DIY HiFi Supply Preamplifier Control System Introduction:

This Preamplifier Control System uses an electronic potentiometer as used in all current Audio Research Preamplifiers, unlike other common volume control chips this device does not contain a build in op-amp. The Preamplifier Control System consists of two PCBs:

Audio PCB:
1. 2 channels
2. 5-way input switching, and
3. Volume control, can be configured as mono balanced or stereo single ended
Control PCB:
1. ALPS rotary encoders
2. LED indication of input & volume, and
3. Power-supplies and microprocessor control

Features:

127 step volume control from -52dB to 0dB attenuation with 12 LED level indicators
5 Inputs with LED indicators
Remote control via universal remote control (RC5 code)

EZ UTS phono stage
As shown in the UTS manual. Basically a 2-UTS-modules-in-series-and-RIAA-network sandwich.

EZ

We found it needs 2 power transformers. Reason: to break ground loops and forestall AC filtering imbalance since in a phono stage noise is a paramount issue. Place the transformers in a separate steel box for shielding.

AC wires need to be shielded and the shield connected to IEC chassis ground (anyone know any good spooled AC cord with 100% shielding?).

Result: state-of-the-art low noise (0.1mv self noise) and big dynamics tube phono stage with about 36-38db gain (depending on tubes)

And – it’s EZ!

The recipe:
Large Projekt box with feet, connectors and switches etc
Steel enclosure for power transformers
2 UTS modules and 2 power transformers

Major New Product Announcement - Another One!
This is our assault on state of the art volume controllers/selectors.

The Ultimate Volume/Selector Control System can be installed in an existing amplifier/preamplfier chassis to control volume/source selection
or
can be used standalone in it's own box with optional buffer installed on the output (space provided on the circuit board) to drive an amplifier without worrying about typical impedance issues encountered by passive preamps.

The Ultimate Volume Control System:

Audio Matrix Module

The Audio circuit board: 2 Channels, 5 X Inputs with relay selection, Volume Control, power supply regulation and optional J-Fet output buffers

As many are asking: What if I've already installed one of the not-so-EZ clocks and removed parts from my motherboard?

Yes replacing removed surface mount parts especially can evoke some or all of pain, fear and loathing.

If you have already installed clocks the "hard way" we recommend using "XO" output and wiring the clock signal directly to the clock pin, basically the same way you have previously connected the clock.

But just soldering in the XTal adapter in the place of the original crystal with non of the removed parts replaced will be fine too.

“The Clock”

Super Regulators

There are two “Super Regulators” on “The Clock”. One Super Regulator powers the clock circuit, the other power the special unique buffer section.

The regulators use very low noise operational amplifiers, offering a noise performance near the limits of what can be achieved without permanently super cooling the circuit in liquid nitrogen.

The Super Regulators also uses the lowest noise voltage reference available (LM329), offering 75nV|/Hz noise performance.

Attached photo shows a Marantz CD-80 done right with the EZ Ultimate Clock System. No sense using a non-pedigreed CDP.

The original clock crystal was “fixed up” on the same socket used by the EZ Ultimate Clock so we could plug in one or the other for quick and convincing comparison.
The EZ Ultimate Clock System was a significant improvement, despite the fact that clock still needs to go through the SAA7220 as we used the “crystal emulation” mode (EZ installation).

Photo shows the CD-80, also with the UTS installed and with the Clock & Supply fitted.
The UTS too provided a major upgrade over the original analog stage, despite being already fitted OPA627 Op-Amp’s and many other upgrades including Elna Silmic Caps and Sanyo Os-Cons (as you can see).

Good engine needs good road or the potential is unrealized. Same with The Clock -- much of the benefit is impeded if it has to function in a bumpy electrical stream.
The Power module is the strongly recommended companion to The Clock Module. 45mm x 95mm and completes the package.

First - the pcb is small 30 x 60mm, much smaller than existing clocks. It's well-populated with surface mounted devices on both sides of the pcb but purposely designed to have a small footprint.
Advantages:
1. digital signal is tightly confined which avoids spraying analogue signal components with toxic digital noise
2. easy to mount! only 30 x 60mm

Second - the clock module includes 3 snap-off adapters which makes comparing clocks and installation a walk in the park. Just install the right socket (DIP8, 14 or OSC native 2 pin) on your mainboard and after that - plug n play!

Third - no surgery needed on your existing mainboard. At most just a socket installation

The Clock and The Power

Yes we are late to the party. We have wanted a clock/ps module for some time but held back due to the extensive documentation required and, we wanted something decisively better - the best.

So ... we present the world's easiest-to-install, ultimate performance digital clock and power supply system:

The Clock and The Power:

Base Features:
• Simple Pin-to-pin direct drop-in replacement for any CD/DVD player Clock Crystal (2-Pin)
• Simple drop-in replacement of oscillator modules (4-Pin)
• +/- 1pm accuracy
• 3V / 5V output level setting on board
• Unique clock circuit with ultra-low jitter < 1.5 ps RMS
• On-Board ultra-low noise, ultra-low impedance, wide bandwidth Super Regulator
• LED Voltage monitor

Mama jama!
There is something to this balanced mode headphone thing.
Yesterday I got the first sample of the balanced-mode cables for the Chazz II. More space, detail, air, dynamics and less grain.

The cable is complete with connectors to plug into the Sennheiser type. The difference is dual 1/4" phono plugs on the receiving end. Yes true balance! The hot is taken from the anode, the cold from the cathode -- no ground connection. Only the cable shield is connected to the plug body but signal does not see a ground.

The cable itself is teflon served copper and will sell for $45USD complete with plugs and Senn. compatible connectors.

So... we will include a cable free with Chazz II -- for the time being.