Power supply upgrade

[richidoo]

Audiophile forum,
Thanks for the tip to upgrade power supply from stock. I knew something wasn't quite right with SQB since it didn't really pop as everyone here said it should. So I swapped in a 16 watt linear PS that I had lying around. I can't believe the difference. I am playing wavs, ripped from CD using EAC. The dynamics, clarity, timing, everything is literally doubled in improvement with the bigger PS. It is simultaneously more delicate and refined while having much bigger and ballsier power in mid and bass. It is not subtle at all. You don't need golden ears to hear the difference and it is so cheap to upgrade. The SQB3 plus a good PS upgrade has superior performance to $1000+ dedicated CD players. I have not listened to players that cost more than that, but it is better than any at dealers that I have tested at home with my system before buying SQB. I am so happy with my decision to buy SQB instead of stand alone CDP.

Anyone interested in getting the best sound from their system should upgrade the SQB power supply before you make any other tweeks to your system. Mine is a full blown stand alone powersupply with a large tranny, and large caps and regulation circuitry that hold it at 5V no matter the load, up to a full 2amps continuous. This is what accurate dynamics require - CURRENT. It even has remote sense to monitor voltage at the device, but I have not used that.
Thanks again!
Rich

[Skunk]

I enjoyed your post on the hosfelt thread, and between it and this one I'm thinking it was custom built for you/by you for a previous project?

Is it's construction documented more in detail anywhere you could link to?

Thanks in advance, I always enjoy your posts.

[richidoo]

Is it's construction documented more in detail anywhere you could link to?

Thanks, Skunk!

The PS I am using is Power One model HTAA-16W-A. It is an open frame unit that is designed for benchtop electronics work as it has 3 different voltage taps. They make one with a single 5V tap and 3A current that I think would be perfect for SQB, and sonics should be as good or better than the one I am using. It costs about $40, DigiKey #179-2035-ND. It is just raw PS, no case, input or output cables.

I am thinking about putting together a kit around this unit that would allow solder-free audiophiles to enjoy the benefits of a great sounding upgrade without the hassle of gathering parts and working them into a usable lump.

I have not heard the Elpac wall wart upgrade recommended often, but I would have to imagine that as a wallwart it is not a precision power supply with ripple less than 1% and continuous current of 3A.
Rich

[Skunk]

I'm not trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about, but I noticed one of the 'features' is worldwide AC input capabilities. There might be some interest on the other side of the pond as well, not that I know which side you're on.

Thanks for the reference. I saw a similar Radio Shack PS mentioned by Heuer, and wondered if yours was the same.

[nelamvr6]

I have not heard the Elpac wall wart upgrade recommended often, but I would have to imagine that as a wallwart it is not a precision power supply with ripple less than 1% and continuous current of 3A.
Rich

According to this the Elpac is rated at +- 0.5% ripple.

And 3A is overkill in the extreme. The SB will never draw more than 1.2A, unless it is malfunctioning.

[Heuer]

It is considered good engineering practice to double the supply capacity to what is required. Reduces stress on components and gives plenty of headroom. A 3a PSU is probably about right for best performance.

[richidoo]

The Power One HB5-3 accepts input voltage from 85 to 280V. Voltage regulation is +/-0.05%, or 2.5mv for 5V output. Ripple is listed as <5mv, or 0.1%.

Looks like with PS, unpretty alum box, connectors, assorted parts should cost about 75-80 bucks.

Do non-US electronic products have power inlets with removeable power cord connectors? Is that an international standard? Is that called EIC connector or something like that?? You know like on the back of computers.

[pfarrell]

richidoo wrote:
> Do non-US electronic products have power inlets with removeable power
> cord connectors? Is that an international standard? Is that called EIC
> connector or something like that??

IEC. Lots of things have them, and many of the power supplies
are switching designs, so they accept from 50 to 250v and either
50 or 60Hz input, it all gets converted to DC anyway. Makes
selling internationally a lot easier, one design and then shio
the proper cord for your country.

My guess would be that use of the IEC cord started
outside the US. Nearly all mass market electronics sold
in the US are made somewhere else.


--
Pat
http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimse...msoftware.html

[seanadams]

The Power One HB5-3 accepts input voltage from 85 to 280V. Voltage regulation is +/-0.05%, or 2.5mv for 5V output. Ripple is listed as <5mv, or 0.1%.

I have not seen a great number of linear power supplies with auto-ranging inputs but there are ways to do it. Most have a mechanical switch (sometimes a reversibe fuse holder) which changes a pair of primary windings to be driven either in series or parallel. Another way to do it (albeit very inefficiently) is to design for an enormous amount of headroom on the DC side so you can input a wider range.

I would be curious as to how they did it on this power supply if you wouldn't mind having a look...

[BeerCan]

Sean
The power one is not auto ranging. Input voltage must be selected, here is a segment of the data sheet available at http://www.power-one.com/resources/p...asheet/lin.pdf I have this PS and it works well. It was a steal at 2.50USD per

Input Specifications
PARAMETER CONDITIONS/DESCRIPTION MIN NOM MAX UNITS
Input Voltage - AC Jumper selectable, shipped factory configured for 100 VAC Tap 87 100 110
(Note 1, 2) 120VAC operation. All models must be externally 120 VAC Tap 104 120 132
VAC fused for proper operation. Fuse ratings are marked 220 VAC Tap 191 220 242
on each unit. Consult factory for each unit’s fuse 240 VAC Tap 209 240 264
requirements.


Edit: Noticed that did not format to good. Data is on page 5 in the previous link