Re: [slim] Will my setup reflect the quality of a transporter?
sounds to me like you are exactly the person that logitech's 30 day trial is designed for. Go for it. You have a SB and you can compare with a TP and see for yourself in your system. Really the only downside is that you might slip onto the audiopile slippery slope in which case forget who gave you the advice to try it out. Anon VVBG -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=50394 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Maximum amps on RG6
seanadams;310176 Wrote: You can't reliably power a device like SB3 that way, because it requires a regulated input and there will be a significant voltage drop on the cable. If you have CAT5 for ethernet, consider using POE. Something like this will work: http://www.voipsupply.com/product_info.php?products_id=1330 /QUOTE] Hi Sean, Thank you for the reply. Actually I thought I was using POE, just DIY by intecepting the the CAT 5 and using the last 10 feet or so to send the power to the SB3. Do you know if the Linksys device is passive--I assumed so but perhaps it isn't The Acopian power supplies are very tightly regulated. Here are the specs: NominalOutput 5v Voltage Adjust+/-V 0.5 Output Current Amps. 6 Regulation: load 0.005%, line 0.005% Ripple mV RMS 0.25 Model A5MT600 http://www.acopian.com/store/9-(7).aspx?min=1.5max=5 I can wire it so that there are exactly 5v at the point where I feed the CAT5 which will take care of any voltage losses from the basement to that point. Now if your POE device is active then my plans won't work and I would need to purchase them but how do they prevent voltage loss and still deliver a regulated output? Thank you for your insights, George -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=48668 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Maximum amps on RG6
iPhone;310198 Wrote: I keep going back to the fact that you are planning to hang this on the wall. That is fine, and you are talking about getting power to the unit. What you are not talking about is all the other required items. One can not just power an SB3 and hang it on the wall. It has to be wired to Ethernet or talk wirelessly to a network. Next it has to be connected to a HT Receiver/IAmp/Amp or Powered Speakers. The SB3 is not a Sonos and does not have a server or built in amp. So there are going to be other wires or other devices that need power at the SB3 install location. How are these issues being handled? What are you going to be playing the music over (speakers or powered speakers)? Hi iPhone, et.al. First thanks for your interest and suggestions. I currently have a SB3 and Audioengine A5 so I have some sense of what I've got to hook up. VBG I considered putting 120v AC outlets in the attic and plugging in the wall warts there. Didn't seem very safe to me? Maybe a GFI outlet would solve that problem and maybe it's not really a problem. I just like to have electronic things were I can see them and smell them (if they are frying.) As to how it is all suppose to work this will go on a bit but it may be of interest to some so I'll try to provide some links that can be followed up. There is a multi room system/standard that is called ABUS. numerous manufacturers provide devices that fit into this standard: Russound, On-Q, Integra and channel vision that I know of. The basic system consists of a Source and Powered volume controls. Each source requires 24vDC and accepts one analogue input. This signal as I understand it is amplified and distributed to (upto) 4 powered volume controls. Each powered vol control has 2x7.5watt class d amps in it. Manufactures do ot publish spec on these amps which I suspect says all we need to know---voice only at modest listening levels in smallis rooms and then only with efficient speakers. You can get the basic idea of the system by reading this page and following the links to better descriptions of the parts: http://www.smarthome.com/833X.html (This is for the discontinued Sonance ABUS system, but is a convenient site to navigate and see all the parts.) There are two variations on the basic powered vol control. The first is a vol control that sports 20w/c amps (Like the discontinued Sonance units and still available from On-Q under their LyriQ label). The second is right and left line outs for powering an external amp (or for a subwoofer). Many but not all of the 7.5w/c also offer line outs and IR control. A tech at On-q told me the specs for the 20 w/c units are 20-20K +-1db. Here is the link to that unit: http://www.onqlegrand.com/products/AU1000 What I'm planing is to run the audio cables from the SB3 to the ABUS source unit on the wall behind the SB3 or a nearby closet then the CAT5 signal distributoion to the powered vol control at a convenient spot and then the line outs to wherever the powered speakers will be. I'll also use some ALC (auto line selectors) to allow a TV or iPOD to be plugged in. Although one source unit could fed upto 4 rooms, I'll just use each independently in a room except in the master bed where I'll try out the 7.5 w/c to drive a single ceiling speaker. HOpe this helps you understand what's going on, And I'm all ears for any suggestions, especially about wallwarts in the attic where it gets hot in the summer, George -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=48668 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Maximum amps on RG6
Thank you Sean, I'm going to bookmark that site. I can crank up the output of the supply a little too. George -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=48668 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Maximum amps on RG6
