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LittleTone
16-03-2011, 12:04
Hi Guys,

your advice please .........

I only stream music from my computer an currently using a Standard Squeezebox 3/classic.

And as ever looking for improvements.

Should I upgrade to a Touch ????

I currently use Squeezebox3 (Digital Out) via Mark Grant (Belden) digital Coax to a Beresford 7520 DAC via DNM Reson phono interconnects to a Quantum 102/207DA into Mission 753F speakers.
I know; very old gear that probably all needs upgrading; but it don't sound half bad. In fact better than a relatively newish well known brand that I wont mention at this time cos it's goin on Ebay.

Other than the fact that the Touch can deal with 24/96 files; which is something the 3 won't do, would I find any improvement in sound quality. If you have made a similar move please tell me your findings.

Also if there is a better options please advise.

Regards
Tony

Welder
16-03-2011, 12:19
Hi Tony

Depending on your computer and how you have it set up, the Touch may be a sonic upgrade if you plan on hi res files. At redbook standard, depending on your OS, a well set up laptop for example will perform on par with the Touch imo.
As I understand it there are upgrades to Stans 7520 Dac and it must be worth getting in touch with Stan as he’s extremely helpful and seeing what can be done there.
I do have a few mods done to my Quantum kit that have made some improvements but they require soldering skills and a willingness to make the units probably un-sellable if you decide to move them on.

LittleTone
16-03-2011, 12:42
Hi John

I'd really interested in your Quantum mods. I've had the top off recently with a view to changing caps on PS. Unfortunately I can't entirely see what they are.
Not totally convinced they're original either.Perhaps if I sent a picture you could advise.

Beresford is fitted with 4562 and the ML5/6 mod has been done.
Looking initially at the best source. Maybe the Duet is an option !

Regards
Tony

Welder
16-03-2011, 12:54
The PSU caps are 4700uF 63Volt at standard.
Replacing these is a good idea and when my internet stops pissing about I’ll link up to what I bought to replace them :steam:
Other things to look at; new volume pot, bypass the balance, hard wire a number of switches involved in bi amp set up, remove the DIN sockets and replace with XLR.
Hard wire the AUX and TAPE selection sensitivity options.
Just a few suggestions.

Ali Tait
16-03-2011, 12:57
The passive mod is well worth doing to the Beresford IMHO.

LittleTone
16-03-2011, 13:48
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the info; keep it coming.

John, heres a photo of my 207. Are these the original caps ? All I can make out without taking them out is L something R in large letters; the word RED, and the characters cw on them.



Regards
Tony

WAD62
16-03-2011, 15:32
Hi Guys,

your advice please .........

I only stream music from my computer an currently using a Standard Squeezebox 3/classic.

And as ever looking for improvements.

Should I upgrade to a Touch ????

I currently use Squeezebox3 (Digital Out) via Mark Grant (Belden) digital Coax to a Beresford 7520 DAC via DNM Reson phono interconnects to a Quantum 102/207DA into Mission 753F speakers.
I know; very old gear that probably all needs upgrading; but it don't sound half bad. In fact better than a relatively newish well known brand that I wont mention at this time cos it's goin on Ebay.

Other than the fact that the Touch can deal with 24/96 files; which is something the 3 won't do, would I find any improvement in sound quality. If you have made a similar move please tell me your findings.

Also if there is a better options please advise.

Regards
Tony

Hi Tony,

I've got some 753s, and an SB3 too...along with a couple of SB receivers

I recently added some maplins linear power supplies to my receivers to great effect (9V for £13) a big improvement, but I can't find any at 5V to match the SB3 (or Touch for that matter)...if anyone knows of a reasonably cheap option out there please give me a shout. :eyebrows:

I've also replaced my 753 drivers with these to great effect...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002DUHQHK/ref=oss_product

...they really tighten up the bass, much more 'punchy', originally I put them in to replace a blown driver, and was so impressed I did all 8. I've seen them cheaper elsewhere.

It's given mine a new lease of life :)

LittleTone
16-03-2011, 16:04
Hi Will

Thanks for the input. Interesting drivers; I've only ever had to replace one unit and that came from Mission. Are these good at midrange too ? are they the same as the Mission ones ?
I also can't find a PSU upgrade anywhere without spending a fortune.
Anybody know otherwise; please advise.

Regards
Tony

WAD62
16-03-2011, 16:42
Hi Will

Thanks for the input. Interesting drivers; I've only ever had to replace one unit and that came from Mission. Are these good at midrange too ? are they the same as the Mission ones ?
I also can't find a PSU upgrade anywhere without spending a fortune.
Anybody know otherwise; please advise.

Regards
Tony

Hi Tony,

The advice for the drivers came from 'Wilmslow Audio' (they have a web site) they're speaker specialists from nearby, they've been recommending that driver as a replacement for the 753s, and the 780SEs, however they charge a bit more, about £35 per driver, I've seen them for £28 elsewhere.

They fit perfectly same bolt holes etc.

The drivers on the 753's are all the same, the bottom 2 are in a bass reflex config, the top 2 are sealed, so they are bass/mid drivers

I've replaced all of mine, 8 in the 753s, and another 6 for my 780s around the house, the driver is polypropylene with a carbon finish. So they are different to the missions, but do sound better IMHO Much faster, and punchier.

