The DIY'rs Cookbook

[Muziqboy]

The lps mod is very worth it for the RN3 and thanks a lot to JJ for taking the lead on this and doing all the homework for us.
As you can see, I'm still awake and can't stop listening to my rig and it is already way past my bedtime. lol

 

[astrostar59]

  The lps mod is very worth it for the RN3 and thanks a lot to JJ for taking the lead on this and doing all the homework for us.
As you can see, I'm still awake and can't stop listening to my rig and it is already way past my bedtime. lol

I noticed you use the Theta Gen VA. Interesting vintage DAC indeed. I run an 2008 Audio Note DAC 5 which is also old school but R-2R and tubed. The design basically dates back to 2002 with some modifications. It has no up sampling and no filter with SPDIF or AES input only. I got it used as the new price (still made today) is insanely expensive.
 
I dropped USB after quite a lot of fixers and decrapifiers all with LPS and maxed out. The Rednet is a lot smoother and less digital IMO.

 

[Muziqboy]

Early on last year, Dante and Ravenna were being discussed as possible alternate to USB transports on Rob's Audio over IP and XMOS thread. @mhamel was the first one to try the Rednet D16 on a home setting and was convinced that it sounded way better than usb. Then I took the plunge following his lead and was the first to try out the RN3 and Mutec combo and reported my findings on Rob's XMOS thread here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/803111/xmos-xu208-usb-bridges-the-latest-gen-has-arrived/1830#post_12606908
 
And ever since that day, I turned my back to usb and never looked back. I keep on saying REALISM and it is what I felt the Rednet's advantage is compared to usb in SQ. And with this recent addition of lps's, it has widened the gap even further.
 
Cheers!

 

[astrostar59]

  Early on last year, Dante and Ravenna were being discussed as possible alternate to USB transports on Rob's Audio over IP and XMOS thread. @mhamel was the first one to try the Rednet D16 on a home setting and was convinced that it sounded way better than usb. Then I took the plunge following his lead and was the first to try out the RN3 and Mutec combo and reported my findings on Rob's XMOS thread here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/803111/xmos-xu208-usb-bridges-the-latest-gen-has-arrived/1830#post_12606908
 
And ever since that day, I turned my back to usb and never looked back. I keep on saying REALISM and it is what I felt the Rednet's advantage is compared to usb in SQ. And with this recent addition of lps's, it has widened the gap even further.
 
Cheers!

I bought my Rednet 6 months back and never looked back. But I have tried to promote awareness to AOIP at whatsbestforum and on head-case, but got attacked for trying. A lot of folk have already invested in USB, or possibly are obsessed with HQ player and up sampling DSD to insane levels. And of course Dante at the moment 'only' support 192K. The SPDIF interface is apparently limited to 192K. I have no such interest in mass up sampling data, indeed I see Redbook as 'high resolution' if it is done well. I also can listen to MQA at 96K which sounds superb. 
 
If a consumer version was introduced that was possibly a bit smaller, in black or aluminium and maybe simpler to set up the software, it would her flying out the door IMO. The trouble is up sampling to such high levels which seems to be the current trend amonst many defeats the option of the Rednet system.

 

[mourip]

  Early on last year, Dante and Ravenna were being discussed as possible alternate to USB transports on Rob's Audio over IP and XMOS thread. @mhamel was the first one to try the Rednet D16 on a home setting and was convinced that it sounded way better than usb. Then I took the plunge following his lead and was the first to try out the RN3 and Mutec combo and reported my findings on Rob's XMOS thread here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/803111/xmos-xu208-usb-bridges-the-latest-gen-has-arrived/1830#post_12606908
 
And ever since that day, I turned my back to usb and never looked back. I keep on saying REALISM and it is what I felt the Rednet's advantage is compared to usb in SQ. And with this recent addition of lps's, it has widened the gap even further.
 
Cheers!

 

  ... I have tried to promote awareness to AOIP at whatsbestforum and on head-case, but got attacked for trying. A lot of folk have already invested in USB, or possibly are obsessed with HQ player and up sampling DSD to insane levels. And of course Dante at the moment 'only' support 192K. The SPDIF interface is apparently limited to 192K. I have no such interest in mass up sampling data, indeed I see Redbook as 'high resolution' if it is done well. I also can listen to MQA at 96K which sounds superb.

 
I tried to get interest going on The Computer Audiophile but similarly got very little enthusiasm. It is sad because a couple of years ago it was THE Place to find fresh experimentation for computer audio. Now it seems to be a very conservative with folks defending the status quo with very closed minds.
 