iPhone;310001 Wrote: .But I would ask is it the correct application? As an example, what if the power supply want bad? One could easily lose all the SB3s instead of just one. Why waste a nice regulated power supply driving a bunch of extra cable length that doesn't really need to be used? Why create an antenna to pick up all the RFI and EMI in your home and take it right to your source device? Also remember all this stuff is outside and without the possibility of burning down ones house if something goes wrong in the walls! Maybe listing your goal for this project would be a be help? What is the end result you are trying to accomplish? Thank you for your reply iPhone, when the house was being built I ran lots of wires for a complete Linn system. I didn't know anything about computers as a source nor Squeezeboxes. Installing a server/squeeze system will save a lot of and probably give better sound. Most rooms I can get to from either the basement or the attic but I've got a couple of rooms where the roof/ceiling comes down low on the walls and there is no access to run more wires. I need to install the SB3 on the wall with no visible wiring, so wall warts are a no no. I appreciate your concern for fire issues. I had planned on installing 2 amp in-line fuses both in the basement and at the SB3. The RFI issue I hadn't thought about and don't know how much weight to attach to it. Your advice here is appreciated. Is there a way to block the rfi? I realize that coax is not the correct solution. Perhaps a better or safer solution would be to take a single run from the power supply to the attic and then inject it into the 4 unused wires in the CAT5 to feed each SB. I could intercept the CAT5 just before it disappears into the roof-ceiling union. Oh, I have the regulated power supply and no other use for it. It's an Acopian A series so it is far better than the wall wart. -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=48668 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Maximum amps on RG6
I am setting up SB3 in several rooms as part of a whole house system. In several of the rooms additional wiring would be extremely dificult to run but I do have a surplus pair of RG6 cable to each room. Yes I should have run extra cat5 when the walls were open but I got cheap at the wrong time--penny wise ,pound foolish! I want to use one RG^ to run 5v DC from al highly regulated power supply in the basement (to the SB3's mounted on the wall.) In the other RG6 cable I want to run 24v DC to the volumn/distribution units from a second regulated power supply in the basement. I need to know what the amperage rating would be for the RG6 and I'm not sure where to find this type of information as this isn't what RG6 is designed to do. Maybe I can't use it. I'm thinking I need it to carry at least 4 amps in each case. Please direct me to another forum, if this is the wrong place to post. Thanks George -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=48668 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] best stand-alone seakers to connect a SB3 to?
agentsmith;290640 Wrote: I think you missed the whole point of the F80. The Meridian engineers have put a lot of audio engineering and industrial design into that box. And by the way, I like the look of my yellow half MM quite well. Glad you like the looks but the labor theory of value was discredited more than a few decades ago. I'd say Meridian has a few too many engineers sitting around trying to look busy. Just my tastes or lack thereof! VBG geo -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46115 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] best stand-alone seakers to connect a SB3 to?
This thread has got my funny bone kicked into gear--there is room enough for all tastes and I don't mean to disparage others' choices/reasoning. Some of the speakers mentioned here are used in the video editing labs at my college--they are ok to good computer speakers but critical listening doesn't belong in the same sentence with them. IMHO Julius, Can you be a little more specific about your Dad's listening. When he is working, can he both work and be a critical listener? I can't but that is because my job requires about two more brain cells than I have, so there definitely is no critical listening going on at work. The Audio Engine 5s are perfect in my case. If your Dad can listen critically then I'm not sure the AE5s will do. I'd suggest you consider Dynaudio, Tannoy, and Blue Sky if you/he are in the Transporter level of critical listening. I have listened to these. They each to my ears sounded different but they do a very good job and their suitibility depends on the room in which they would be place. For example, the Blue Skies are claimed to be bright, but to my ageing ears and in a somewhat absorbent room, they are wonderful. As Pat said YMMV. Others will have other suggestions. If you are talking SB3 price range, then the options really expand. There really is no substitute for listening. And once you have made you choice, if its one of the more price pro monitors look on ebay. The good ones are built to take abuse and keep on going. Just buy from a reputable seller and ask questions. Perhaps if you can clarify what the price range is and what critical listening means we can be more helpful. Hope this is helpful. George PS, I think he will love a SB system--Its a great BDay idea! g -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46115 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] best stand-alone seakers to connect a SB3 to?
