So per example also from a PSU that can supply max rated 10A, at 15v Mscaler will still only take ~1A from it. At 12v it will be slightly more like 1.25A where the powerconsumption (roughly 15 watt) stays the same.

Mscaler has internal SMPS DC-DC sections which will convert any supplied voltage between 9 and 15v to its own operating voltage of 5v.
Bottom line: dont worry

... Ok heres another superb album:

 

[eric1974]

I currently use Rob's recommended BixPower BP90-12 in pure battery mode from the unregulated 12v output to run the M Scaler. But, in reading about electronics wear and tear in general, the consensus seems to be that a steady regulated power is potentially safer for electronic components. So, I'm concerned about what the long-term impact of using the BixPower setup will be on the M Scaler. Secondly, I'm confused about using 12v (and dropping lower as the battery level drops) versus the specified 15V 4amp stock SMPS included with the M Scaler. Finally, it seems like the best of regulated power plus the behavior of batteries is found by using the Farad Super3, but it's amp rating is only 3 amps versus the 5 amps from the BixPower battery or the 4 amps from the stock power supply. So, here's my question: Would connecting the Farad Super3 in a 15V configuration result in improved sound, less wear on the M Scaler and adequate power under all music demands given its 3 amp limitation?

Well, FYI, at least I can answer one part of my question above, thanks to the Farad website: max current = max power/voltage. So, using Chord’s published specs of full power at 30 watts and 15 rated voltage, the M scaler uses about 2 amps max, giving the Super3 ample headroom.

 

[Reactcore]

Well, FYI, at least I can answer one part of my question above, thanks to the Farad website: max current = max power/voltage. So, using Chord’s published specs of full power at 30 watts and 15 rated voltage, the M scaler uses about 2 amps max, giving the Super3 ample headroom.

I just measured this myself.
While playing, Mscaler draws less than 15W. Thats with the conversion efficiency loss of the original SMPS incuded. So 1A nominal it is in reality.

 

[eric1974]

Reactcore, thanks for your replies, and taking actual power measurements!

 

[Reactcore]

Reactcore, thanks for your replies, and taking actual power measurements!

No prob

Chord always stays far on the safe side mentioning ratings.

 

[Meridian7]

... But, in reading about electronics wear and tear in general, the consensus seems to be that a steady regulated power is potentially safer for electronic components...

Hi @eric1974
Could you elaborate on that thought please? I can imagine an unstable supply voltage can mean various things.

 

[eric1974]

Hi @eric1974
Could you elaborate on that thought please? I can imagine an unstable supply voltage can mean various things.

Perhaps Rob Watts would be the best person to clarify the issue of varying voltages from sources such as my BixPower and whether they impact the electronic circuit of the M Scaler and whether the internal conversion to 5v makes this a nonissue. My only point was that most power supplies use regulated power and my online searches emphasized the need to stable, consistent power for most electronic devices.

 

[Meridian7]

Perhaps Rob Watts would be the best person to clarify the issue of varying voltages from sources such as my BixPower and whether they impact the electronic circuit of the M Scaler and whether the internal conversion to 5v makes this a nonissue. My only point was that most power supplies use regulated power and my online searches emphasized the need to stable, consistent power for most electronic devices.

Regulated power sounds good indeed, unregulated sounds awful in general terms, I read you there

For hifi audio and from batteries, "regulared" becomes questionable, the regulating electronics with their fast switching circuits affect sound quality easily. Got to pay way more than the standard to get switching circuits that are up to hifi grade, and this is no snake oil argument. Wont find that level of dedication in the power bricks

 

[Rob Watts]

I currently use Rob's recommended BixPower BP90-12 in pure battery mode from the unregulated 12v output to run the M Scaler. But, in reading about electronics wear and tear in general, the consensus seems to be that a steady regulated power is potentially safer for electronic components. So, I'm concerned about what the long-term impact of using the BixPower setup will be on the M Scaler. Secondly, I'm confused about using 12v (and dropping lower as the battery level drops) versus the specified 15V 4amp stock SMPS included with the M Scaler. Finally, it seems like the best of regulated power plus the behavior of batteries is found by using the Farad Super3, but it's amp rating is only 3 amps versus the 5 amps from the BixPower battery or the 4 amps from the stock power supply. So, here's my question: Would connecting the Farad Super3 in a 15V configuration result in improved sound, less wear on the M Scaler and adequate power under all music demands given its 3 amp limitation?

On Hugo M scaler the input power is regulated to 5v and everything comes off from this 5v, so there is absolutely nothing to worry about the the input voltage being fed from an unregulated battery. As the battery discharges the voltage will slowly fall, and this does not affect sound quality in any way at all as I have run the BixPower to shutdown many times and never noticed SQ changing as it approaches full discharge. And as for damaging electronics, this comes from over voltage, and it's simply impossible for an over voltage to occur with the BixPower, as it's running well below the rated 15v input.

I would strongly recommend NOT to use any linear PSU on Hugo M scaler - use the supplied PSU or if you want the absolute best then use the BixPower.

 

[MarkParity]

I'm using one of these at the moment with a suitable fuse and inline switch. I charge it with a spare Victron MPPT solar charge controller.