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

[LittleTone]

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]

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]

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]

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
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]

The passive mod is well worth doing to the Beresford IMHO.

[LittleTone]

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]

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.

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

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...ef=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]

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]

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)!!!!

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

[LittleTone]

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