I'll second the AE5's. Not perfect but for enjoyable environmental music they are hard to beat. I have a pair, my wife loves them and would love them even more if she could figure out how to carry them around. Re Boominess. Yes, but my golden eared extensive experiments (can't hear over 10K so I'm specialized in the boom regions) suggest that stuffing old socks (or foam)in the vents work wonders on all vented speakers which seem boomy. If you or your dad are sensitive to boom THEN DO NOT BUY A VENTED SPEAKER--ACTIVE OR PASSIVE. This of course eliminates virtually all active speakers except the Blue Sky speakers--typically used as 2.1 format and at a variety of price levels. All the units are sealed box (maybe not the sub part--I'm not sure). Available in all price ranges. They are very good and reasonably priced for the sound quality you get at each price point. If you do buy a vented speaker may I suggest that unwashed, very holey, woolen socks worned only by Norwegian bachelor farmers from Minnesota work best. Best listening, George -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46115 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Audioengine 5
We received our A5' about three weeks ago. One channel was dead. The passive speaker worked fine but the amp output had no voltage. An email was sent and a prompt reply received. No problem. We'll send you a new powered speaker and a return shipping order. That is exactly what happened. The new powered speaker works fine (no hum but it is not connected directly to the Squeezebox). I'd not hesitate to recommend this company and their product. George -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=40455 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Multi Zone Installation help please
I PM-ed you. G -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=41118 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Multi Zone Installation help please
Meep and JJZolx, I have to agree that most mutliroom systems are for background music/radio. But I hate that: elevator music, musical wallpaper or whatever you want to call it drives me up a wall. I'd vastly prefer silence, but those are just my oddities. When I first read of your system, I was quite interested in it and tried to investigate further. It does make a lot of sense $-wise. Hence my question regarding a comparison of the sound with the Squeeze3. Events may have overtaken this thread with the announcement of the $150 Squeeze reciever. JJZolx, if you can point me to comparisons of sound cards to external DACs I'd be appreciative. My investigations didn't turn up any. I know that folks have talked favorablely about 5.1 and 7.1 sound cards, but those would not work in this type of system--multi independent stereo outputs are needed as I understand it. George -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=41118 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Multi Zone Installation help please
meep;256195 Wrote: I've spent about 4 years looking at a cost effective, DIY multi-zone whole house audio system. I've looked at the matrix switching, multi-zone ,1,000+ amps, the various in-wall solutions etc. For my money, the best solution to a star-topology pre-wired speaker set-up is as described. Slim Server is such a flexible system. I still feel guilty about leveraging all the free bits though and will be purchasing a squeeze box anon. Meep, This is an impressive acheivement. I'd guess it must have taken a year or so just to figure how to get it all to work. I've looked at PC audio cards and my sense of it is that most folks who are not into recording feel that decoding inside the PC box is very detremental to the sound quality. That if you want quality playback, you need some form of external DAC. On top of that, M-Audio's reputation is that it offers good value for the $ for the home recordist, but it doesn't seem to have a top quality sound reproduction reputation. I've been hanging out on a number of forums and I believe these to be widely held views. Not saying its right as I don't know, just my sense after a lot of reading. Were you able to compare the output of your sound card system with that of a Squeeze3? If you were to do it again would you use the M-Audio card or is there another you would choose next time? I've looked at multi output channel cards by supposedly better manufacturers and we are talking around $1000.00+-. And I'm not certain that the sound quality would be any better than the squeezebox. George -- gsawdy gsawdy's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14330 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=41118 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
