PSU for SL-1210 with pics

[MartinT]

In my system (and the one we set up at Scalford Hall), using my SL-1210, the Paul Hynes was clearly superior to my Time Step PSU

I still believe that my Powerplant modifies PSU performance (or, more accurately, improves PSU performance up to a higher level) due to its ultra-pure mains waveform and very low output impedance. There is always the effect of the motor dynamics mod to consider too.

[Marco]

Indeed, Martin - those are very valid points.

I guess the best way of analysing what's going on is in that respect is when I come down to yours with my T/T, and (hopefully) by then a Paul Hynes and Tube Distinctions PSU, once you've taken delivery of the HE PSU and new platter.

I've already heard the Paul Hynes fitted to my SL-1210 outperform the Time Step PSU, both in my system at home and at Scalford Hall. Therefore if that's not the case in your system, and we hear no difference between the two, just like Shuggie and you did, then we'll know that your Powerplant is levelling the playing field, which will of course significantly impact on the outcome of our findings.....

Basically it'll prove what we've always thought, which is that no one PSU is universally superior in all applications.

Like I said, it's shaping up to a very interesting (and enlightening) session!

Have a think about some suitable dates and PM me, will you?

Marco.

[Ammonite Audio]

Martin - do you know what is the optimum input voltage for the Caiman? I see that it states 15v to 18v on the back panel. My Paul Hynes Design PSU should be adjustable down to 15v (certainly 18v) and I'd be very interested to know how it fares on the Caiman, since I have been considering getting one myself.

Marco - I think Martin has put his finger on why there appeared to be a level playing field between the Timestep and Paul Hynes PSUs in his system.

[Paul Hynes]

Hi Folks

Shuggie and MartinT have been comparing power supplies and found little difference between Shuggie’s SR3 and the Timestep in Martin’s system. This is likely to be that the difference in power line interference rejection between the two power supplies is less obvious with a Powerplant in the system, as the power feed will be much cleaner. Of course you have to factor the additional cost of the Powerplant into the equation. To compare the Techie power supply capabilities requires a stand-alone comparison test as well as most people would run without a Powerplant.

There are a number of circuit subsections on the Techie pcb that are all being powered together by an external remote power supply. I think there could be a lot of board interaction that a remote psu would be unable to deal with effectively because of its distance from the load. To do it properly would require good local regulation on each separate circuit function on the Techie printed circuit board. Maybe one day I will get a Techie and do a definitive internal regulation job on it.

Regards
Paul

[Marco]

Hi Shuggs,

Marco - I think Martin has put his finger on why there appeared to be a level playing field between the Timestep and Paul Hynes PSUs in his system.

Oh I don't doubt it, I simply want to hear the effect with my own ears, so that will happen at our forthcoming bake-off

Marco.

[MartinT]

Martin - do you know what is the optimum input voltage for the Caiman?

Hi Hugo

See the other posting on my PSU for the Caiman. I have set it to 16V so that, after the diode drop, there is about 15.5V available into the 12V Dexa regulator in my modified Caiman. This keeps things safe with the 16V electrolytics inside the Caiman. It sounds just great, so I'll leave it alone for a while and just listen.

[Marco]

Hi Paul,

Shuggie and MartinT have been comparing power supplies and found little difference between Shuggie’s SR3 and the Timestep in Martin’s system. This is likely to be that the difference in power line interference rejection between the two power supplies is less obvious with a Powerplant in the system, as the power feed will be much cleaner.

Yes that seems to be the case. However, a subjectively lower perceived noise floor, greater overall clarity, and thus more insight into music, were indeed some of the benefits your PSU exhibited over the Time Step both in my system at home and at Scalford Hall where no Powerplant was used.

On top of that, the SR3 appeared to give music more impetus and drive, and a seemingly greater sense of speed stability being more rigidly 'locked into position'.

The Powerplant thing is interesting... When I receive your PSU for evaluation, I will try both it and the Time Step through Anthony TD's mains filter to help eradicate the issue of power line interference rejection - in fact, both PSUs can be plugged into the filter at the same time, and I can simply swap between one and the other in seconds when listening to music (thanks to the super-fast start up time of the 1210), so that should be interesting.

Of course you have to factor the additional cost of the Powerplant into the equation. To compare the Techie power supply capabilities requires a stand-alone comparison test as well as most people would run without a Powerplant.

Indeed. Trust me, I intend to be as thorough as possible in that respect, which is why I must hear all PSU options through Martin's Powerplant in order to come to an accurate and definitive conclusion. I never do things by halves!

There are a number of circuit subsections on the Techie pcb that are all being powered together by an external remote power supply. I think there could be a lot of board interaction that a remote psu would be unable to deal with effectively because of its distance from the load. To do it properly would require good local regulation on each separate circuit function on the Techie printed circuit board. Maybe one day I will get a Techie and do a definitive internal regulation job on it.

You should certainly do that, Paul, as I'm sure you'd have plenty of interested parties in such fundamental power supply modifications, not least of all me.... I suspect that your relationship with AOS and our promoting of Technics T/T modifications will be a long, happy, and fruitful one....

Here's to the future!

Marco.

[Paul Hynes]

Hi Folks,

It looks like I will soon be the proud owner of a Technics SL1210.

I will look into the on board regulation possibilities once I have taken some measurements.

Regards
Paul

[Marco]

Mmmm.... Now things get interesting!



Marco.

[anthonyTD]

Hi Folks,

It looks like I will soon be the proud owner of a Technics SL1210.

I will look into the on board regulation possibilities once I have taken some measurements.

Regards
Paul

hi paul,
you have beaten me to it! nice one, i was discusing this with marco just the other day and i think as you say there are a few circuits in there that can greatly benefit from individual bespoke regulation, i had already decided to take on this chalenge but seen as your keen to do the ground work i will opt out [gracefully] on this one at the moment,its all yours.
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