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The Sonos ZP90 is similar to Squeezebox Devices Multi-Room Music System is a modular set of digital appliances that works with end-user supplied speakers to form a zoned audio system in which different zones may play the same or different audio. The range of Sonos products is relatively small, the ZP80 or 90 series ‘Zone Players’ are the neat white boxes which stream music. The ZP120 is both player and amplifier in one box. All this controlled from the CR100, a hand-held controller gives you instant, wireless access to all your music and all your rooms.

For those looking for sound quality closer to good quality CD playback from the ZP90, we have developed a range of modifications which give the player a serious performance boost. The upgrades consist of ‘digital only’ designed to get the very best sound when using the player with an outboard DAC. When connecting direct to an amplifier the full level-1 & level-2 upgrades are perfect for those using the player via the line-out stage

The focus of the Audiocom upgrades is reducing power supply noise of the SMPS, removing noise on the unregulated DC lines, improving the DC regulation by lowering noise, reducing clock jitter, lowering impedance, improving ripple rejection; improving the quality of the digital and (or) analogue data stream.

When considering the upgrades for any digital product two fundamental areas for improvements are lowering power supply noise and reducing jitter. Low jitter and maximum performance from any circuit; CODAC, Microprocessor, etc, cannot be achieved unless the power supplies have ultra-low noise output, fast response, very low output impedance.

In the Audiocom Sonos upgrades we start by targeting the noisy switching power supply. Unlike other brands of network player, the Sonos does not cater for adding a higher performance external power supply. The general purpose power supply capacitors are upgraded to the best quality low impedance, low ESR types. The reduction in ESR has a proportional reduction in noise. The SMPS outputs a 3.3V (regulated) & 13V (unregulated) supplies to the main audio board. To further reduce noise levels we install Bybee Slipstream purifiers on the 3.3V & 13V supply lines (level-2 only) ensuring the audio circuits get the quietest possible power supplies.

At the main audio board the digital & analogue circuitry is decoupled with general purpose SMD capacitors. We replace these with OSCON SVP type, the OSCON are perfect for critical decoupling applications with their excellent noise reduction capability and frequency characteristics. The main 5V generic voltage regulator is replaced with the Super-regulator 3, a discrete regulator with high speed, ultra-low noise output.

Following the 5V regulator (Signature upgrade only) we install a Bybee Direct Current Power Conditioner (DCPC) between the regulator output and load (digital processing, clock, etc). This is *new* technology in an active device which measures 38mm x 32mm x 12mm. Given the Super-regulator is already a major improvement over the 7805 type, the DCPC ensures noise is suppressed to 45 db through the audio range up to 100 KHz, limiting the noise floor to 20nV per root Hertz.

At the digital output we replaced the cheap RCA phono with a WBT NextGen connector and add a Bybee slipstream purifier directly to the digital output.

The end result of the Audiocom upgrade is far greater than the sum of parts. It is the combination of several principle ideas working together to achieve the very best in audio quality.

TO PURCHASE A SONOS ZP90 WITH MODIFICATIONS INSTALLED PLEASE CLICK HERE >>>

Sonos ZP90 Level-1 Digital Only Upgrade

■ 2x Rubycon ZA for SMPS
■ 1x Rubycon ZL for SMPS
■ 1x Panasonic FC for SMPS
■ 1x Super-regulator3 for +5V line
■ 3x Sanyo OSCON regulation bypass capacitors.
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for digital out.
■ WBT NextGen cu RCA phono for digital out.
■ Audio Consulting cryo Silver wire for digital out.

Sonos ZP90 Level-2 Digital Only Upgrade

■ 2x Rubycon ZA for SMPS
■ 1x Rubycon ZL for SMPS
■ 1x Panasonic FC for SMPS
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for 3.3V DC Supply
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for unregulated 13V DC supply.
■ 1x Super-regulator3 for +5V line
■ 3x Sanyo OSCON regulation bypass capacitors.
■ 2x Sanyo OSCON for decoupling clock & logic.
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for digital out.
■ WBT NextGen cu RCA phono for digital out.
■ Audio Consulting cryo Silver wire for digital out.

Sonos ZP90 ‘Signature’ Digital Only Upgrade

■ 2x Rubycon ZA for SMPS
■ 1x Rubycon ZL for SMPS
■ 1x Panasonic FC for SMPS
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for 3.3V DC Supply
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for unregulated 13V DC supply.
■ 1x Super-regulator3 for +5V line
■ Bybee Direct Current Power Conditioner for +5V supply line.
■ 3x Sanyo OSCON regulation bypass capacitors.
■ 2x Sanyo OSCON for decoupling clock & logic.
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for digital out.
■ WBT NextGen cu RCA phono for digital out.
■ Audio Consulting cryo Silver wire for digital out.

Sonos ZP90 Level-1 Full Player Upgrade

■ 2x Rubycon ZA for SMPS
■ 1x Rubycon ZL for SMPS
■ 1x Panasonic FC for SMPS
■ 1x Super-regulator3 for +5V line
■ 1x Super-regulator3 for +12V line
■ 3x Sanyo OSCON regulation bypass capacitors.
■ LME49720 op-amps for output buffer.

Sonos ZP90 Level-2 Full Player Upgrade

■ 2x Rubycon ZA for SMPS
■ 1x Rubycon ZL for SMPS
■ 1x Panasonic FC for SMPS
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for 3.3V DC Supply
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for unregulated 13V DC supply.
■ 1x Super-regulator3 for +5V line
■ 1x Super-regulator3 for +12V line
■ 3x Sanyo OSCON regulation bypass capacitors.
■ 2x Sanyo OSCON for decoupling clock & logic.
■ LME49720 op-amps for output buffer.