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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 8, 2008 23:23:24 GMT
The Little Pinkie power supply will shortly be undergoing a couple of changes. The "flying" output lead is going to be replaced by a fixed lead and the minature toggle switch will be replaced with a rocker switch.
The fixed lead means less "connections" so, theoretically, better sound quality...... I, personally, can't hear any difference but the powers that be (the customer) reckon that less is more in this department and I can't argue as it saves me £2 on the pro grade chassis mount DIN socket and associated wiring / soldering.
The rocker switch "looks" better and has a better "feel" to it so that's my reason for implementing it. It's more expensive than the existing toggle switch and more time consuming to fit but I feel it's time / money well spent.
A total waste of money is the Neutrik 3 pin DIN plug and that may be replaced with a standard DIN plug...... there is ZERO gain in the "audible" department using a metal bodied DIN plug as opposed to a plastic / rubber one.... I'd rather spend the money on the parts that make the Pinkie do what it does best...... sound dept.
Not one but TWO Evox class X2 caps will now feature in the Pinkie..... one before the switch (across the line) and one after the switch (across the transformer input)........ Double insurance against RFI, these puppies GRAB interference by the BALLS and SQUEEZE so hard NOTHING but the music can come out.
I've been away a while "thinking" and I've come back thought out..... the latest incarnation of LPV3i is the fruit of my labour.
All the best,
Mike.
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Post by chikolad on Dec 10, 2008 16:15:44 GMT
Can't say I understood much but sounds good  |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 10, 2008 21:34:42 GMT
Can't say I understood much but sounds good I should be in a position to take pictures soon  |
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Post by dejanm on Dec 11, 2008 8:20:47 GMT
What are the values of these X2 caps now ? Did they remain as before or did you change it ? Still Vishay's X2 ?
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 11, 2008 11:09:54 GMT
What are the values of these X2 caps now ? Did they remain as before or did you change it ? Still Vishay's X2 ? 470nF EVOX / Rifa |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 11, 2008 21:53:10 GMT
Will you be using ferrite beads? Or are those not needed. Internally, yes. The big clamps on the hook up cable are out replaced by individual ferrite beads on internal wiring. It's all pretty much evolving as I speak but the main changes are the fixed cable and flush mounted rocker switch..... there's only a certain amount you can do with an ABS enclosure but I think the latest incarnation looks slightly better now?    I'm also looking at a new line of chassis mount transformers as I have been having supply problems with the custom made encapsulated types.... if up to scratch the chassis mount transformers will knock 200gram off the weight, will only require two fixing bolts and there will be less internal spaghetti to deal with. I'm listening to a sample right now and it's VERY promising indeed  I'm also going to dispense with the primary fuse holder and 20mm / 160mA time delay fuse and hardwire a simple inline European style time lag subminiature type in it's place.... the less "dry" connections the better. This is not cost cutting on parts it's evolution and getting the old girl to do what she does best (and hopefully a little better!) with as little fuss as possible.... less is more as the saying goes ;D I still think the £85 asking price is ridiculously low for a hand made product that delivers such sonic advantages and would like to keep it at that price for as long as possible as "bang for the buck" has always been my main goal (hence, this forum!) I can only see a price rise if I decide to go with the metal enclosure I've been threatening to adopt for the past couple of years...... In the meantime...... this is what the Pinkie will look like from here on in |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 11, 2008 22:05:15 GMT
Will take some under the hood snaps tomorrow if the light is good |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2008 18:45:16 GMT
Looks prettier Mike, wadda ya fink of a low emission diffused LED where the toggle switch used to be? ((I'm into amber (the colour!) at the mo))
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 17, 2008 21:22:11 GMT
As far as I'm concerned a LED is a definite no no as it is a source of "noise" and the less noise the better when it comes to musical reproduction..... anyway, most people "know" the thing is switched on when music is playing and the switch is on the "on" position.... they don't need further indication in the form of a light unless they are deaf in which case they wouldn't be listening to an amp anyway! I think the rocker switch is pretty straight forward? flick it down and the red indicator shows (and music starts playing)... this is the "ON" position flick it the other way and the music stops playing.... this is the "OFF" position. It would take even the thickest of individuals 30 seconds to suss this out without the need of bells, whistles or illumination devices ;D The fixed output cable is proving quite "interesting" in operation..... I decided to go with Xtra-Guard "fire alarm" cable (which, by the way, Conforms to UL type CM, AWM style 2464, CSA CMG FT4, and passes UL VW-1 and CSA FT4 flame tests)..... I wanted to use something that would withstand the rigours of everyday life... ie: children, pets and potential nuclear attacks. This stuff has a voltage rating of 300V and unsurpassed flame and moisture resistance...... great eh? No.... it's a bastard to work with as it has one hell of a memory and wants to coil up on itself! I literally have to spend a good 10 minutes beating the crap out of each 1M length that is attached to the pinkie to straighten it and, even then, it still attempts to reform back into shape! I've found the best remedy is to hold it at the DIN plug end and swing the Pinkie around my head (like swinging a cat) a good few times and then try physically stretching it (ie: do your best to pull it apart) in front of an 8kW heater ;D Seriously.... this stuff takes some effort to relax it! and, seriously, you CAN swing the pinkie about without worry.... the cable is secured to such high standards your arm would break before the cable does ;D On a more practical note....... 3 or 4 days to acclimatize at room temperature and a gentle bit of "coaxing" should see the cable relax a bit.... it will be stiff out of the box but will soon loosen up. I could have used cheap 3 way "flexible" cable but where's the fun in that? Hell...... your cat / child, resident lunatic, village idiot would destroy it in a split second!...... nope 300V rated "alarm cable" is the only way to go |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2008 22:26:32 GMT