R.E. The PSU, it's a nightmare, I got 2 variable voltage linear PSU's from maplins for my Receivers, they require 9V, and what an improvement, there's another thread where I suggested it to a fellow receiver user last week and he was similarly impressed. But they don't go to 5V only 4.5V (product code VN10L £18.99), although the maplins web site states 5V (unless they've changed the spec)!!!! :steam:

So they don't work for the SB3 or the Touch, hence people asking silly money for a 5V supply. ;)

LittleTone
16-03-2011, 19:23
Thanks for that Will,

The speaker units is an interesting idea.
Do you think it would be alright to perhaps just do the Bass end first i.e. 4 units ? Would this completely unbalance them.
How about the existing crossovers; the fact you haven't mentioned it I guess they don't need any attention.

Regards
Tony

WAD62
16-03-2011, 19:31
Thanks for that Will,

The speaker units is an interesting idea.
Do you think it would be alright to perhaps just do the Bass end first i.e. 4 units ? Would this completely unbalance them.
How about the existing crossovers; the fact you haven't mentioned it I guess they don't need any attention.

Regards
Tony

Sounds like a good plan, I replaced the top on each, and then got carried away and did the rest as I liked the improvement, they are just a slot in as far as I am aware :)

Canetoad
17-03-2011, 08:54
Hi Tony,

I've got some 753s, and an SB3 too...along with a couple of SB receivers

I recently added some maplins linear power supplies to my receivers to great effect (9V for £13) a big improvement, but I can't find any at 5V to match the SB3 (or Touch for that matter)...if anyone knows of a reasonably cheap option out there please give me a shout. :eyebrows:

I've also replaced my 753 drivers with these to great effect...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002DUHQHK/ref=oss_product

...they really tighten up the bass, much more 'punchy', originally I put them in to replace a blown driver, and was so impressed I did all 8. I've seen them cheaper elsewhere.




Try this one. I've used it on my Touch (5v), Caiman (15v) and Duet (9v).

http://www.maplin.co.uk/ac-dc-multi-voltage-4a-switched-mode-power-supply-48517

LittleTone
17-03-2011, 08:58
Hi Bernard

Thanks for the info. You can really notice a dfifference ? So many contradictory
comments; I'm confused.

Regards
Tony

WAD62
17-03-2011, 10:45
Try this one. I've used it on my Touch (5v), Caiman (15v) and Duet (9v).

http://www.maplin.co.uk/ac-dc-multi-voltage-4a-switched-mode-power-supply-48517

I have one of those, unfortunately it's a switched mode PS, it's probably better than most stock ones, but it's not as good with my SB receiver (9v) as this one...http://www.maplin.co.uk/ac-dc-multi-voltage-20w-power-supply-32754 only £19 as opposed to £34

Unfortunately it doesn't do 5v, or 15v, although I would have thought with a bit of messing it should be capable of 5V, as it does most voltages up to 12V

We've got a bit of a duplicate going on, I'm moving over here re the power supply

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?p=197445&posted=1#post197445

Canetoad
17-03-2011, 12:47
Hi Bernard

Thanks for the info. You can really notice a dfifference ? So many contradictory
comments; I'm confused.

Regards
Tony

Hi Tony,

I'm currently using mine to run my Touch and I'm very happy with the sound. Maybe I should switch back to the standard wallwort and see if I notice any difference.

Canetoad
17-03-2011, 12:53
I have one of those, unfortunately it's a switched mode PS, it's probably better than most stock ones, but it's not as good with my SB receiver (9v) as this one...http://www.maplin.co.uk/ac-dc-multi-voltage-20w-power-supply-32754 only £19 as opposed to £34

Unfortunately it doesn't do 5v, or 15v, although I would have thought with a bit of messing it should be capable of 5V, as it does most voltages up to 12V

We've got a bit of a duplicate going on, I'm moving over here re the power supply

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?p=197445&posted=1#post197445

Will,

I might get one and try it on my Duet in the bedroom.

WAD62
17-03-2011, 13:08
Will,

I might get one and try it on my Duet in the bedroom.

It's excellent with both of my receivers (or duet if you prefer), on one I use the digital out, the other the analogue, both have been significantly improved, better detail/separation etc.

If you get one please post back the configuration, there seems to be 3 different models under the same product code...check the other thread

Canetoad
17-03-2011, 15:06
Will do. :)

Welder
17-03-2011, 22:40
Tony

It’s impossible to say if those are the original caps. All mine were LCR RED 47uf 63Vdc plain neg and they look slightly longer than those in the pic and were grey rather than blue. Depending on availibility I imagine Quantum fitted whatever they could get at the price and values at the time.
It is quite easy to lift the board holding the PSU caps if you carefully clip the cable ties around the caps and gently ease the board upwards.
From the pic I would say that is a slightly later model than those I’ve had.
If you know the caps to be older than 10 years its worth replacing them, especially if the units have been laid up for a while.

LittleTone
19-03-2011, 17:07
Hi Guys

Thanks for all your input.

John
Any chance of pointing me in the right direction for some worthy replacements

Regards
Tony

Welder
19-03-2011, 19:03
These should do it Anthony :)

http://www.audiocap.co.uk/ft-4700uf--63v-280-p.asp

LittleTone
21-03-2011, 22:28
Hi John,
Thanks for that; I'll double check what installed in the amp and order 4 of very soon. I'll get back to you and let you know the result.
Thanks again

Tony