Kuro

I just stumbled across this thread. I understand what Superdad and JohnS are trying to do. But I see a number of issues: This whole thing is merely a way to extend the length of the USB cable b/w the computer and a USB DAC by inserting wired LAN in between. We all know how bad USB audio can be (i.e.: too many variables and dependencies on the PC; the software player used on the PC, the USB cable, the power supply that powers the PC, PC OS optimization, etc.) and now, you add the LAN cable type, LAN cable length, router/switch, router/switch power supply and LAN buffering into the equation. Personally, I found that different LAN cable (double foil shielded CAT7) and different length LAN cable can affect the sound. The router/hub too! There are actually more processors involved in this topology compared to USB audio, one XMOS processor on the USB to Ethernet bridge and one XMOS processor on the DAC end. Not to mention the processors inside the router/switch. Even thought they are not full blown PC processors, they are nevertheless an embedded processor, much like the ARM processor in the Raspberry Pi. And we know the software and power supply on the Pi can greatly affect the sound whether it is USB or I2S. Surely you eliminated DLNA, but compared to a PC wired directly to an USB DAC, I see this topology introducing more hardware variables and could make sonic tuning even harder. I also don't see how it is better than the Squeezebox ecosystem. Can you synchronize a few players so they play the same track in different rooms in the house? One can already buy a Pi model B/B+ and attach an I2S DAC on top for low cost. You can install Squeezelite in the Pi and make it part of a Squeezebox ecosystem. Sounds to me this is a remake of the Squeezebox system, except you pulled the processor out of the Squeezebox and place it somewhere else.

Isn't the code based on the VAMP 0.6 image that Andrew released over at Vortexbox? Also, I see that the hw you guys provided is a Pogoplug E02. I wonder where you guys find so many E02 as a few friends of mine are looking for E02 and is pretty hard to find now unless you pay a hefty price on eBay. My friend has the sMS100, the code certainly works on my E02.

OMG! This thing has the Pogoplug E02 circuit board inside! And running the Vortex Box Pogoplug code. There is a sticker which says Pogoplug v2 inside!

Hi Alex, I'd avoid having the choke being so close to the toroidal transformer. The "belly" portion of a toroidal transformer emits the most magnetic flux. In my supply, I put the transformer and the choke far away as possible. I have done tests by putting my supply on top of a 1000va toroidal transformer and can hear the negative effect to the supply. The sound becomes more harsh and mechanical.

It is the same circuit as the John Swenson LPS. Regulator is the Belleson SPJ (new generation with lower noise output and san SMD ceramic caps - i.e.: no microphonic effects).

I just found this thread and what is so interesting is that I've already got the PCB made and the circuit is an improved version of John's power supply. It has two independent 5v outputs, each powered by an ultra low noise super regulator (4uV RMS). I have another version that is using a R-core transformer, and it does sound significantly better than the Triad transformer John has specified (much richer and deeper low bass). Here are some pics of my supply: