Hi to all good audio folk
First, I should state I have not got a soundcard yet (balanced or otherwise) the discussion just assumes that you have one.
This is a general question about
#sound cards with balanced outputs, and how to make a good universal interface so you can connect to your own, or another person’s un-balanced amp with rca for playback.
(#Desk Top with infrasonic quartet or the EMU1212M card for example)
What product might give you the best tradeoff between price and performance, DIY?
Anybody have any experience, very conjunctive question but please comment if you can!
At a later stage, if taking this road I would also be interested in design and wiring, I am no genius but have dabbled in electronics for 30years so handy with a iron.
I am also interested in recording through a similar interface, but not at the cost of dedicated transformers for recording and playback if the 2 requirements differ fundamentally. I have no problem being limited to one or the other task using the same transformer if this is possible.
“SE to PP step-up for a PCM63” can anybody explain what this translate to in layman terms?
I read a discussion about transformer performance when used for
SE to PP step-up for a PCM63 which I do not understand in regards to the application terminology.
A consensus by some ears at least for their specific application was that the
Lundahl LL1636 outperforms the Sowter 8347 in highs.
(Not 3603 in this case)
The Lundal product might have a higher frequency response, not sure if the cobalt amorphous core has anything to do with it.
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I am trying to work out if this application is the same as mine, if so a Lundahl product over the Sowter 3603 might be the best road if affordable?
My only question now comes down to fidelity; it is the part of the music that I would maintain given a compromising choice. My system has as much bass as I like if not a little annoying at higher volumes for long periods, so I could compromise in this area.
Might my application using the Sowter 3603 also suffer losses in highs and fidelity compared to a Lundal product, have you any experience with the application of transformer that might help me based on my stated preference?
Thanks for your input or discussion of other posible products to look at.
Regards
Depo person
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Additional Data
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I contacted Brian Sowter of SOWTER AUDIO TRANSFORMERS asking for some advice on a transformer for moderate to low loss stereo application.
For the interface of balanced soundcard to un-balanced amp rca, playback and recording!
Brian’s recommendation from Sowter is the
3603
h(tt)p://sowter.co.uk/acatalog/SOWTER_TRANSFORMERS_ISOLATOR_BALANCERS_2.html#a9
(600/600 Ohm High Performance Input/Output Isolator/Balancer)
RATIO 1:1CT
MAXIMUM LEVEL 0.5 % THD at 50 Hz (40 ohm source) +17 dBu
DISTORTION at 50 Hz (Source 40 ohms) 0.05% at +11 dBu
INSERTION LOSS 10k ohm source 10k ohm load 1.85 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 6k4 ohm source 10k ohm load +/- 0.25 dB 10 Hz to 40 kHz
Sowter 3603 Data sheet
h(tt)p://sowter.co.uk/pdf/3603.pdf
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Lundahl LL1636 (Microphone Input Transformer)
Turns ratio: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 : 10 + 10
Static resistance of each primary (average): 10
Static resistance of each secondary (average): 415
Self resonance point : > 250 kHz
Frequency response (@ -10 dBU, : 10 Hz -- 25 kHz +/- 1 dB, load 100 kall in series. Source 50
10 Hz -- 90 kHz +/- 1.5 dB
Distortion (primaries connected in series, source impedance ):50 < 0.5% @ -2 dBU, 50 Hz
Primary no load impedance @ 0 dBU, 50 Hz, typicallyall in series: 8 k
Core / Can: Amorphous Strip Core / Mu-metal can
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Sowter 8347 DAC to grid I/V transformer (DAC Interface Transformer)
For interfacing between Digital/Analogue Converter to tube amplifier.
For use with a 25 ohm current to voltage conversion resistor. Mumetal can.
RATIO 1:18.7
QUIESCENT INPUT CURRENT (MAXIMUM) -0.6 mA
PEAK SIGNAL CURRENT (using circuit below with 25 ohm resistor)+/- 2.0 mA
I/V RESISTOR: 25 ohms
OUTPUT BALANCE >70 dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE Using application circuit.+/- 0.25 dB 10 Hz to 50 kHz
PHASE SHIFT <15 degrees at 30 KHz
Sowter 8347 webpage data sheet: h(tt)p://sowter.co.uk/specs/8347.htm
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Ohno Continuous Casting (OCC) Process
h(tt)p://sowter.co.uk/occ.php
Sowter can also provide some of their transformer with wire derived from the Ohno Continuous Casting (OCC) Process.
My previous research and study of surface science as it applies to water gives me some basic understanding of concept but the actual effect if any is not claimed on the Sowter OCC webpage which is an understandable position.
Never the less it is certainly interesting and I hope to try the higher purity cast material if the 3603 product turns out as a good choice for my specific need and music preference!
