I finally got around to installing the Involve Evaluation Module inside The Sansui QS-1 case. Originally I had it inside the Sony SQD-2010 wired to the discrete input. I later replaced it with the Involve SQ version. I was considering putting both into the Sony but then I would have to use the four channel tape input as well. I decided that it would be a better idea to put a QS decoder into a QS box. The QS-1 has no separate discrete input just the four channel tape monitor so I had to give that up. No real loss, I wasn't using the tape monitor anyway.
The QS-1 has lots of room inside, but the boards are all spaced out using up much of that space. I started by moving the modules over a bit toward the right hand side away from the power supply. I didn't want to touch the original wiring and so was limited in how far each board could be moved. I could have simply drilled holes and used new nuts and bolts but I thought that a more elegant solution was to drill 2.5 mm holes and then use a M3x5.0 tap. I then could reuse the original screws.
Because I made my input and output connections via chopped off RCA cables the board ended up taking up more space than I had anticipated. I had originally intended to mount it parallel with the other boards. There was a lot of room across the back in front of the output jacks so I installed it there. In the Sony decoder I was able to mount the board flat using standoffs. There was not the room to do that here, I had to mount the board vertically the same as the Sansui boards. I placed a mica power transistor insulator between the small L bracket and the board so that the input jack (or anything else) would not short.
As with the Sony decoder I used a small switching 9V power supply to power the involve module. They are only a few dollars each off of Aliexpress.
As for sound, I'm listening at my workbench via small Minimus speakers. The Sansui decoder has a certain "warmth" to it that the Involve does not. Which sounds very nice via my closely spaced workbench speakers. I've mentioned before that in a larger room the QS-1 is much less impressive. In contrast the notable thing about the Involve is almost no vocal break through in the rear. I was listening to my vinyl rip of the QS encoded Dewey Redman "Coincide" via Involve and it sounds very much discrete.
The QS-1 is a thing of beauty, but still not worth the 2K price tag that some are asking. The cheapest price on eBay right now is about $750. I don't think that I paid more than (likely less) than $100 for mine.
You might notice the capacitors are not stock; most or all signal passing electrolytics were replaced with film types. I didn't touch the power supply capacitors at all and it still works perfectly, no swollen capacitors and no hum.
The QS-1 has lots of room inside, but the boards are all spaced out using up much of that space. I started by moving the modules over a bit toward the right hand side away from the power supply. I didn't want to touch the original wiring and so was limited in how far each board could be moved. I could have simply drilled holes and used new nuts and bolts but I thought that a more elegant solution was to drill 2.5 mm holes and then use a M3x5.0 tap. I then could reuse the original screws.
Because I made my input and output connections via chopped off RCA cables the board ended up taking up more space than I had anticipated. I had originally intended to mount it parallel with the other boards. There was a lot of room across the back in front of the output jacks so I installed it there. In the Sony decoder I was able to mount the board flat using standoffs. There was not the room to do that here, I had to mount the board vertically the same as the Sansui boards. I placed a mica power transistor insulator between the small L bracket and the board so that the input jack (or anything else) would not short.
As with the Sony decoder I used a small switching 9V power supply to power the involve module. They are only a few dollars each off of Aliexpress.
As for sound, I'm listening at my workbench via small Minimus speakers. The Sansui decoder has a certain "warmth" to it that the Involve does not. Which sounds very nice via my closely spaced workbench speakers. I've mentioned before that in a larger room the QS-1 is much less impressive. In contrast the notable thing about the Involve is almost no vocal break through in the rear. I was listening to my vinyl rip of the QS encoded Dewey Redman "Coincide" via Involve and it sounds very much discrete.
The QS-1 is a thing of beauty, but still not worth the 2K price tag that some are asking. The cheapest price on eBay right now is about $750. I don't think that I paid more than (likely less) than $100 for mine.
You might notice the capacitors are not stock; most or all signal passing electrolytics were replaced with film types. I didn't touch the power supply capacitors at all and it still works perfectly, no swollen capacitors and no hum.
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