Head-Fi seems to be doing the ground breaking these days...

 

[astrostar59]

  Head-Fi seems to be doing the ground breaking these days...

If you stray to HC forum, wear a hard hat.

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

Hello DiYrs, I'm in need of solid opinion. I've run across an amp that is only set for 220v use with 60w consumption. Would using a step-up transformer degrade SQ? Would the transformer, should I get a 200 or 300w unit constantly consume that wattage or only what the amp consumes?

Hoping from some insight! Thanks gents

 

[johnjen]

Say there.
 
My 2¢.
The transformer will only 'use' the power demanded of it, plus the power it needs to operate.
IOW based upon it's overall efficiency it will be the power demand from the amp plus its own power usage.
 
An example.
If the transformer were 50% efficient and the amp were running at 100% power draw then the total power draw would be 60W + 30W = 90Watts of draw at the 120Vac source.
 
Also note that transformers tend to loose efficiency as lower amounts of power are passed thru them.
But this also means there is greater 'headroom' for peak current demands if the capacity of the transformer is greater than the demand.
And while our audio gear doesn't present a constant demand for power, like a lightbulb or fan would, the peak to average power demand isn't anywhere the same as big power amps are.
 
Bottom line I'd opt for the 200Watt transformer, because even if the transformer were only 10% efficient the total power draw would be 60W + 54W = 114Watts.
 
And just to throw an extra twist into this (

) if you can configure the output from this transformer to be 'balanced' ie. 2 legs of 110Vac vs. a 'hot' 220Vac leg and a 0Vac leg like our existing ac power is, it would 'optimize' the power feed to the amp.
But be aware that there would be no neutral leg in this setup, which means that ground and neutral CANNOT be tied together in the amp, nor the transformer itself.
This usually is the way our gear is setup, but it is a factor to be aware of, especially if the amp is an unknown device, so to speak.
 
JJ

 

[johnjen]

So my next project is coming together.
 
I've been waiting for the right set of circumstances to dial in my tweaks on my 800's for a while now.
 
And thanks due to a post of Atomic Bob's, which provided the link…
I'm about to pull the trigger on one of these.

 
 
https://3diosound.com/products/free-space-binaural-microphone
 
These guys are local and fairly inexpensive, well compared to the 7K$ 'Standard Head' anyway.
 
And of course I've already figured how I will modify it to serve my needs a bit better.
 
And since this will cut the time of determining how well my tweaks are, well, tweaked, I'll be able to zero in on either a range or a particular set of parameters that will yield 'Better' or perhaps even 'Best' results,
As in Gen-4, where currently I'm at Gen-2.5.
 
I still am waiting on a few replacement parts from Sennheiser and there will be a learning curve in terms of setup and calibration between this binaural mic and the REW s/w it will feed.
 
This is gunna speed up the tweaking process by a WHOLE bunch.
 
I'll just have to make sure the puppy is asleep before I start taking measurements… 
I have nicknamed him Mr. Barkley Bear, for a reason…

 
JJ

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

Thanks JJ, I'll be sure to tag you in my findings. I found the Cayin iha6 for $250 less than retail even with shipping but it's 220v only. Which makes me wonder if they cut corners on a new/different internal lps from the original switchable.

Say there.

My 2¢.
The transformer will only 'use' the power demanded of it, plus the power it needs to operate.
IOW based upon it's overall efficiency it will be the power demand from the amp plus its own power usage.

An example.
If the transformer were 50% efficient and the amp were running at 100% power draw then the total power draw would be 60W + 30W = 90Watts of draw at the 120Vac source.

Also note that transformers tend to loose efficiency as lower amounts of power are passed thru them.
But this also means there is greater 'headroom' for peak current demands if the capacity of the transformer is greater than the demand.
And while our audio gear doesn't present a constant demand for power, like a lightbulb or fan would, the peak to average power demand isn't anywhere the same as big power amps are.

Bottom line I'd opt for the 200Watt transformer, because even if the transformer were only 10% efficient the total power draw would be 60W + 54W = 114Watts.

And just to throw an extra twist into this atsmile: ) if you can configure the output from this transformer to be 'balanced' ie. 2 legs of 110Vac vs. a 'hot' 220Vac leg and a 0Vac leg like our existing ac power is, it would 'optimize' the power feed to the amp.
But be aware that there would be no neutral leg in this setup, which means that ground and neutral CANNOT be tied together in the amp, nor the transformer itself.
This usually is the way our gear is setup, but it is a factor to be aware of, especially if the amp is an unknown device, so to speak.

JJ

So my next project is coming together.

