A novel way to massively improve the SQ of computer audio streaming

[Hauser]

Although I haven't had much to contribute to CA, I have nevertheless found the threads very helpful, especially those of Romaz.  He has shown a deep commitment to research and posting his results here.  Reading that he will no longer be posting is a significant loss to the community.  Thankyou for all the effort and time you have contributed Roy.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

4 hours ago, ElviaCaprice said:

Greetings, chauphuong,

On my modified sCLK-EX NUC, I have one 5V 2.5" 5TB HDD connected via SATA II to the mobo.  The HDD is powered separately via LPS-1 and is encased outside the NUC, SATA cable is an older PPA version.  Both OS and DATA reside on this HDD via partition.  OS is Windows 10 PRO, DIY optimized, use JRiver 23 64bit. 

If you have more than one SATA port on the mobo, repeat with another HDD for data only.

 

As far as NAS, you might want to look at Romaz build towards the end of this thread.  I have never used, or found the need, for a NAS.

There are other alternatives suggested by Romaz using a sCLK-EX modified PCIe card the tXUSBexp.  And another if you read his recent posting about his latest sCLK-EX server build.

Hi ElviaCaprice,

 

I've been following some of your posts and am considering modifying a NUC.  One of your previous posts mentioned discussing with May at Sotm whether it was possible to use a Sata 2 cable to connect to the Sata 3 Mobo; I assume so you could use their Sata 2 filter.  Is this what you have done?

 

Regards,

Martin

[Hauser]

Support always appreciated.

[Hauser]

47 minutes ago, sig8 said:

So am I correct in assuming that tx-USBexp is installed in one of PCIe slot of your PC, but if that is the case then why not connect DAC directly to this? Why go to tx-USBhubIN, and then connect DAC to that? Thanks.

Looks like Alan is using Tx HubIn to duplicate filtering and clocking to improve the result.  Seem like a lost opportunity to not have reclocked the Mobo though.  Romaz used same components but different implementation.  He had storage to TxHubIn to Mobo to TX Exp to Dac.

 

Martin

[Hauser]

With Alan's setup, the SClk and Txs are powered together.  I would expect if separately powered by LPS1s, the isolation would improve sound. 

 

Martin

[Hauser]

Try pulling one out.  Replace fuse holder.  Switch on.  If working, this is the active fuse.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

Sorry, beyond my knowledge but I would assume so.  Let the manual be your guide.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

This has been a great thread to follow and I've wanted to contribute to it myself.  Roy's posts interested me as I have a Dave Dac.  From his efforts I decided to retain the Aries streamer and HDD storage for its simplicity and convenience but add a SOTM USB Hub Ex and Iso Regen powered by LPS1s powered by a Meanwell RPS 45 12.  For cabling, I've used Phasure Clairixa and Lush and Ghent DC.  The proliferation of boxes and cables has been the main drawback to implementation so my contribution comes as a home for the above additions in a Takashi alloy box.  Putting this all together has been a labour of love; I don't want to give the impression this can be achieved over a weekend but with sufficient obsession, it can be achieved and for me its been a fun project.

Many others have already commented on the sonic benefits of various combinations of Trifecta.  I have been suitably impressed with my take on this in terms of bang for buck.  I hope this may inspire others to share their solutions to hiding the clutter.

 

Martin

[Hauser]

Don't know how to do links.  Noticed I mis-spelt name though 'Takachi Electronic Enclosures'.  A Japanese company with an extensive range of boxes.  They were very good to deal with.  Uptone's JS2 box sourced from there.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

Thanks Pas.  Fewer posts and greater knowledge.

 

Martin

 

[Hauser]

Just a word of caution here.  Small, heavily customised projects generally end up costing a similar amount to commercial off the shelf options; those also have the added benefit of better re sale.  Roy (romaz) did not find much difference in sound between his own customised effort and the Innous Zenith.

 

Martin

[Hauser]

Obviously a tightly controlled space.  I've never before seen a custom hood to cover Dave's wires.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

10 hours ago, ElviaCaprice said:

 

In all honesty, unless your a mobile nut, you would be far better off with separate DAC's for desktop and mobile.  You would tire of the constant switching out of the Hugo 2 from desktop to mobile.  Also it's not so mobile as you think, as far as size and weight, more like semi mobile, car fine.  Also, you would be worried of theft with the Hugo 2 mobile.  

 

If I we're you, I would have a try out, loaner, Qutest vs. Holo Spring for desktop.  For mobile, go low end for ease of use.

Didn't Holo come out with some other DAC's that do DSD and PCM only separate?

 

Also a mini mscaler is in the works. 

Music to my ears; the mini M Scaler part.  Is this speculation, wishful thinking or have you seen evidence from Chord that this is happening?

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

This is what I have been thinking for some time now too.  Should it not be asked of SOTM, why they don't offer a TX USB with a direct connected 10MHz clock to the card rather than selling expensive upgrade clocks, making the previous ones redundant and adding more and more boxes and cables?

