Salas SSLV1.3 UltraBiB shunt regulator

P.S. For correct current setting of dual UBiBs as coming from the DCG3 thread, remember:

"Rule of thumb for knowing you always got 100mA reserve, massaging the particular shunt regs to good effect in all DCG3 uses, is: Negative rail R1 setting = DCG3 bias level +100mA. Positive rail R1 setting = 2xDCG3 bias level + 100mA. Sinks size must be adequate. The UBiB's MOSFETS are tough but for robust reliability better not have more than 60C on their sinks in the long run. With so much high idling circuitry in a box, good ventilation is a must too."

Understood, thank you.
Really useful information.
 
But you are not using network wire thin either. You can try even thicker and see if it has any audible impact in your application. Depends on power consumption and length. We don't want voltage modulation across the cable's DCR if big current consumption swings are happening.
 
It's the second time in my diy days that I run into trouble with wires. First time was with a silvered cable used with BIBs (powering a Buffalo DAC)
This time it's with plain copper multicore. It was used when I first powered UBIB (powering DCG3).
Till then I was using DCSTB and the sound was sweat, with meat and bite.

Even when hours passed by, the upper frequencies seem to have lost their weight and just tiny bit grainy. Went back to DCSTB, holy smoke, where is my lovely sound ? Checked connections, tighten up screws, nothing

Decided to make new power cables from my trusty magnet wire and that was a relief. The nice character of DCSTB returned. Went back to UBIB and now it shines. The undistorted and revieling character of UBIB has it's downsides, I have to adjust something to my system, to get it to sound to my liking. From memory BIBs are more musical and have more weight (always with DCG3) but all other aspects so far are with UBIBs
Eventually magnet wire will be changed with one from VHAudio but for now they are good enough

I have some parts coming for head to head with BIBs again but I'm enjoying music at the moment and not in a hurry really
Give the UBIBs the best in parts, they deserve it.


Edit: I must add that this changes took part in a long period of time so I am sure about the results
The multicore wire was a 18-20 awg no-name copper wire (not silvered or tinned).
 
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Are you trying to synergize the whole configuration to a certain system or to more than one? Are there speakers and different rooms involved? Sometimes a trusted pair of headphones you know well can help with subtler decisions. Keeps the room out so it's repeatable beyond it's flaws that we may sooner or later learn to recognize.
 
No, it's one system. To my benefit, 3 dacs are involved in the process so I might not jump into wrong conclusions. My amp sounds to my liking, some days ago it reassured me that I'm at the right track, testing it against an Accuphase integraded late model.
DCG3 can simply be transform to somebody's taste, just changing power supply.
I know that you have already have had good feedback from people who used all versions of your shunt regulators but I want to make a through out A-B test myself (the previous BIB were in an DCG3 I've built for a friend of mine that I had the time to listen to). I don't dismiss things very easily, well I can also find good things to say about DCSTB.

I can say that UltraBIB, is quite a game changer (so was DCG3), some minor things I'm missing could be system or parts related.
Hats off !

Edit: don't have headphones, don't like headphones, although I've got your point, leaving the room out of the equation.
 
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This should most probably go to the DCG3 thread. In sort my amp is an Avondale NCC200 with selected parts to sound to my liking.

The next stage is Sic diodes and snubber addition. Comparison takes some time 'cause most conclusions are from easy listening. Will report my findings
 
Thanks Savvas, interesting... are you comparing with an E-270? Supposed to be excellent

Brings memories back: when I started building my own integrated in 1996 a couple of years later I brought in for comparison a E-306V, as benchmark for a few days, kind of to know where I was going LOL!
 
Add the 'Active Rectifiers' to your list …..

Already bought SiCs and along with snubber addition I don't know if I'll have the patience for more experiments in this area

Thanks Savvas, interesting... are you comparing with an E-270? Supposed to be excellent

Brings memories back: when I started building my own integrated in 1996 a couple of years later I brought in for comparison a E-306V, as benchmark for a few days, kind of to know where I was going LOL!

Nope, bigger model, doesn't matter. Most important is that UBIB not only measures well but has an impact on sound quality outcome to a much more degree some would imagine.

Just my 2c
 
How important is it to apply the snubbers in UBiB? I have not done it for any of my builds but am thinking if it helps improve whatever I have right now.

If you got Quasimodo to determine those, they will optimize ringing between your particular transformer and diodes. That can bring a blacker smoother background subjectively. It may also reduce grit in the treble. Not everyone likes those effects though. Some find such sound too relaxed. System synergy and tastes differ.