I've been waiting for the right set of circumstances to dial in my tweaks on my 800's for a while now.

And thanks due to a post of Atomic Bob's, which provided the link…
I'm about to pull the trigger on one of these.




https://3diosound.com/products/free-space-binaural-microphone

These guys are local and fairly inexpensive, well compared to the 7K$ 'Standard Head' anyway.

And of course I've already figured how I will modify it to serve my needs a bit better.

And since this will cut the time of determining how well my tweaks are, well, tweaked, I'll be able to zero in on either a range or a particular set of parameters that will yield 'Better' or perhaps even 'Best' results,
As in Gen-4, where currently I'm at Gen-2.5.

I still am waiting on a few replacement parts from Sennheiser and there will be a learning curve in terms of setup and calibration between this binaural mic and the REW s/w it will feed.

This is gunna speed up the tweaking process by a WHOLE bunch.

I'll just have to make sure the puppy is asleep before I start taking measurements… 
I have nicknamed him Mr. Barkley Bear, for a reason…:atsmile:

JJ

Binaural ears/mic?! Will you be recording??

miceblue had some wearable mics that doubled for binaural iirc..

 

[johnjen]

Thanks JJ, I'll be sure to tag you in my findings. I found the Cayin iha6 for $250 less than retail even with shipping but it's 220v only. Which makes me wonder if they cut corners on a new/different internal lps from the original switchable.

Binaural ears/mic?! Will you be recording??

@miceblue had some wearable mics that doubled for binaural iirc..

Most audio gear while being configured for 220Vac and be modified to operate on 120Vac by simply changing the input wiring to it's transformer.
Much like the input wiring of the Telama transformer I used in the LPS mod to my RN3.
 
Instead of wiring the two primary windings in series (220Vac configuration) if they are wired in parallel (120Vac configuration) you would have no need for the step up transformer.
 
This is very common because the transformers can then be used worldwide instead of just in the US/Canada etc. vs just Europe etc.
 
And it usually is just a matter of changing a couple of jumpers, which are usually soldered to the mainboard.
 
 
As for binaural recording, perhaps, but that would be a secondary usage.
And it would be relatively easy since the mic preamp I'll be using is portable, and the entire system can run off an iPad which would be the recording device as well.
 
But that would be more of a 'novelty' use since most binaural recordings I've heard usually are meant to impress but  don't involve music that I would normally listen to one way or the other.
 
So this is mostly a data gathering and verification tool to help perfect dialing in my 800's.
And these same techniques can be used for other headphones as well, which would be the next step in my research.
 
JJ

 

[johnjen]

I ran across this short 12 minute animated film and thought that a few of you would appreciate it.
I know I certainly did. 

 
https://youtu.be/TeQi4zbT8fA
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
 
JJ

 

[johnjen]

So at long last I'm not just pointed at a SQ peak but there is initial blossom action as well.
Currently I'm at ≈ 1230hrs on the break in of the metallurgical experiment I began on Jan 19th.
 
The extreme low bass has begun to return as has that leading edge dynamic impact I mentioned previously.
 
And I can't think of a single acoustic descriptor that I use to describe what is truly 'Better', for me, that hasn't taken a step (or 2 or 3) up as well.
 
And I figure the peak may still be ≈100 hrs away, as this initial up step in SQ may just be (like last time) but a mere reflection of what is to come.
 
We'll see, or rather hear, what is to come.
 
JJ

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

  Most audio gear while being configured for 220Vac and be modified to operate on 120Vac by simply changing the input wiring to it's transformer.
Much like the input wiring of the Telama transformer I used in the LPS mod to my RN3.
 
Instead of wiring the two primary windings in series (220Vac configuration) if they are wired in parallel (120Vac configuration) you would have no need for the step up transformer.
 
This is very common because the transformers can then be used worldwide instead of just in the US/Canada etc. vs just Europe etc.
 
And it usually is just a matter of changing a couple of jumpers, which are usually soldered to the mainboard.
 
 
JJ

JJ, just to conclude I ordered two types of step-up transformers from Amazon which arrived today. Krieger 350W and Dynastar 300W which seem to be the standard run of the mill step-up transformer box that keeps being rebranded and sold for an array of prices. The Krieger is not only dead quiet in operation, the sound quality coming out of it is very much transparent over the Dynastar - which literally vibrates when operating (it's going back).

Price differences is more than double however, the Dynastar 300W is $30 and Krieger 350W is $70. The Dynastar, peeping into the gills uses a standard El-type transformer while the Krieger is using a torroid. If anyone is interested in a piece of equipment that may be available much cheaper from an INTL seller or perhaps the equipment is rare and is set for  220V without a switchable power, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Krieger transformers for the sensitive audio duties. Just make sure you have enough headroom calculating at 150% of consumption in wattage.
 

