JCAT - music server upgrades, power supplies, cables

Marcin_gps

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Jun 24, 2015
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Hi Guys,

The JCAT OPTIMO 3 DUO PSU was discussed already in the m12 switch gold thread, but I think I need to start a separate topic especially that there are other new products coming. I will post information about the developments in this thread.

Let me start with some information about the OPTIMO 3 DUO power supply which is JCAT's best product so far.

OPTIMO 3 DUO

NO COMPROMISE ULTRA-LOW NOISE DUAL-OUTPUT LINEAR POWER SUPPLY
Designed to partner JCAT USB & NET Cards, as well as any other component requiring up to 3A load, the OPTIMO 3 DUO will drastically improve every aspect of sound.





THE BEST POSSIBLE QUALITY POWER
Designed to provide the best possible quality power to our USB & NET Cards; default voltage is 5V at each output. As it can be used with any other equipment (DAC, USB converter, network equipment, etc.) that requires up to 3A of DC power, 9V and 12V versions are available too -please specify Voltage in a purchase note. Each output can be made with a different Voltage and different connector type/size at no additional cost!

TWO INDEPENDENT DC OUTPUTS
Features two independent galvanically isolated DC outputs, each capable of delivery up to 3A to load. Because each output has an independent isolated ground, it is possible to power any two devices at the same time, without any degradation.



JCAT TRUE LINEAR DESIGN
In contrast to many so called 'linear power supplies' on the market, the OPTIMO 3 DUO does not use any switching power supplies.
12x State-of-the-art LT3045 ultra low noise linear voltage regulators (6x per output) are used. The result is perfectly clean DC voltage with noise level below measuring range (< 2uV).
Regulator board is optimized for low noise and impedance. PCB is made with double thick copper, components are surface mount and layout is optimized for shortest signal path.





Design for specific fixed output voltage allowed us to have optimal operating point and minimal thermal stress for all components. Even that no user adjustable voltage is a bit an disadvantage this is the best solution from performance point of view. It features low noise discrete rectifier made of high quality Schottky diodes.
Six state of an art LT3045 linear regulators are paralleled not only for high output current but also for noise and output impedance performance boost. In controlled environment the RMS noise is below what we can measure.

SUPERB TRANSFORMER
Our bespoke massive low induction 100VA transformer with magnetic and electrical shielding is sealed in stainless steel cup with epoxy resin, this guarantees noiseless operation. Transformer is designed to deliver all it’s power in linear part of core magnetic characteristic, with minimal stray field and impedance for best performance. It has Teflon insulated UP-OCC connection cables, and is mechanically decoupled from the chassis by industry standard vibration dumpers.



SUPREME AUDIO-GRADE COMPONENTS
The OPTIMO 3 DUO incorporates supreme quality audio grade capacitors. Internal wiring is made of high-purity OCC copper. The enclosure and the layout of the PSU is optimized for lowest possible mechanical noise. All these enhancements, developed through intensive listening tests, significantly raise performance.

THE BEST CONNECTIONS
For pure voltage transmission the OPTIMO 3 DUO comes with high quality sockets from Furutech and Neutrik. Two high quality 1.2m PC-OCC 0.7mm² double shielded DC cables with 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC barrel plugs (2.5 plugs available on special request) are included which guarantee superb connection. We use high quality gold plated billet aluminium plugs.




CHASSIS
OPTIMO 3 DUO chassis is bended from a single thick sheet of laser cut stainless steel for high structural rigidity and low mechanical resonance. Stainless steel is not only much stronger than aluminium, typically used in such enclosures, but also is a non magnetic material. This is very important for best performance as magnetic materials can introduce additional noise. For this reason also all bolts, nuts and other small mechanical parts in our OPTIMO 3 DUO PSU are made of non magnetic stainless steel.

