|
Post by tony on Apr 8, 2018 13:43:25 GMT
mmm..... a Stan PSU-no doubt at a very reasonable sum!
Might need two.
The SEG is a very real evolution from the BM then Caiman 2, both great in theyre own right but surpassed significantly by the SEG IMHO.
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 8, 2018 17:10:08 GMT
Looking forward to hearing it, Stan.
|
|
|
Post by stanleyb on Apr 8, 2018 17:32:11 GMT
It's just a working prototype at the moment. I am hoping to knock up a few more so that I can loan some out to trusted testers who actually have the time and equipment to try it out. But one critical part is stuck in the post somewhere. So I only have one that is in working condition. It's so secret I don't want to discuss the details of it on-line. It's possibly the most advanced PSU ever designed for audio use, and makes current designs look positively so outdated.
|
|
|
Post by zappytheviking on Apr 8, 2018 17:55:42 GMT
stanleyb A proper teaser, am considering going SEG myself. Any hints you could give on the timeline on the PSU, few months? The supercap mod, does it absolutely require 15v by design? Was thinking I would run it at 12.5-13V from my 55Ah battery to start with.
|
|
|
Post by stanleyb on Apr 8, 2018 20:44:12 GMT
I only do mods and tests at the two supply levels that are available as a standard. It's possible to do the caps mod for 12V, but I myself could barely hear the difference. That's why I decided to make it 15V compatible instead. That way you don't have to strain yourself to hear the difference after an hour or two of listening. Mind you, the burn in period on those solid dielectric supercaps is shockingly long. Days rather than hours is not uncommon. Martin is thinking of trying it out on his SEG and battery pack just for fun. So no doubt we'll get a good idea from him on the outcome.
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 8, 2018 20:56:15 GMT
I'll be right on it as soon as you're ready, Stan.
|
|
|
Post by zappytheviking on Apr 8, 2018 21:25:58 GMT
Got to thank you for the Tonkin cap thing, they are brilliant little things, saw Martin mention it a while back in relation to the mod. Used them on my RDAC, put a few on the DC power, same on the feed to the Pi3, big difference. I will settle in and await further developments, exciting.
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 9, 2018 5:09:34 GMT
The 5V Tonkins are good, aren't they?
|
|
|
Post by stanleyb on Apr 10, 2018 10:30:48 GMT
A quick note about the SEG supercap upgrade: Quite a few people are using the SEG with a 12Volt battery. This means that they are unable to take advantage of the 15V mod. So I have had a look at the alternative options: A new 12V mod that will allow you to stick to using 12V. The only important snag is that if you do use the SEG with a 15V power supply you could end up knocking out the headphone section. The reason for that is that the headphone current source IC in the SEG is limited to 13.2V max. It is possible to install the headphone current source IC from the modded Capella, which can handle 15V (and a lot more). But if the DAC is only going to be used at 12V then the hassle and cost of using the Capella IC is a bit of an overkill. Martin is going to do the standard 12V mod and let us know. He only uses the 12V battery, so there is zero chance of him frying the headphone section.
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 10, 2018 10:34:50 GMT
Sounds fine, Stan. I wouldn't want to knock out the headphone current source so I'll stick to 12V lead-acid power, not that I use headphones in the music room. Is this the 'new 12V mod' you're sending me then?
EDIT: thanks, I've received your instructions.
|
|
|
Post by pre65 on Apr 10, 2018 11:57:35 GMT
First impression of the SEG with standard PSU in mode 0 ---- very good.
When I can work out how to change modes I'll try the others.
Might have to ring Stan.
PS Worked it out now. Mode 3 seems more "spacious".
|
|
|
Post by pre65 on Apr 10, 2018 12:11:14 GMT
I've had a pair of Quad ESL57s for a few weeks, and now, with the SEG, they sound wonderful, even the bass which was a tad light before with the Bushmaster.
I can't imagine how things will improve with the supercap upgrade and 15v PSU.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2018 12:55:56 GMT
First impression of the SEG with standard PSU in mode 0 ---- very good.
When I can work out how to change modes I'll try the others.
Might have to ring Stan.
PS Worked it out now. Mode 3 seems more "spacious". I use Mode 3 and find it much better in most respects. Like you say it is more spacious, but it also appears to have a deep, more plum bass line for me too.
|
|
|
Post by John on Apr 10, 2018 14:03:10 GMT
Power supplies take things further for sure. But yes the SEQ sounds very good. Glad it worked for you
|
|
|
Post by naim1425 on Apr 10, 2018 15:34:20 GMT
A quick note about the SEG supercap upgrade: Quite a few people are using the SEG with a 12Volt battery. This means that they are unable to take advantage of the 15V mod. So I have had a look at the alternative options: A new 12V mod that will allow you to stick to using 12V. The only important snag is that if you do use the SEG with a 15V power supply you could end up knocking out the headphone section. The reason for that is that the headphone current source IC in the SEG is limited to 13.2V max. It is possible to install the headphone current source IC from the modded Capella, which can handle 15V (and a lot more). But if the DAC is only going to be used at 12V then the hassle and cost of using the Capella IC is a bit of an overkill. Martin is going to do the standard 12V mod and let us know. He only uses the 12V battery, so there is zero chance of him frying the headphone section. so can you still use a 12v battery on a modded supercap upgraded SEG
|
|
|
Post by stanleyb on Apr 10, 2018 18:26:23 GMT
The mod for 15V is for use at 15V. It will work, but don't complain about a drop in sound quality if you use 12V on a 15V mod. Only the unmodded one should be used at 12V and 15V.
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 11, 2018 5:33:14 GMT
I've ordered the parts for the 12V SEG upgrade (I had used my last Tokin supercap but found more from Poland at a reasonable price), plus the SMD resistors. I do so love soldering the latter tiny things - gulp!
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Apr 12, 2018 15:04:38 GMT
I will save all my soldering for you Martin !
|
|