s11 vs tread for a balancd M3
Jan 3, 2010 at 1:52 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 9

nkk

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I was wondering if the tread can also supply enough power for a balanced M3. I know it is not a s11, but my student budget says an s11 is a good upgrade later, if I do not have to spend for it now.

I know it should have enough power, but I am asking especially re: balanced configuration. This amp project is a large investment for a college student (even one who is not actualy broke as many of his friends are
smily_headphones1.gif
), and I want to check and double check everything before spending a dime.

Thanks
Nkk
 
Jan 3, 2010 at 4:40 PM Post #4 of 9
also, *balanced* m3 is 2 m3 boards and ignoring the ground channels, right?

I think you're wasting your time on that, to be really honest.

build a 3ch m3 and you won't need this balanced nonsense. seriously. and then build an s11 to power it. you're done. you have ref class sound and didn't go 'audiophile insane'

save your money for real things. a single amp board and single PSU is more than fine enough. trust me.
 
Jan 4, 2010 at 2:39 PM Post #5 of 9
Actually Linux, you are one of the few people who I would fully trust for DIY. For balanced I did mean 2 boards with no grounds (1 board will have it for SE mode, but will nto be used in balanced). The thing is that although I know that balanced may be audiophile whatever, and that SE will be reference, I want to see it for myself. I want to build the amp myself, and A/B it, and only then will I truly believe it. It is sort of how physics tells you exactly what will happen in a driven/damped osciallating system, but to experment and find everything to be correct is still fun and you learn.*

If the s11 is that good, I will build it and SE, and then possibly fill in a balanced channel later (will have the case for balanced jacks etc, but will just not hook them up to anything).

Thanks,
Nkk


*Only example I could think of, but it holds true. Actually doing something, even if you know the results, has a sense of finality and certainty to it that just looking at equations or rationalizing doesn't. I know that headphones ma benefit from more power, but that after a certain point it will be indistiguishable, and that SE can get me to that point. But I still want to try.
 
Jan 4, 2010 at 3:22 PM Post #7 of 9
Quote:

Originally Posted by cobaltmute /img/forum/go_quote.gif
And what makes you make that claim?


talking with amb and tangent, I got that impression.

also using with with my own samples. I have a ppa and m3 and the ppa draws a lot less current than the m3. the yjps works well with both but the heatsinks DO get a lot hotter than I'd like when running my m3.

I think I also read on amb's site that the yjps is 'not certified' for m3 use, but perhaps tangent or amb can elaborate more on this.

I have no problem using either, for short durations, on the yjps. perhaps it was only the ability to 'drive spkrs' that was not certified for m3 (and I'd never use an m3 to drive spkr, anyway!)

ref: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/any...ebsite-335245/ (read the markmark post).

again, that info MIGHT be out of date, so please re-check.
 
Jan 4, 2010 at 3:44 PM Post #8 of 9
When using the TREAD one needs to pay careful attention to both current consumption and Vdrop at the regulator (ignore these factors at your peril). The same can be said for any PS but the TREAD has far fewer easy heat sink options.

This is also somewhat true of the YJPS and I think it's current limit due to the on board sinks is no more than ~.25A (250mA) but it's been more than a year since I looked into that power supply. I have successfully used the YJPS with both a PPA and Millett Hybrid.

The sigma11 is much more flexible regarding current capacity although it's still a requirement to do the calculations ahead of time or carefully follow amb's advice on his website.

All three provide an excellent, low noise and well regulated supply.
 

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