Salas DCG3 preamp (line & headphone)

How important is the shielding that many of the more expensive trannies have? Is the DSG3 sensitive to interference, or is just a somewhat "airy" enclosure enough? Regardless of trannies?

I'm asking since I found eaven cheaper trannies from "Electro KIt" here in Sweden: US 62.- including postage.
 
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I used toroidy transformers for a diy power amp (amb beta 24). I did never measure the specs but I was impressed by the apparent quality of the product in its steel casing. I had a customized transformer made with four secondaries in the top audio quality (they have if I remember correctly three different qualities) , the price was very fair and they were very professional to deal with. I can recommend them but YMMV, of course.

Sounds good Lugili!
I think I'll settle for the Toroidy ones, since many of you seems happy with their build quality.

And I just realized that I've strayed away a bit from the focus of this thread, Sorry about that!

Thanks for the help!
 
How important is the shielding that many of the more expensive trannies have? Is the DSG3 sensitive to interference, or is just a somewhat "airy" enclosure enough? Regardless of trannies?

I'm asking since I found eaven cheaper trannies from "Electro KIt" here in Sweden: US 62.- including postage.

Line stages are not sensitive in general due to relatively strong input signal and moderate gain but shielding can make life easier regarding field strength and its coupling on the signal runs when there is not much distance in-between. Since this one can have a very low noise floor why not preserve it. You can make do with normal non shielded trafos but shielding could be the icing on the cake so to speak. When there is a rather small box at least. I had an early post with pictures where it was non boxed just spread on a desk and the transformers are industrial split bobbin PCB mount frame type but I could keep distances and the noise floor was almost at the limits of my audio interface. I will try go back and find that post to link it.
 
I found it. #111. Was about AC mains referencing the aluminum frame through the bench PSU's mains earth socket was eating away by much some low level mains related spikes. Linking the two final pics from it.

570424d1474286979-salas-dcg3-preamp-line-headphone-earthed.jpg


570425d1474286979-salas-dcg3-preamp-line-headphone-overview.jpg
 
Jesper used those in his build, was their "audio grade" I believe, maybe he can tell you more if he reads this, like what ACV they gave on his mains, the shipping cost & lead time, the apparent quality of construction.

Yes... correct...

Pheew... way to much work at job right now.

The price for them is same price, as bought locally! But quality is far much better.

Jesper.
 

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I found it. #111. Was about AC mains referencing the aluminum frame through the bench PSU's mains earth socket was eating away by much some low level mains related spikes. Linking the two final pics from it.

570424d1474286979-salas-dcg3-preamp-line-headphone-earthed.jpg


570425d1474286979-salas-dcg3-preamp-line-headphone-overview.jpg

I hear what you're saying SALAS and, as I'm a thorough kind of guy, I'd not settle easily if I knew I had cut corners...


Yes... correct...

Pheew... way to much work at job right now.

The price for them is same price, as bought locally! But quality is far much better.

Jesper.

I followed your progress Jesper, and am impressed with what you achieved! And I'll get the Toroidy trannies, as most seems happy with them.
 
I followed your progress Jesper, and am impressed with what you achieved! And I'll get the Toroidy trannies, as most seems happy with them.

You will for sure be happy with them.

And thanks for comments on my build 🙂 ... I will also say, that this thread is easy to deal with, as Salas is the kind of guy, who helps even if quistions can for somebody seem stupid or whatever... He is allway's helpfull.

Jesper.
 
Yes, I've read close to all the posts in this thread and noticed that the followers are most helpfull, and SALAS in particular! Appreciate that SALAS!

And I'm sure that I'll be back here, asking for more help, as soon as I get all the parts for my build... 😕🙂
 
Hi Salas,

I managed to swap out R6 and R10 tonite and have a listen. I increased the gain to 4X, and the bias from ~ 112 mA to ~ 165 mA. I'm not sure what change did what, but I do believe it made a positive improvement in everything. Really mates well with your phono stage, it's the best sound I've heard from my system. You've even got me listening to records again.:drink:

Paul