Squeezebox Power Supply/DAC

Inspiribomb

Inspiribomb

Enjoy the journey
Just wondering if the SB3 will still benefit from an upgraded linear power supply when used in conjunction with an external DAC? Or, is that mainly for when using the RCA outputs? I am looking into getting a Bel Canto DAC3, and would like to know if I should still get a linear PS.
 
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Yup it does

I run my SB with an outboard DAC also. A linear power supply noticably improves the performance of the SB. The least expensive option is an ELPAC WM 220. Used one can be had off EBAY for around 50 bucks. It is decent, but the Bolder Cable Company has a set of mods for it that significantly improves it. Costs about a $125 or $150 if memory is correct. Its the best bang for the buck. You can also opt to have the digital mods put into the SB3 froim Bolder. It makes changes to how power is distributed in the SB3 and creates a true 75 ohm digital output signal.

Now for a shameless plug. I wrote a fairly detailed article in Affordable Audio regarding the Bolder moidifications of the Squeezebox. About six months ago I did a piece on the stock Squeezebox, and the stoick and modified ELPAC power supplies. You should be able to find it in the archives. So take a visit to www.affordableaudio.org and read through both pieces. I hope it can provide you with some information to make an informed decision.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
The linear PS is absolutely still required IMO. Even with a stock SB, a decent linear PS makes a very noticible improvement. I wouldn't think about going back to the stock switcher, though I do on occasion to show customers the difference.

I have 1 SB2, 2 SB3's, and am getting a Duet shortly. The SB2 uses an MHDT Labs Paradesia DAC. The 2 SB3's are Bolder modded units.

Bryan
 
Good deal. I'll plan on buying the Channel Islands Audio linear PS. Also, I am selling the Bel Canto preamp in favor of their DAC 3, so I expect quite an improvement :thmbsp:

Do the Squeezebox mods make a difference when used with an external DAC? I would think that the SB3 would just feed out the digital signal, and the DAC would do the converting, hence rendering the upgrades useless. Or is that totally wrong?
 
With the Bolder digital only mods, everything after the DAC chip is removed so it's a straight shot to the connector. Also, he does some power supply cleanup work.

One other thing to try, make sure you keep the display low or off when playing music and use smaller fonts if on. The VFD is terribly noisy.

Bryan
 
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