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Post by MartinT on Apr 23, 2023 15:25:49 GMT
The only issue with hard-wiring is that you limit your ability to experiment. You're right in assuming the clock cable is critical - it is.
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Post by rodders on Apr 23, 2023 15:37:14 GMT
Agreed, clocks especially should be as close to the DAC processors as possible just as I2S connections should be. It's a nice place to start though with no wires at all. I'd always try other wires to see what happens, that's the fun of it.
My LB doesn't arrive until someone is coming to see us in Malta from the UK. Can someone try a direct connect in the mean time?
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Post by stellabagpuss on Apr 23, 2023 18:16:50 GMT
Hi Rodders
John, Clive and myself have quite a bit of playing with the LB clock.
Personally l would recommend a DIY BNC Cable approach. 0.5 or 1 metre of Huber & Suhner Multiflex 141 cable.
It works really well with the R26 & LB clock,with noticeable improvement over other Coax cables.
There's loads of info on this thread, should you get stuck
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Post by rodders on Apr 23, 2023 18:48:18 GMT
Thanks for the welcome stellabagpuss, really appreciated.
I totally go with making your own, always way more satisfying when everything works and you get a better feel for why it works.
Would you say Huber & Suhner Multiflex 141 cable works better than LMR-400? LMR-400 looks very industrial and made for massive cable runs, not really cms more kms! It's thick and unyielding, looks over the top at first glance.
I still think a direct connect without cable is worth exploring, just my thoughts. As it's an RF connection any cable run compromises the signal.
We are dealing with more HF radio type connections, any radio ham enthusiasts here care to comment?
Really looking forward to trying the LB out with the R26. This Dac has changed my perception of what can be achieved for enjoyment on a music system since acquiring last September, it took a while to settle in but after a few months is delivering unheard musical synergy. This is without the LB!
I love it when good things are discovered, kudos to John and Clive..... hopefully I have complimented the correct guys.....
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Post by Clive on Apr 23, 2023 18:55:54 GMT
Good idea to try a straight thru connector, I’ve found a 50 ohm one on Amazon. It looks like there’s enough room for this to work.
H&S cable is certainly something to try too.
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Post by John on Apr 23, 2023 19:36:52 GMT
I think Stellabagpus had the LMR 400
I have the Huber & Suhner Multiflex qnd loved what it brought to the system
The Leo Bodnar will change your perceptions of what is possible with the R26. Read all the stuff people have done to get the best from the clock. It all makes a difference.
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Post by John on Apr 23, 2023 19:38:21 GMT
I tried a BNC 50 ohm connector but it did not work for me.
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Post by stellabagpuss on Apr 23, 2023 20:50:53 GMT
l haven't tried the LMR400, but have tried others Rodders. One thing l can say, it's quite interesting that each cable has it's own signature using the R26 & LB. l actually did consider changing the internal Coax from BNC case to the board of the R26, but decided against it, so perhaps l revist it in the future. This link may be of interest in regards to Multiflex 141 theaudiostandard.net/thread/7030/huber-suhner-141-50ohm-cables |
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Post by rodders on Apr 24, 2023 8:38:56 GMT
This LB product just keeps getting better, I just downloaded the Leo Bodnar GPS configurator for MAC, it looks slick, can't see a sleep button though, and I got the firmware update app LeoNTP v1.23.
I'll ask tech support at LB for an answer.
Gustard R26 is a great product but the fact there is no Mac support for firmware updates is irritating. VMware or UTM virtual software can be used but it's a pain.
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Post by rodders on Apr 24, 2023 8:50:25 GMT
Looking into where the connection for the RF comes from is what I would look at too, it looks as though the link cable used is this one or similar with a MCX connection www.adafruit.com/product/1531Looks as though a standard silver plated braided RG 316 50ohm type cable is used here. Could it be improved......... I think so Certainly this type of umbilical lead is available at lengths from 10cm,15cm,20cm etc to 5m with MCX and male BNC terminated for under €2 delivered from Ali. Worth a punt? |
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Post by stellabagpuss on Apr 24, 2023 9:09:14 GMT
For $2 ...A no brainer, Personally l would settle on your preferred cable first,before swapping out.