Spoiler: da deals

BTW if anyone is looking for a transparent balanced amp with seemingly good marks from multiple sources, the Cayin i-HA6 is being sold for cheaps. Plus the $70 transformer or you could probably go with the 150W Krieger for $45 and you're $250-275 less than retail new. A little communication barrier from the seller but he/she seems honest and easy to work with. Ebay seller Aoshida item 252693278985

 

[mourip]

  LPS strikes another blow for Realness
or
If you have ANY SMPS’s in your system, you haven’t truly heard what your system is capable of.
er sumpt’n

So this wild hair-brained idea goes PoP in my head.
 
Make a true, dual output, completely isolated, LPS.
And not just isolated from one channel to the other, but from ground as well,
using the ground connection made at the load (Mutec 3+ in this case).
 
Why?
Because this way I can provide power to the desired digital device and minimize spreading its ground plane noise, using the common ac power ground plane.
Which in turn can help keep it from ‘getting into’ the analog gear,
where it doesn’t belong,
at all.
 
That was my thinking which led me to configure a ‘robust’, well for our measly power needs anyway, LPS with sufficiently low noise and capacity.
And I realized it costs about the same as my previous LPS installed in my RN3.
Case included, but there were a few ‘incidental’ costs associated with an external box vs internal installation.
Which in turn added ≈ $50 more for switch, fuse block, terminal block, gland fittings hardware and wire.
 
And this would allow me to see if this isolation technique would be of any value.
And I can at any time connect the, already in the box, ac power supplied ground.
Just to see.
 
So I ordered all the stuff and waited for it all to miraculously just appear upon my doorstep.
Which it did, all the way from China.
 
And since I wanted 2 separate ‘channels’ it means each one of the dual secondaries was going to be used by itself, so a ‘larger’ capacity transformer was needed.
So here’s the transformer.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141826005951
 
pic of transformer

 
And since I wanted a true dual channel regulator not just 2 outputs from the same regulator,
here’s the dual channel regulator board
http://www.ebay.com/itm/182209407730
 
pic of reg board

 
The box was a bit larger than needed but not by a wasteful amount, as its extra size made it easier to ‘build out’.
So the box to house it all in.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/162202150332
 
pic of box finished

 
And here again these numbers aren’t exact but are meant for clarity and simplicity, and are ‘good enough’…
65VA seemed like it should suffice which means each channel gets 32.5VA which = 2.7Amps at 12Vac.
So at 5Vdc x 2.7Amps = 13.5Watts.
 
And as it turns out the power draw from my Mutec 3+ is 0.56Amps = 2.8Watts.
This leaves plenty of headroom.
But that’s getting ahead of this story.
 
So I built it out and took a few pics of the before, during, and after.
 
externl mntg

 
ac wiring

 
extrnl frnt

 
extrnl rear

 
intrnl frnt open

 
intrnl rear open

 
bottom

 
And of course I took a few measurements of its noise, using the same scope I’ve used previously.
And it quickly became apparent that the output from this regulator board was pushing the limits of my scope in terms of resolution.
 
So again here are the 3 different means of measuring the noise for the ‘left’ and ‘right’ channel outputs into a 7.5K resistor (a minuscule load).
 
                  L channel                                       R channel
Norm              1mv                                                1mv
Average       0.3mv                                             0.2mv
Envelope     3.7mv (6.7mv with all spikes)         4.8mv (6.0mv w/spikes)
 
There were very low level, low duration, hi freq spikes at ≈ .18µs (5.5MHz), .118µs (8.5MHz), 0.08µs (12.5MHz)
How they got created and from where, I can only guess.
 
Even so, these levels of noise are below what I measured from my RN3 when it was being powered by my external LPS.
link to post   http://www.head-fi.org/t/781268/the-diyrs-cookbook/780#post_13218514
 
And I’ll follow up with measurements while running, from both the RN3 and my Mutec 3+ while being fed by their new LPS’s, in due course.
I first wanted to determine if this course of action was going to be ‘Better’ or not and it has exceeded my expectations and in ways I never suspected, but has done so much to my delight.
 
My take away is the use of SMPS’s mask inner detail and obscure meaningful musical information, which reduces our involvement in the music.
 
At least that is what I have come to understand as I hear these results in my playback system.
 
JJ

 
Nice work. Can you possibly tell me how tall the PS board is from board bottom to highest part?