Sometimes you have to tweak because it is possible. We all do it with cables. The design is no way flawed and easy to bring it up to higher price point with a few tweaks When the MkII stability solidifies for me. I will be pretty happy. Last night it sounded glorious not drifting off. Once the ground is worked out and it can have consistency. Its amazing having designer able to interface and continually make product better and and be able to ride every step. Besides being an Engineer I already do this corrective action improvement stuff on product meant for decades of use as my job. It is part of development and sustainment.
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Another mod I did when we installed our transformers was relocating the noisy WiFi cable that runs from the back of the DAC to the WiFi module. I ran it under the analog board to the bottom of the case then to the module. Originally it was just ran across in between the digital and analog board. Not a good way to keep noise down.
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I just ordered a sheet of AB7050HF.
Did you notice a difference when using internally vs. on the cover? If so Can you post pictures of where you placed internally?
I haven’t removed the cover yet. My new AB7050 HF sheet with fresh adhesive came a few weeks ago but other non stereo projects and travel have eaten into my free time. I have been using factory resets to fix the grounding static build up and sound drift due Input grounding tab springs mis seated per Ted’s suggestion. My unit sits at bottom of of my rack with a a preamp on its lid an disassembly is more of s project. My time with stereo interim was tweaking acoustic panels and adding bedframe power cord supports and USB cable and ethernet cord swaps.
I will be dissecting it when the new transformers arrive. I have taken away the absorber many times and a get a huge collapse of soundstage, with higher noise floor and less impactful and defined bass electric and string bass as well as Kettle drums. My plan is to work the project when i disassemble and add JK’s custom APS transformers. The size of pieces for the FPGA and ribbon cable will be adjusted the piece for transformer and display stay same. I may add pieces to theICs on the screen. I am pretty happy with sound I am getting but expect all to improve with internal placement due to experience with other audio equipment in the digital realm. The main thing is to stay away from capacitors since too much absorber too close changes inductance and the sound can get thin and unpleasant versus just lowering noise floor. Also stay away from ethernet cable step up transformers near female connectors at the I/O.
I would like to hear your opinions of its use. I will report out once I get it installed.
My wife leaves for a 3 week trip on Monday. My plan is to get lots project things done for me but I am still stuck handling her Air BnB properties oversight and they have lots of wedding parties booked in June but they are longer term bookings and I don’t have business travel commitments.
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You lucky SOB!
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Also keep the absorbers away from the audio transformers.
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Agreed
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Just got a sheet of AB7050. To make absolutely certain: the drawing is as seen from above the DAC, so the large T-shaped piece goes at the front right corner and the smaller one at the upper left.
Yes bottom of sketch.Is front of unit.Larger pieces to right is to address toroidal DC power transformer and video display emissions and communication. . Upper left go above FPGAs
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Hi Darrell, please keep us informed when you make internal changes.
For now I will be installing the absorber externally and also waiting for Jeff to ship the new transformers. A big hug!
I am waiting for the APS MK2 transformer mods also hoping the ever elusive Mk2 firmware update to fix theI2S power off issue. . But will take photos of internal absorber placement once I get inside.
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wonderful!!! I opted not to update the MKII since I received it. Luckily I haven’t had any problems so far, but I’m waiting for a stable update to get sonic improvements.
Time for me to order a new 3M sheet then 
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