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.
Key Advantages
■ Highest grade power supply parts for high
performance and long term reliability.
■ 1/f noise removed from digital & analogue power supplies.
■ Discrete, ultra-low noise voltage regulation for digital circuitry (clock,
processing, digital out)
■ Bybee Music Rail in conjunction with discrete regulator for zero noise.
(clock, processing, digital out)
■ High grade Sanyo OS-CON SVP capacitors in key areas.
■ Highest grade WBT NextGen RCA socket for digital output.
■ 1/f noise removal from digital out.
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 digital output we replaced the cheap
RCA phono with a WBT NextGen connector and add a Bybee slipstream purifier
directly to the digital output.
Directly
after the Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) we install a Bybee Music Rail between
the unregulated output and regulator circuitry (digital processing, clock,
etc). This gives power supply performance typical of a high quality linear
power supply The DCPC ensures
noise is suppresses to 45 db through the audio range up to 100 KHz, limiting
the noise floor to 20nV per root Hertz.
The ‘Signature’
modified player combines several proprietary upgrades to achieve cutting edge
performance. Comprehensive chassis, Printed Circuit Board, and mechanism
damping is performed specifically designed to deal with internal vibration and
resonance.
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.
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 12V DC Supply
■ Bybee Music Rail for digital /analogue board power supply.
■ 1x Bybee Slipstream purifier for digital out.
■ WBT NextGen cu RCA phono for digital out.
■ Audio Consulting cryo Silver wire for digital out.
■ SteinMusic resonance control for PSU PWB & audio PWB.
■ RF absorbing techniques are employed in key locations.