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

Regarding the Gotham cable, there appears to be an insulating layer of cotton between the shielding layer for each individual conductor and all the other layers.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

Looking at the Gotham site, I'm wondering whether the Gac 4/1 Road may give a similar benefit to the Pro.  Road is smaller diameter, almost same size conductors, has polyurethane coating, fewer shields so easier to dress and much cheaper.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

This may be a good time to take a short break from NUCs to share my recent upgraded power supply project.   Although the thread title says 'massively improve', everything in audio is relative and I consider the upgrade significant and well worth the effort if DIY is of interest and for those confident working with AC.

 

The project has involved several months of research, design, execution and a few repairs.  The original construction of the box was to house a TX USB hub Ex and Iso Regen along with a couple of LPS1s and SMPS to power them and accomodate all the associated cabling.

 

Some, probably ill founded, doubts over SMPSs led me to explore the potential to change the supplies to linear, regulated.  I upped the challenge by adding a third supply for the Aries in the same box.   This required external transformers and for aesthetic reasons, toroids with custom stainless covers.

 

More important was the selection of the power boards.  Recommendations from posts on DIY Audio, Audio Asylum and Seeteeyou, suitable dimensions, cost and availability as completed boards made the Studer 900 the board of choice.  The vendor had limited knowledge of the board's performance and suggested testing.  From my testing, the board's power requirements seem similar to the Sigma 11 which is extensively covered on the AMB site and proved to be a valuable source to achieve success.

 

Modding the board by replacing the large cap with an industrial Kemet brought a worthwhile improvement.  Replacing the other caps with Panasonic FCs, nothing conclusive.  Adding the LT3045s made the sound subtly smoother.  I used Toroidy 30VA transformers.  These sustain higher voltages than another commercial transformer I tried.  Schedule 5 Stainless pipe will comfortably sleeve these transformers; I had to ream schedule 10 pipe.

 

Compared to the previous power supplies: more bass and treble extension, better detail and more realistic sound and more stage depth.  

 

For a very modest material cost there is a potential very worthwhile sonic benefit to be had for those with the time available, not to mention the satisfaction.  Just don't get zapped.

 

Martin. 

[Hauser]

13 hours ago, Superdad said:

 

Beautiful work!  Really nice job squeezing everything into that Takachi case.  Did you have someone local do the mill work for you?

Can you tell us what is housed in the various sections?

Hi Alex,

I thought you would find the case familiar.  Being a one - off, all case mods have been hand drilled, tapped, cut, filed.  The dimensional constraints on the power side come about from the case's previous use to house two LPS1s and a SMPS.  The section with USB cables houses a Sotm Tx USB hub ex and a Iso Regen.  The power side houses three Studer 900 regulated power supplies, each further regulated by Ldover LT3045 boards.  Each supply has its own 30VA Toroidy transformer mounted through the case top lid.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

Hi Cornan,

 

If you are still experimenting with power supplies, I can highly recommend the Studer 900 boards.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

3 minutes ago, RickyV said:

 

Is it better then the sigma 11?

Sorry, haven't tried Sigma 11 but for the cost of the board, a very cheap experiment.  I found voltage requirements to be similar to Sigma 11, about 7V drop for regulation.  Also the board takes less space and has two supplies per board.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

13 minutes ago, the_doc735 said:

would you recommend this?

Lol,

 

Yes, I have gone to considerable time and effort because I think the result is worthwhile and I recommend it.  The vendor says a max of 2A.  The max I have used is 17V and 1A.  If your power requirements are in this range, something you may consider.  Having seen your previous threads and posts, I would suggest your best bet is to go for something boxed and ready to go.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

2 hours ago, Cornan said:

 

Thanks! I’ve pretty much finished with my power supply experiments but will surely have a closer look at the Studer 900! ?

I saw your PS build btw. Great piece of work! ????

Hi Cornan,

 

I followed your power supply journey and got inspiration from the experiments you made.  The board I used was chosen partly by dimensions, the Sigma being too large.  And a time comes when music should become the priority.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

6 hours ago, mormogi said:

studer warmer , little colored ,syrupy,more micro details.

only lt3045's like hpuln great step forward but more expensive.  

Hi mormogi,

 

As you are already familiar with the Studer, I'd recommend further improvement can be had by changing out the large capacitor to one of higher performance; I used a Kemet peh200.

 

Martin.

[Hauser]

15 minutes ago, the_doc735 said:

@Hauser  fantastic machine you put together there!!

Thanks.  Its meant to inspire others to do better than me.  Just don't ask how long it took to make.

 

Martin

 

[Hauser]

11 hours ago, the_doc735 said:

Did you click on the link to show the item I was referring to?

I just wondered because PeterSt said that all chinese PSU's are junk and will destroy the rest of your gear? I presume that studer900 is chinese?

Hi Doc,

 

No I didn't click the link so misinterpreted your question,; apologies.  If you Google Studer900 power supply, down the list there is a review of a complete supply with the board enclosed on the 'Audio Asylum ' forum.  It discuses the merits and failings of the supply.

 

Martin