SPECIFICATION:
  • Features two independent galvanically isolated DC outputs, each capable of delivery up to 3A to load.
  • Designed to provide the best possible quality power to our USB & NET Cards; default voltage is 5V at each output. As it can be used with any other equipment (DAC, USB converter, network equipment, etc.) that requires up to 3A of DC power, 9V and 12V versions are available too - please specify Voltage in a purchase note. Each output can be made with a different Voltage & connector type/size at no additional cost!
  • Truly linear design (no switching power supplies anywhere)
  • Bespoke massive low induction 100VA transformer with magnetic and electrical shielding, sealed with epoxy resin for noiseless operation.
  • Ultra fast low noise rectifier.
  • Supreme quality audio grade capacitors.
  • State-of-the-art ultra low noise linear voltage regulators (LT3045).
  • Noise below measuring range (< 2uV)
  • Low-resonance enclosure made of non magnetic materials.
  • Supreme quality sockets (Furutech IEC, Neutrik Speakon for DC outputs).
  • Comes with 2 high quality 1.2m PC-OCC 0.7mm² double shielded DC cables with 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC barrel plugs (2.5 plugs available on special request).
  • Protection features: short circuit protection, current limit and thermal overload protection, transient overvoltage protection.
  • Manufactured in EU with either 115/230V input.

REVIEWS









 

Marcin_gps

VIP Donor/Industry Expert
Jun 24, 2015
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OPTIMO_ATX

SNEAK PEAK

In Jcat we work to develop and bring to you new exciting products. Here is a short sneak peak of what we work on right now: the JCAT Optimo ATX linear power supply. We are in advanced stage of R&D and hope to launch production by the end of the year.

1600088337649.png



KEY DESIGN FEATURES:


TRULY LINEAR ATX POWER SUPPLY
OptimoATX will be truly linear ATX power supply capable of 23A on all main lines (12, 5V and 3.3V), fully compatible with ATX2.0 specification. It is designed to be able to power computer platforms with processors up to 95W TDP. Unlike other similar products on the market, it will use only low noise linear regulators for all voltages including control circuits. Cutting edge linear regulators for noise performance <25uV RMS will be used. For best stability regulator circuit will have analog cable voltage drop compensation.

1600088337700.png

SUPERB TRANSFORMERS
Three bespoke massive low induction transformers with magnetic and electrical shielding sealed in stainless steel cup with epoxy resin that guarantees noiseless operation will be used. Transformers are designed to deliver all it’s power in linear part of core magnetic characteristic, with minimal stray field and impedance for best performance. One 400VA for 12V line we found to be most important for sound quality, second for 5V and 3.3V lines and third for all other less important voltages.

ACTIVE RECTIFIER
For OptimoATX massive current we designed unique active rectifier. It’s using MOS FET transistors instead of diodes that are switched at zero points of AC waveform by special circuit. This ensures best noise performance, low impedance and very low heat dispatch.

MICROPROCESOR CONTROL
OptimoATX will use industry standard low noise DSP for power management, soft start and ATX control functions. This will ensure best compatibility with ATX standard of complex linear design and trouble free user experience. Control circuit will be separated from rest of sensitive circuitry and will have own galvanically isolated linear power supply.

CONVENIENT CONNECTIONS
Optimo ATX will feature set of ATX connectors (including CPU, PCIE and drives connectors) as well as two AUX connectors for 5V and 12V aux power (active after power up cycle of computer).

1600088337744.png


CHASSIS

OptimoATX chassis will be bended from single thick sheet of laser cut stainless steel for high structural rigidity and low mechanical resonance. Stainless steel is not only much stronger than aluminium typically use in such enclosures, but also is a non magnetic material. This is very important for best performance as magnetic materials can introduce additional noise. For this reason also all bolts, nuts and other small mechanical parts in our power supply will ne made of non magnetic stainless steel.

1600088337792.png

AUDIO GRADE COMPONENTS
High grade audio components will be used. OptimoATX will be made in EU to a very high standard for best audible results.


DISCLAIMER
All above information and specifications are preliminary/prototype and final product may vary.
 