Mike An indicator light of some kind is worthwhile because many people forget to turn off gear like that when they are tired. Even with a subdued light they are sometimes inadvertently left on. Modern LEDs are not a source of noise,although those random colour LEDs MAY cause a minute amount of noise as they change colour. Red LEDs are also used as voltage references in the SC HA without introducing noise. However, in the case of an AC supply like this, any LEDs used would need to be supplied with a rectified supply, and the switching noise of the rectifying diode could contribute some noise. Also, if you choose a switch with an inbuilt neon, they invariably either fail or flicker. So damned if you do, and damned if you don't !! Alex |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 17, 2008 22:44:53 GMT
Don't be stupid Alex.... who in their right mind turns off in subdued light?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2008 23:12:56 GMT
I meant the subdued light from a purple LED, as distinct from a room lighting ,typical Blue LED. NOT getting turned off with subdued lighting. |
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Post by krisno on Dec 17, 2008 23:38:39 GMT
That new Pinkie design of yours is just excellent. That switch you installed there Mike, that is just the switch which makes me want a 'Little Pinkie with a switch'. Remember I orderd a custom one without it But this new one is the one it always should have been. Anyways, I have such problems getting a stock V2. Really annoying... and that rape I was inflicted on Ebay yesterday is just horrible. Just one question.... Littlie Pinkie v2 and v3, are they exactly the same except different cable? IF I order this new pinkie for a V2 can I just swap the cable and it will work for V3 etc? K |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2008 12:18:16 GMT
Oh, OK.  My reason for suggesting it had nothing to do with having the actual light but for something to fill the hole if owners wanted to copy your tweaks including the switch (not keen on toggles), bit more interesting than a plug of some sort....s'pose one could fit a dummy one... |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 19, 2008 22:53:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2008 23:39:28 GMT
IMHO, no matter how good it's performance is, it should remain unobtrusive, and secondary to the equipment that it is powering.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2008 0:09:06 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2008 1:12:05 GMT
At least it has musical heritage...   Chris If it sounds as good as those guys did on stage in a live performance, it would be damn good ! SandyK |
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Post by beachcoma on Dec 20, 2008 1:46:35 GMT
I thought it was mandatory to NEVER turn off your kit?  |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 20, 2008 10:40:44 GMT
At least it has musical heritage... You guys crack me up! I'm not going with the white switch, it looks a bit too Al Capone / Minstrels / licquorice allsorts (do I plug it in or eat it?) for my taste..... I'll stick with the subtle matt black / red one..... if I could source a nice pink one it would be nice, maybe some pink feet and a pink cable and a pink IEC inlet too..... nah, I'll stick with the black / red one. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2008 20:03:10 GMT
[if I could source a nice pink one it would be nice, maybe some pink feet and a pink cable and a pink IEC inlet too..... . Dawh, go on, then we could rush out and get these  Only £52, BARGAIN  |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 23, 2009 22:31:44 GMT
The grey "Xtra-Guard" output cable is absolutely fantastic stuff but it's an absolute bugger to work with and has one hell of a "memory" and needs a lot of working to get it to hang loose..... it'll be fine in the summer months but proving a bitch to manipulate in the cold Scottish winter..... My poor little fingers are worn out trying to get it into shape! This stuff: The end user can warm it up with a hairdryer, spend time stroking it, rubbing it, beating it with a hammer..... all good stuff..... this gear will withstand a nuclear attack..... unfortunately my fingers aren't robust enough to work with this gear on a daily basis so I decided to source a more "finger friendly" alternative....... After much trial and error I opted for "Evolution" OFC cable...easy to work with, oxygen free copper... top quality stuff and only marginally more expensive than the Xtra-Guard........ I've bought 1000 metres of the gear so good to go for quite some time..... sounds SUPERB and the conductor diameter allows for easy ferrite bead rolls onto it..... I'm happy with this cable The latest incarnation of the Pinkie is, by far, the best sounding yet and, like the name of the cable, it has "evolved"..... evolution rather than revolution....... I don't like blowing my own trumpet but can confidently say this Pinkie will blow your socks off! I just hope you all like "red"   |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2009 22:52:05 GMT
what a little editing can do ! Mike You make a bloody cable sound so damn sexy. Perhaps you are missing someone ? Alex |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 24, 2009 10:19:10 GMT
... I've bought 1000 metres ... What are you going to do Mike? Run a line from your house to the USA? 1000 metres will soon disappear mate..... it "sounds" a lot but surprising how fast it goes..... also cheaper to buy in "bulk" |
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Post by Vallejos on Jan 24, 2009 11:59:01 GMT
I just hope you all like "red" That looks great! |
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