The LB will totally transform your R26, you will be amazed at the transformation it brings.
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Post by John on Apr 24, 2023 10:03:28 GMT
Its worth playing with different cables and find out what works for you
I have found some cables to make my system sound forward so I encourage you to try a few before deciding.
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Post by rodders on Apr 24, 2023 11:49:56 GMT
Looking at the preferred Huber & Suhner Multiflex 141 cable it is specified as RG-402. So looking at Ali there are many RG-402 cables made with the MCX connector termination that should suit the R26 motherboard connection but only with SMA the other end, not BNC which we need for the LB. I'd re-terminate to BNC for the LB on the SMA end, these cables are available from 10cm to many meters, for just a few euro or pounds. Have to double check the R26 mobo for MCX connector, is it male or female.
Those nice people at Leo Bodnar have informed me that the Mac GPS configuration app will have a sleep function button added soon... as well as other functions, nice to know.
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Post by stellabagpuss on Apr 24, 2023 13:15:44 GMT
Both John and I have tested the RG402 from AliExpress,it's not a awful, but Multiflex 141 is better by some margin,at least to our ears.
In regards to the Male or Female MCX, I didn't check close enough to test, I just screened my lead, and to be honest I didn't even recognise the connector, until you mentioned MCX. It could of course be a MMCX which is another type again.
Have a look at some photo's of some minor mods I have done on the R26 from my blog.
Now before you ask....I haven't been able to actually listen to this mods, I have been without power since Feburary to my listening room, due to builidng work, and TBH I don't know if it will be a forward or backward step yet...Because of bordom of waiting for the power, it's given me time to do and mods things I wouldn't normally have time for.
Damien
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Post by rodders on Apr 26, 2023 8:33:32 GMT
The MCX connector that mates with the motherboard on the R26 is the male type. The cable on this short link to the rear BNC crimped chassis connector does look like industry standard RG-316 and is 70mm long.
A 200mm link from the internal motherboard to the LB clock would suffice to allow the LB clock to be placed on the top of the R26 near the rear, that would be one less connection than using the chassis BNC socket. I think ordering a 500mm 50ohm RG-402 cable with the male MCX then cut to 200mm and terminate with a BNC should do the trick. I'll then have enough RG-402 (equivalent spec to Huber & Suhner Multiflex 141) cable to make up a BNC to BNC for comparison. The only thing I haven't allowed for is how bendable is this RG-402 cable is, it really unforgiving? If so I'd need to allow for more cable length for a larger bend, any help appreciated.
I've ordered the LB clock (UK delivered at a very reasonable cost UPS £6.60) but won't get it until next month as that's when we have family coming out visiting us in Gozo. Hopefully the RG-402 will be here by then.
I did take some shots of the plug and cable inside my R26 but can't seem to insert them in this message...... must be getting old....
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Post by Clive on Apr 26, 2023 8:46:10 GMT
Instead of bending the cable I have the LB on a wood block behind my R26. I’m using very stiff LMR400 though.
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Post by MartinT on Apr 26, 2023 11:25:46 GMT
I’m using very stiff LMR400 though. That cable could be reasonably compared with a steel pipe for flexibility! |
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Post by stellabagpuss on Apr 26, 2023 15:31:23 GMT
Both Multiflex 141 and the RG402 are pretty flexible Rodders.
As stated there is a big difference in sound quality between these two cables.
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Post by MartinT on Apr 26, 2023 16:26:58 GMT
Better still, Harmonic Technology Digital Copper III, available in both 50 and 75 ohm impedance.
A superb cable, not hugely expensive and worth using if you're going to start hard-wiring things.
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Post by Clive on Apr 26, 2023 17:11:48 GMT
Both Multiflex 141 and the RG402 are pretty flexible Rodders. As stated there is a big difference in sound quality between these two cables. Where have you found Multiflex 141 shipping to the UK or in the UK at a sensible price…not a reel? |
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