Darmstadtium

Well-Known Member
Dec 18, 2019
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Has anyone compared this with the Paul Hynes SR7 ?
Given the sheer wait time and ‘obstacles’ in acquiring one , IF the OPTIMO performs at an equal level to the SR7 , would be welcome news to all us.
 

Marcin_gps

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Jun 24, 2015
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Has anyone compared this with the Paul Hynes SR7 ?
Given the sheer wait time and ‘obstacles’ in acquiring one , IF the OPTIMO performs at an equal level to the SR7 , would be welcome news to all us.

I'd be happy to loan a demo unit for such a comparison.

Regards,
Marcin
 

StreamFidelity

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Jun 30, 2020
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griggaudio.de
Optimo ATX will feature set of ATX connectors

I think this is a very interesting product, as there is no need to go through a DC-ATX converter. So the ATX Molex sockets can be wired directly.

What PIN quality are the Molex connections made with? For example, I like to use gold-plated PINs. For example
Molex Part Number: 457501212
Mini-Fit Plus Crimp Terminal, 18-20 AWG, Bag, Copper (Cu) Alloy, Gold (Au) Selective
 

Jar_Jcat

Well-Known Member
Sep 15, 2020
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70
Hello,

My name is Jaroslaw and I'm responsible for Jcat power supplies. Marcin asked me to joint this discussion to answer your technical questions about this products.

What PIN quality are the Molex connections made with? For example, I like to use gold-plated PINs. For example

We use this high quality gold plated pin's in our test rig together with high quality 18AWG wires atm.

IMG_20200915_210929.jpg
 

Marcin_gps

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Jun 24, 2015
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jcat.eu
Initio 3 PSU. Simple and effective upgrade


Many of our customers asked for a more affordable linear power supply than the OPTIMO 3 DUO, the best power supply in our portfolio so far. And this is what we intend to deliver with the Initio 3.

Fundamentally based on the OPTIMO 3 DUO design, we carefully optimized cost to preserve as much performance of the bigger brother as possible.

We are finalizing mechanical design and preparing for the launch. The first batch of the Initio 3 will be produced in January 2021.

KEY DESIGN FEATURES:

TRULY LINEAR POWER SUPPLY
The Initio 3 will be a truly linear power supply with 5V or 12V DC output and 3A maximum output current. Based on the OPTIMO 3 DUO design, it will use the same ultra low-noise linear voltage regulators for superb performance.

TWO DC OUTPUTS
The Initio 3 will feature two DC outputs that will share common regulator board. Both will have the same voltage and total output current of 3A. The DC outputs will share common ground, keep that in mind when intend to use both of them. The Initio 3 will be supplied with one DC cable – if required, second cable will be available as an option.

HIGH QUALITY TRANSFORMER
High quality bespoke transformer with electrical and magnetical shield will be used. Its centre is sealed with epoxy resin for low noise operation.

HIGH QUALITY COMPONENTS
The Initio 3 is made of high quality components. All capacitors, sockets and connectors are of quality that you would expect from a JCAT product.

DC OUTPUT CABLE
The Initio 3 will be supplied with one 1.2m shielded DC cable. Substantial 0.8mm2 cross section of conductors will ensure proper energy transfer to load. The cable will come with high quality connectors.

CHASSIS
The Initio 3 chassis will be made of single sheet of bended steel for high rigidity and low mechanical resonance.

DISCLAIMER
All above information and specifications are preliminary/prototype and the final product may vary.
 
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Marcin_gps

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Jun 24, 2015
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NET CARD XE​


REDEFINING SOUND QUALITY.

NET CARD XE opens up new dimensions of sound quality with its extremely precise ±5ppb OCXO and state-of-the-art power supply section. Experience playback from TIDAL or Qobuz at new heights of resolution and dynamic range. Thanks to the NET Card XE, for the first time ever streamed music sounds better than locally stored files.

