AP 2722 Questions

[thermionic]

Hi,

Would someone be kind enough to let me know if they have experience with the model described below, and where it sits within the 2700 line up? The 2700-series has a myriad of options and I'm no expert on identifying a desirable model from one that is less so.

I have tried the 2722 with its oscillator routed to a UPV. True enough, the AP oscillator has around 2dB lower THD+N @ 1KHz than the UPV-B1 oscillator (usually gives -113dB THD+N, whereas AP nudges -115dB @ 2V RMS). I guess I'd need an AP555 to work out whether the analyser section of the 2722 or UPV is better.

I have seen people claim to have calibrated their 2722s themselves... Is this possible if you have another analyser (namely a UPV-B1-B3)?

Out of interest, what would be a ballpark price to ask for this analyser? I see them for stupid money on Ebay, but am fully aware that this is a false reality and real world prices are lower. If calibration is around £1,500-2000, is it worth doing it in order to sell it?

Thank you in advance!

This is taken from running the self-test routine:

Year of manufacture 2001
Model number: 2722-96K

IMD Option CHECKS
11/12/19 16:16:54 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:16:54
11/12/19 16:16:54 IMD option is not present in this instrument. Checks aborted.
11/12/19 16:16:54
11/12/19 16:16:54 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:16:54 BUR Option CHECKS
11/12/19 16:16:54 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:16:54
11/12/19 16:17:00 BUR option is not present in this instrument. Checks aborted.
11/12/19 16:17:00
11/12/19 16:17:00 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:17:00 WFA Option CHECKS
11/12/19 16:17:00 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:17:00
11/12/19 16:17:00 WFA option is not present in this instrument. Checks aborted.
11/12/19 16:17:00
11/12/19 16:17:00 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:17:00 AES17 Lowpass Filter Option CHECKS
11/12/19 16:17:00 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:17:00
11/12/19 16:17:00 AES17 Filter option is not present in this instrument. Checks aborted.

 

[JohnW]

Hi,

Would someone be kind enough to let me know if they have experience with the model described below, and where it sits within the 2700 line up? The 2700-series has a myriad of options and I'm no expert on identifying a desirable model from one that is less so.

I have tried the 2722 with its oscillator routed to a UPV. True enough, the AP oscillator has around 2dB lower THD+N @ 1KHz than the UPV-B1 oscillator (usually gives -113dB THD+N, whereas AP nudges -115dB @ 2V RMS). I guess I'd need an AP555 to work out whether the analyser section of the 2722 or UPV is better.

I have seen people claim to have calibrated their 2722s themselves... Is this possible if you have another analyser (namely a UPV-B1-B3)?

Out of interest, what would be a ballpark price to ask for this analyser? I see them for stupid money on Ebay, but am fully aware that this is a false reality and real world prices are lower. If calibration is around £1,500-2000, is it worth doing it in order to sell it?

Thank you in advance!

This is taken from running the self-test routine:

Year of manufacture 2001
Model number: 2722-96K

IMD Option CHECKS
11/12/19 16:16:54 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:16:54
11/12/19 16:16:54 IMD option is not present in this instrument. Checks aborted.
11/12/19 16:16:54
11/12/19 16:16:54 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:16:54 BUR Option CHECKS
11/12/19 16:16:54 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:16:54
11/12/19 16:17:00 BUR option is not present in this instrument. Checks aborted.
11/12/19 16:17:00
11/12/19 16:17:00 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:17:00 WFA Option CHECKS
11/12/19 16:17:00 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:17:00
11/12/19 16:17:00 WFA option is not present in this instrument. Checks aborted.
11/12/19 16:17:00
11/12/19 16:17:00 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:17:00 AES17 Lowpass Filter Option CHECKS
11/12/19 16:17:00 **********************************************
11/12/19 16:17:00
11/12/19 16:17:00 AES17 Filter option is not present in this instrument. Checks aborted.

Interesting, my UPV also archives a THD+N of about -113dB 2Vrms 1KHz and 115dB / 116dB Awtd.

The AP's seem to have lower Mains hum spurie (50Hz components) - but the R&S lower wide band noise floor - the higher Mains hum spurie impacting the UPV results - but I dont really care about mains "hum" at such low levels..

The UPV needs about 10 - 20 minutes to warm up for full performance... with the generator being the limiting performance factor, the analyzers can measure lower THD.

Your 2722 96KHz is a very VERY early unit, later units where updated to full 192Khz over single SPDIF connection.

Performance wise I find that the 2722 is as good as the AP555 - AP admitted that good 2722's are better then poorer AP555's...

The 2722 software is truly horrid to use - not that the UPV is much fun to use..

 

[thermionic]

Indeed. The UPV manual is about as much fun as eating a bag of M6 nuts.

 

[Monte McGuire]

Performance wise I find that the 2722 is as good as the AP555 - AP admitted that good 2722's are better then poorer AP555's

Is that only for THD+N? I find that the residual for a 555 when directly examining the harmonics in the residual is around -155dBc for 2nd harmonic and -160dBc for 3rd harmonic in the sweet spot (2kHz, +6dBV level). Is the 2722 that good? I was under the impression that it was not, but new data points are always welcome.

 

[thermionic]

Assuming the 2722 is working as advertised, my understanding is that the 555 gives a further 5dB less THD+N, taking it from -115dBV to -120dBV. I can't quite believe that AP would ship 555s that didn't meet this spec...surely not? It'd be the 1st issue you'd notice, within about 30 mins of getting it out of the box.

