Mags

So you received the Deluxe, which I assume is the same as the V3.0? I'm also assuming that means my Deluxe will be shipping soon to replace the older version I was shipped...

Great, thanks. Did you send me a v3.0 unit or is it a v2.0?

Just got an email saying my i9 and CD ripper shipped today, so next week I should have a complete, functioning system.

I received a Rendu Signature SE in the mail today. It was a total surprise as I received no communication about the shipment; luckily I was home. I have no idea whether it is a v2.0 or v3.0, however, as it has no markings indicating either. The bad news is that I haven't gotten my Sonic Transporter i9 or CD ripper yet, so I can't listen to the system at this point.

I was told a couple days ago they'll send me a ver.2 to use until my ver.3 is ready. Hasn't shipped yet, though. Stay tuned.

Of interest? https://www.anandtech.com/show/17072/the-silverstone-nightjar-nj700-passive-psu-review

Do you have access to an Oscilloscope? If so, clip the scope leads onto the cap leads with the scope set on highest sensitivity and hold the cap tightly between your thumb and forefinger. Record the peak level of noise seen on the scope. Reverse the scope leads and again record the peak level of noise. The outer foil will be the side clipped to the positive lead of the scope in the orientation with the highest noise (or vice-versa, the side clipped to the ground lead of the scope in the orientation with the lowest noise). If your body doesn't impart enough AC noise to detect then place the cap near an AC noise source such as a power cord and repeat the test. My body is usually plenty noisy...

I bought the Connex because I'm curious about its quality. I plan to take some measurements and do listening tests to determine if the small SMPS powering the relay and LED is audible. Plus it's not much money if it sucks.

Actually, I found this module from Connex for $50 shipped to my home. It has a SMPS but only to power the relay. It is actually a better fit in the amp than the Hypex and also has the pushbutton/LED feature I need. https://connexelectronic.com/product/power-soft-start-v4/

After taking some measurement it appears that Hypex softstart board would fit. The only problem is that shipping from the Netherlands to the US is more than the cost of the module itself! Is there a US source to get these modules??

That soft start unit is similar to the NewclassD units I use in my 833C tube amps. You can also use a pushbutton switch with an LED ring built into it instead of a separate LED. See the blue highlighted switch in the picture.

But the heater winding won't be energized until the amp is powered up, and the amp won't be powered up until the relay can get power. It's kind of a Catch-22. An easily accessible/replaceable battery might be the simple answer.

Yeah I thought of that, relays require a DC power source...I suppose I could stick a battery in there to fire the relay when the switch is flipped...

What softstart are folks using? DIY or off-the-shelf? I'm looking for a small unit for a tube amp I'm building that works with a remote low voltage pushbutton/switch so I can put the switch on the amp front while still keeping all the AC in the back. I've used a NewclassD before but I need something smaller due to limited room.