Octavian
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« on: April 28, 2010, 04:56:07 PM » |
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Hi folks,
I got a Squeezebox (classic v3) recently and it's been a bit of a headache. Basically, with its standard power adapter it places tons of unwanted noise (hiss, hum) into all of my inputs when plugged into the same power conditioner, and still places quite a bit of noise when plugged directly into the outlet. This seems to have improved when using a different power source - a little USB power adapter with the connector soldered to it, and the noise seems to disappear but with other related problems when powered off one of my PS3s usb ports in the same setup.
Has anyone had these sorts of hum problems with their Squeezeboxes before? From what I understand switching a different power supply may help tremendously with the issue, so I'm looking into that, but I was wondering if anyone else had similar experiences, and if so, what solved it for you?
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Octavian
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LeeS
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« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2010, 11:00:24 PM » |
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Yep. It's a known issue, especially if you use the internal DAC of the SB. Not so much of an issue if you SPDIF out into another, external DAC, but still an issue nontheless. My supplied SB PSU was/is fairly noisy too. At the end of the day, it is just a really cheap, "get you going", nasty, mobile phone style SMPS. Junk it and buy/make a good linear supply. I use a linear DC supply for mine from an old pair of powered computer speakers and it has certainly quitened the mains and surrounding equipment down. Don't think it has made the SB any better (I use an external DAC), but it definitely quietened the DAC output down and removed a layer of low-level hiss/grunge from it.
Cheers,
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« Last Edit: April 28, 2010, 11:02:09 PM by LeeS »
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Octavian
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« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2010, 11:43:04 PM » |
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Thanks so much for the reply, that's what I was hoping to hear. I'll start my power supply search. -Octavian
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Octavian
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rfgumby
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« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2010, 01:11:21 AM » |
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Make sure it's a linear supply and not a switching one. The switching versions have a bit of a bad reputation with the Squeezebox, maybe due to more limited surge ability, maybe because of switching noise. I don't have direct experience, I'm just repeating what I've read before.
I'd opt for not just a wall wart supply, try to find a linear supply with the style like an aluminum L-chassis.
Surplus are usually fine for this, but you'll probably want to mount it in a prettier box.
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Scott
These days, if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's probably a fish
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mred
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« Reply #5 on: April 29, 2010, 02:13:37 PM » |
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You might also pm Pete Fowler, I know he uses one and has done a lot of mods on it. I heard it at his house and was quite impressed. Hope he does not mind me suggesting  Ed |
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Hello my name is Ed and I have a thermionic addiction
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daiwok
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« Reply #6 on: April 29, 2010, 03:06:04 PM » |
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You might also pm Pete Fowler, I know he uses one and has done a lot of mods on it. I heard it at his house and was quite impressed. Hope he does not mind me suggesting Ed I recall the discussion on the old Lenco Lovers forum, I think  |
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David Vinyl is BLACK MAGIC |
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Aron
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« Reply #7 on: April 29, 2010, 11:18:11 PM » |
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Hi!
I´m using SB duet with Welbornelabs psu. Did not have any of your problems but did it as an upgrade. No surgery on the SB unit itself but a high quality, clean psu. Result was well worth the cost, more of everything, darker background, dynamics and a more natural sound.
Aron
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"get out of my car, get in to my trunk" -Ocean Billy
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Octavian
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« Reply #8 on: May 20, 2010, 03:48:25 PM » |
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Hi all,
Thanks so much for the advice, and sorry for the delayed reply, I've been away for a little while. For now, I ended up finding a local zip drive power supply (one of the earliest zip 100 ones, not the smaller newer ones), and to my great excitement, it cured all of the noise problems. The Squeezebox is now very very quiet - just music! I'll certainly look into other power supplies in the future though, a lot of these options look quite exciting. -Octavian
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Octavian
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pfowler
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« Reply #9 on: May 24, 2010, 03:36:35 PM » |
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Hey Octavian, FWIW (since you've solved your problem), the source of the noise is the SB wall wart is not properly earth-grounded. If any of your gear (esp. the line stage) has a 3-prong plug there will be a significant leakage current through the SB interconnects to the earth ground which causes a nasty hum.  The cheapest way around it is to use one of the RCA jacks on the back of the SB (use the SPDIF RCA if you're listening to analog outs) and run an interconnect between the SB and your linestage (connect to an unused input RCA or to the chassis). This will provide a better ground path and should kill the hum completely. Or, you can do what you did. I built a linear supply for my Duet receiver and all my gear is earth grounded so no problems. However, one day I wanted to work on the linear supply and listen at the same time - hooboy! Big mistake!  Live and learn, yes? Pete |
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