I recently visited an R+D centre that had tens of UPVs and 555s. I asked why the UPVs were still there and was told that the 555 has a bug, whereby it doesn't measure below 20Hz accurately. I didn't get a chance to discuss the exact details of this bug as I was there on other business. I do know that if I spent around £30K GBP to get a 555 and it didn't measure flat down to virtually DC I'd be less than impressed.

I need to make a decision about whether to keep the 2722. Can anyone give me a quick appraisal of why I might want to keep this particular model? Should I decide to sell it, what might a ballpark (real world) price be?

(if discussing prices contravenes forum etiquette, please do send me a PM).

Thanks!

 

[kasey197]

Hello hello... didn't want to create a new thread but I'm adding the 2722G to my testbench and the seller says he will ship a USB converter.

The thing is though that the converter he will ship is a NI GPIB-USB convertor as opposed to the AP USB-APIB.

Does that matter much functionally ?

Also as I am moving from a very user friendly system (Prism Audio dscope) - are there any good guides or tutorials online (videos for example) that teach how to use the AP software (I read that its not very intuitive)

Appreciate the help!

 

[Shinja]

Unfortunately, AP control softwares does not work with GPIB interface. At least you can check basic functions using GPIB commands...

 

[kasey197]

Oo yikes! If anyone has a line on a used APIB-USB interface just send me a pm!

 

[xmo]

kasey197: "...are there any good guides or tutorials online (videos for example)..."


At one time Audio Precision released a set of training DVD's. This would be the ultimate resource for a new owner. I have no idea where you would find a set or if the content is available on-line but here is a description:


Kick back and watch a new DVD from audio test-and-measurement supplier Audio Precision (Beaverton, Oregon). The company is releasing an instructional DVD entitled Fundamentals of Audio Test and Measurement .

Be sure to lay in a stock of chips and your favorite beverage, too. And, don't forget to take notes. Audio Precision's three DVD set, priced at about $950, offers more than eight hours of in-depth training on a wide variety of audio engineering issues.

A Reference-Style Resource

The information compiled in the new DVD series, led by Audio Precision's Senior Application Engineer Mike Wolfe, is the company's first reference-style resource for engineers dealing with audio.

 

[xmo]

The interface that you need:


Rackmount Kits and Other Accessories - Audio Precision

 

[jan.didden]

Unfortunately, AP control softwares does not work with GPIB interface. At least you can check basic functions using GPIB commands...

The 2722G works with that GPIB converter. It is all explained at audioprecision.com . Just create an account and you can access everything.

Jan

 

[jan.didden]

The interface that you need:


Rackmount Kits and Other Accessories - Audio Precision

No! He has an AP2722G!
He should check if this is in addition to an APIB input, or only GPIB. There are several models.
Ask for a pic of the back side.

Jan

 

[jan.didden]

Unfortunately, AP control softwares does not work with GPIB interface. At least you can check basic functions using GPIB commands...

Sorry, this is completely wrong. The AP software will work with whatever interface the unit has built in.

Jan

 

[Audio1Man]

The AP27xxG has a dipswitch that selects APIB or GPIB mode and ID#. Your system will run on 2700 software in the APIB MODE with a AP CARD or the AP USB adapter.
Duke

 

[xmo]

"Sorry, this is completely wrong. The AP software will work with whatever interface the unit has built in."

Really? Maybe you should tell Audio Precision to stop misleading people.

For example, in Chapter 7 of "Getting Started with Your 2700 Series Instrument" it says:

APIB or GPIB?

A 2700 series instrument is normally controlled by Audio Precision’s AP2700 control software using the APIB interface bus.

In the GPIB configuration, the instrument can be controlled by either GPIB or APIB as selected by a switch on the GPIB hardware mounted on the instrument rear panel.The GPIB configuration makes it possible to integrate 2700 series hardware into a system that may include other GPIB-compatible instruments and devices under operated by your choice of GPIB control software.


Audio Precision does not provide control software for GPIB applications.

 

[jan.didden]

I think we have a language issue here. AP software can control other GPIB in addition to itself. I have used it.

Jan

 

[Shinja]

Well, I know it works switching APIB mode and buys an APIB adapter, and kasey197 also seems to understand such that, but jan, what do you mean "in addition"? I could not find related information on ap.com.

 

[oldphaser]

kasey197: "...are there any good guides or tutorials online (videos for example)..."


At one time Audio Precision released a set of training DVD's. This would be the ultimate resource for a new owner. I have no idea where you would find a set or if the content is available on-line but here is a description:


Kick back and watch a new DVD from audio test-and-measurement supplier Audio Precision (Beaverton, Oregon). The company is releasing an instructional DVD entitled Fundamentals of Audio Test and Measurement .

Be sure to lay in a stock of chips and your favorite beverage, too. And, don't forget to take notes. Audio Precision's three DVD set, priced at about $950, offers more than eight hours of in-depth training on a wide variety of audio engineering issues.

A Reference-Style Resource

The information compiled in the new DVD series, led by Audio Precision's Senior Application Engineer Mike Wolfe, is the company's first reference-style resource for engineers dealing with audio.

There is a set of (5) DVD's that was just listed on ebay last night.

 

[H713]

Be sure to lay in a stock of chips and your favorite beverage, too. And, don't forget to take notes. Audio Precision's three DVD set, priced at about $950, offers more than eight hours of in-depth training on a wide variety of audio engineering issues.

And in case anyone was wondering if it was really made by Audio Precision, it's a three DVD set priced at $950.

 

[oldphaser]

And in case anyone was wondering if it was really made by Audio Precision, it's a three DVD set priced at $950.

The one on ebay is a unopened 5 DVD set.

I have have a 5 DVD set and here is what it should look like.