Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian and Squeezebox.

Hi -

I currently run a Audo Aero Prima 96/192 through a G68J via analog connection.

While I like the sound I can't get over the fact that I'm doing one D/A in the CD player, then a A/D in the G68 and then another D/A to my amp (Bel Canto).

I could run the CD player digital to the pre-pro, but then I'm not using the expensive DAC/tubes in the Audio Aero.

I've heard a lot of good things about upgraded Squeezebox 2's and was wondering if I did a digital connection from a modified SB2 to my G68, would it match/surpass my Audio Aero.

Has anyone hooked up a modded SB2 to Meridian gear and been so impressed that they threw away their CD players?

Thanks,
Paul

i can't answer your question, sorry.

but i would be interested in seeing an ABX test of any CD player -vs- a device like the Squeezebox or SoundBridge fed digitally into a late-model Meridian preamp (G or 8 series).

as long as the source data off the file server was ripped properly, my bet is that nobody would be able to tell the difference between the two inputs.

don't mean to hijack your thread - aia.

doody.

Paul (aka Madman)

I use a present a standard SB2 into a 568.2MM (using the 568 as a DAC) in my main system, the CD player went a long time ago. I have a further SB2 with a pile of PSU bits on my desk (hopefully this weekend I'll get the PSU for the second unit sorted out). There are a pile of comments about SB2's in this thread

http://www.meridianunplugged.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000945

Mr Perceptive

Thanks Mr Perceptive.

What you are doing (using the Meridian as a DAC - not that we have much choice), is in my thoughts.

Let us know how the PSU upgrade works. I've heard many good things about the Bolder PSU, and I've heard that the switching PSU in the SB2 is the weak link.

Doody -

Hopefully, I can give you an answer on this in the next few days. I have a SB2 to test and will compare with my Audio Aero, both into the G68.

I'll be using FLAC to rip the CD and then do an AB test.

Madman

I have three systems and I intend to A-B the standard SB2 and my PSU modded unit on each system. One system uses the SB analogue outs (no DAC) so any change here will be interesting as well.

Mr Perceptive

That would be great! Please let me know the results,

Unfortunately due to my family, kids in the living room where the 568.2 lives watching some tat on TV, my wife in our dining room (Meridian D600`s) listing items on eBay so I was sent to the kitchen! Anyway here goes:-

I knocked up a super regulated PSU using the following:-

RS Components part no. 591-916 linear regulated PSU, (search on www.rswww.co.uk). This was set to output 12v. This is not a audiophile device so there is plenty of scope for component upgrade but as a starter for ten it will do.

I fed this into an Audiocom Q-Power Super Regulator, I scored this on eBay for �20 (RRP �65), but it looks like it has been replaced with their Invisus range. The output from the Q-Power module was 5.02v on my meter. Don`t be tempted with their cheaper Super Regulator it will not pass enough current for a Squeezebox. Audiocom are at http://www.1st-4-audio.com/index.asp

This fed a standard Squeezebox power connector.

My Kitchen System usually comprises of a SB1 (internal DACs) -> Ion Obelisk 1 Amplifier -> KEF Q50`s. (Today it got a bit of an upgrade!)

I started with the SB1, changing the PSU for the linear one brought about an immediate and significant improvement, this is not a surprise as an SB1 has poor regulation compared with an SB2.

I then changed the Sqeezebox to an SB2, still using the internals DACs, again a significant improvement, vocals became much better and there was more depth and control to the bass.

I then resorted to my ‘secret` stash of Meridian kit and hauled out a 566.20 and put this in circuit, being fed from the SB2 Digital Out (wired). The difference between the two PSUs was a lot closer with this arrangement. Firstly the overall music took a leap forward as the 566.20 made the music sound so much more alive than the SB2 internal DACs. The difference with the PSUs seemed to be more in integration than actual note clarity or range. With the linear supply it seemed that the music was much more together, hard edges were a little softer (less digital perhaps), and the bands being played were working as a team more. Very difficult to put into words.

I called my wife in and blind tested her, she picked out the linear supply and said it sounded so much nicer than the other one, so I think that just sums it up!

I must try it with the main system, but if the results gathered so far are anything to go by, with a clearer system downstream the differences should be even more noticeable.

The next step is to separate inside the Squeezebox the SPDIF (digital output circuitry) and feed these with a another separate (3.3v) super regulator (I already have acquired an Audiocom Super-Regulator for this purpose).

More to follow after the next mods have been done.

Mr Perceptive

Mr Perceptive -

Wow! Thanks for the test. I'm not as electrically adept as yourself, so I am looking at third party options (Red Wine and Bolder).

I did some tests today between a stock SB2 and my Audio Aero, both fed through the G68.

The CDP is better (better dynamics and soundstage), but the difference is not massive (certainly not the $1400 price difference between the two).

I'm going to try a new PSU with the SB2. If that comes clser to the CDP, I may go the whole hog and get the SB2 modded by Bolder or Red Wine.

If you can solve the SB2's inherent jitter, measured around 57ps I believe, you should find it sounds better than most transports, including high-end models.

The power supply upgrades will most certainly help in this respect.

You can also use off-board reclockers (Apogee Big Ben, Genesis Lens, Meridian kit) to help too.

Mark

And just in time for Xmas:

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_overview.html

Updated DACs, smarter case, doesn't mention the power supplies.

Regards

Mark

Mark -

From what I can glean from the site, the DACs have not changed. A new linear PSU is included, so that should result in improved sound.