SB3 VS the Transporter

[Caad]

I have just runned a listningtest with a modded (by me) SB3 vs an unmodded transporter...

No doubt that the Modded SB3 makes a fullstrike against the unmodded transporter..
In Dynamic, perspective, etc....

[Doermann]

Wich mods you made on your SB3?

[tomjtx]

I have just runned a listningtest with a modded (by me) SB3 vs an unmodded transporter...

No doubt that the Modded SB3 makes a fullstrike against the unmodded transporter..
In Dynamic, perspective, etc....

I always enjoy an unbiased , detailed report on gear, thank you for that :-)

[Mark Lanctot]

I always enjoy an unbiased , detailed report on gear, thank you for that :-)

LOL, +1!

Personally I find a modded Yugo makes a fullstrike against a Porche myself.

[Phil Leigh]

LOL, +1!

Personally I find a modded Yugo makes a fullstrike against a Porche myself.

Especially side-on! )
(although for the record, I doubt that a modded SB using the internal DAC can get level with a TP).

[slimkid]

LOL, +1!

Personally I find a modded Yugo makes a fullstrike against a Porche myself.

You should try them blind. Initially, you might think there's a difference but, later on, everything becomes equally black.

[Caad]

Hey..
Thanks for your replies..
Here is how to mod the SB3.

Replace the PCM1748 DAC with the PCM1748K-grade. This is the only semiconductor that was replaced.
I decided NOT to replace the pwr supply with a linear one. (just for fun. It will properly be even better with the Linear version. I have to test this in near future.
To attenuate the 5V switch mode Pwr supplys ripple, 2pcs Black gate Caps 220uF/6.3V N are placed On the 5V input of the SB3.
C6,C11,C16,C17,C20 Replaced with a 47uF/6.3V HQ Blackgate
C7 Replaced with 2pcs 47uF/6.3V HQ Blackgate
C10 moved from solderpad to the pins of the DAC
C12 replaced with 220uF/6.3V N Blackgate (they have no problem to handle the 8V DC supply to the opamp)
furthermore an extra 220uF/6.3V N is placed direct on the supply pins of the opamp.
C15 replaced with a 10uF Black gate.
C19 is removed (No need of a ceramic cap on the Analog supply of the dac)
Following components has replaced and mounted in the air between C21, C23 pads and centerpins of the RCA connectors. The center pins of the RCA connectors has been disconected to the PCB when mounting following six components.
C21,C23 replaced with 47uF/6.3V HQ Blackgate, C22,C24 replaced with same value but styroflex versions.
R12, R14 (220R) replaced with holco 33R.
Last the GND of the RCA connectors has been Cutted. and two wires have been placed direct between the opamps GND and each of the RCA connectors. This way the Signal GND has been total seperated from the ground plane of the PCB..
All mods has been made so the covers still fits.. Only difference is that this mod sounds better than the unmodded Transporter..
I'm sure that modding the Transporter also will improve the soundstage... But I havn't tried it yet!
Thats all

But more can be modded..
C14, C18 (feedback caps on the opamp) can be replaced with better ones...
a Ref clock can be installed, Linear 5V pwr supply..
If any have some ideas for more mods.. Please return..

[seanadams]

You mean all it needed was some Black Gate caps? Wow, wish I had thought of that.

[jdbaker]

Jeez, I was getting a little confused there, the images cleared it all up for me, thanks Caad

[CardinalFang]

If any have some ideas for more mods.. Please return..

How about cleaning up all the flux after you have soldered, it looks pretty nasty to see that mess and it's not good practice. Also, given that you are trying to achieve better sound quality, some of those joints look a little dubious and could well not be working that well. It really doesn't help your case for saying it sounds better than a transporter when the workmanship look a bit amateur.

Seriously though, changing a few caps is not going to change the fundamentals of the SB3 significantly. It'll sound a little different perhaps, but it's still an SB3. I can put new wheels on a Lada, but it's still not a Ferrari.