VSPS - Quick Update!

Have been burning in the 'new' VSPS for a couple of hours now.. A slightly better and more 'round' sound now as it's using better caps at the power supply side (the Nichicon MUSE).
Major surprise at few hours ago when junior suggested me to replace the current stock opamp, the NE5532, to LT1361 which he 'wrongly' bought..

Initial listening, I did detect some improvements in the low end(bass) department. After few hours has lapse it is apparent now that the bass especially mid and lower bass is much more tighter! Gone now are the 'woolly' bass of the NE5532... and the mid and treble are much more clearer as in more details are being heard. It is now as if I have a different/new set of LPs that I am playing!
Listening now at wee hours past midnight(0130 hrs to be exact) it is apparent to me now that this opamp has improved the VSPS SQ in leaps and bounds!
The imaging is more vivid with an equally improved depth and ambience.. The overall PRaT is totally awesome! I simply could not believe that it's the same vinyl that I have spinning for 25 years!

Conclusion:

Swapping the NE5532 with the LT1361 is making the difference to the sound like day and night!
The best part is, the LT1361 can be acquired for FREE!
Best bang per buck upgrade ever..
Excuse me now.. gotta get more vinyls for tonite.. looks like I'm gonna loose some sleep this weekend.. ;)

VSPS -Version 2

All laid out, ready to roll!

Start with the resistors.. all installed about to be soldered...

The completely populated board..

Close up of the VSPS in the casing minus the cover...

Pic shows where the VSPS is. Beside my beloved SL-2000, 'burning' it in for the first time...

Since I sold off the original VSPS board, I am missing my LPs/vinyls very much.. and a sudden urge drove me to grab my soldering gun and build the kit that I bought months ag..! :D
This so called version 2 has Nichicon MUSE electrolytics 100%!
Pics shows the progress of the built..
Was spinning few LPs moments ago... again and again, it's pretty obvious that nothing beats LPs/vinyls sounds..
More detailed review later...
Enjoy the pics..

VSPS - disassembly

Empty! Well almost. Ready for the next 'transplant'. Planning to work with the PSU today... Will update soon..

Close up of the blue LED power light arrangement.. This is going to stay put.

Out of the casing with signal cables desoldered...

Shown here, the cover removed. Kinda 'sad' to remove a good performing component but it's going to a new home. A forumer bought the board to replace his onboard phono preamp which was not 'working' properly...

Some work done awhile ago.

Removed the original VSPS version for a next board 'upgrade'.

Saturday's goodies...

5X 100ohm 1/2W resistors for the LDR project, 10x 1cm PCB supports, 2.6V bulbs and socket for the LDR project experiment...

15 pieces of RCA sockets. Got 10% discount if I buy more.. hence the quantity. I actually need 4. Good for future use.. hehe

This is a 'normal' version XLR type connectors.. (cheap)

On the left is an original(read expensive) Neutrik XLR female socket with a not so original XLR male plug...

The new casing bought beside my original VSPS... same casing,same quality but 'slightly' cheaper.. ;)

Seen here is the almost complete power supply to the VSPS. Minus the cover and wires and plugs...

VSPS- New improved Kit

As earlier mentioned, the kit finally arrived intact yesterday. Hooray!
Checked, everything seems to be in order and will start to build it up ASAP.. The caps supplied now are Nichicon Muse!
Picture shows the two PCBs, two bags of the other required components (voltage regulators, metal oxides resistors, opamp with socket and a BOM.

Will try to post the build up and progress of this kit.. stay tuned!

Technics SL-2000 - Current Status

Just a quick status update.
The SL-2000 is now in my main system,as the only analogue source for playing the vinyls. The VSPS (beside the tt) has been a great performer.. Overall sound is beyond expectations for a turntable that has not been played for more than 2 decades! The Ortofon OM10 Super is a great performer, and when partnered with a great DIY phono amp like the VSPS, it's one heck of a system!

Update - status

Some good news.
1. Akita has responded finally! He was away on holiday! I got the quotes and transferred the money for 2 boards and 2 bags of goodies. I should be getting it sometime this week. Will post some pix.

2. I finally concluded the purchase of the GALE 3030 floorstander! The owner will make some arrangements before I pick up the hardwares. The seller is in London right now, working. Parents is in KL...

VSPS-Final modification.

Eventhough the VSPS performed sonically well, visually it's kinda dull especially at night, so I include a small diffused lens blue LED on the front panel.. now it looks rather 'cool' ;)

VSPS- PSU

The PSU for the VSPS is terribly simple unit just requiring non-regulated dual rail 12VDC, since the VSPS has onboard regulators.. thanks rjm!

I made the PSU as 'cheap' as possible because it's going to be 'out of sight' anyway. Here is the VSPS sitting on top of the PSU..

VSPS- The Very Simple Phono Stage

Don't let the 'simple' part fools you. This is a great kit to build, and sounds EXCELLENT for the money invested. Highly recommended, my personal 5 stars rating! Here's some pix to show off ;)

2009 UPDATE!

Happy New Year 2009! :D
It is not too late I hope as It's still january!
Yeah I know.. I have been busy and not updating the blog as frequent and as much as I want to..
excuses, excuses.. hehehe..

Anyway,the T-Amp has been completed and I have moved on to other projects..
An STK hybrid amp, VSPS project and GainClone. Only the GainClone is yet to be completed.. waiting for some parts and time to finish it proper but I am taking my sweet time as I am currently enjoying the STK amp, with my newly completed VSPS phono preamp and my Technics SL-5 with a spanking new stylus that I bought from Singapore. LP/vinyl playing is much much more satisfying than CDs... Ooops I also did make a CD transport from a CDROM mechanism.. ;) More on this later..

Have fun guys! I know I am! :D