NET Card XE audiophile network card


HIGH-END NETWORK AUDIO INTERFACE

HIGH-END NETWORK AUDIO INTERFACE

With streaming services becoming the primary way of listening to music, the quality of network-related components becomes crucial if one wants to enjoy music at the highest sound quality. The NET Card XE delivers increased resolution over the NET Card FEMTO – world’s first audiophile network card - and is able to portray even the finest textures and details.




CUTTING EDGE OCXO​

Engineered to solve the long standing challenges of legacy quartz OCXOs which are sensitive to environmental conditions, Emerald OCXO used on the NET Card XE offers 10 times better dynamic stability - the most stable timing in the presence of stressors such as airflow, temperature perturbation, vibration, shock, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
NET CARD XE OCXO network card for audiophiles





NET Card XE network audio

SPECIAL COMPONENTS FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE

By using industry’s best LT3045 ultra-low noise linear power supplies and extremely stable OCXO clock combined with high-end Ethernet controller, the JCAT NET Card XE offers unprecedented quality of network streamed audio data. Connect a network audio player/DAC, a media server (NAS) or a broadband router to any of the two 1Gbit LAN ports on the JCAT NET Card XE and and pull out more detail and richness from audio files than ever.




THE PERFECT COMBINATION:
TAKING EXCELLENCE TO NEW HEIGHTS​

The NET Card XE offers external PSU option which, when used, completely eliminates computer as the source of noise. Paired with the OPTIMO 3 DUO, which is among the best power supplies in the world, ensures the highest sound quality possible.
OPTIMO 3 DUO POWER SUPPLY






NET CARD XE NETWORK CARD FOR HIFI


ORDER NOW IN OUR ONLINE SHOP ?

 

7ryder

Well-Known Member
Jan 31, 2015
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Here's the correct link
 

Marcin_gps

VIP Donor/Industry Expert
Jun 24, 2015
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screenshot-05.11.2020-17_37_47.jpeg?w=10


INITIO 3
Truly linear power supply unit offering superb performance unequaled at this price.


Fundamentally based on the OPTIMO 3 DUO design, we carefully optimized cost to preserve as much performance of the bigger brother as possible.



*Limited Offer* pre-order now and SAVE 10%!

https://jcat.eu/product/initio-3/
 
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microstrip

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Marcin_gps

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Jun 24, 2015
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OPTIMO ATX – world’s first truly linear ATX PSU for audiophiles. We are almost there.​

OPTIMO ATX truly linear audiophile atx power supply

The heart of JCAT OPTIMO ATX PSU’s is a separate Linear Regulator Board for each power line; 12V, 5V and 3.3V, providing 23A of continuous current. Its main components are: rectifier, smoothing capacitors bank and linear regulators.

KEY DESIGN FEATURES:​

ACTIVE RECTIFIER​

For the OPTIMO ATX whopping current we designed unique active rectifier. It is using MOS FET transistors instead of diodes that are switched at zero points of AC waveform by special circuit. The MOS FET in this application has forward resistance below 1 mOhm (0.001 Ohm) – this outperforms diode resulting in much better dynamic response. JCAT designed analog control circuit with so called “floating ground” which means that there is no ground connection for rectifier at any point that otherwise might be path for introducing noise into DC circuit. This further ensures best noise performance as with GHz speed of MOS FETs there is practically no switching noise.

SUPERB PERFORMANCE​

Eleven low impedance capacitors of total 110mF (110.000 uF) will ensure outstanding dynamic performance of OPTIMO ATX. On the graph below, the green line shows output voltage. You can observe superb response for step change of load (turquoise line).



CAPACITORS BANK​

We chose high quality 105 Celcius degrees capacitors for trouble free operation in years to come, and designed in significant margin so even with some capacitance lost over time, there will be no effect on the OPTIMO ATX’s performance. Built to last, as we like things in JCAT.



LINEAR REGULATORS​

The OPTIMO ATX is world’s first truly linear ATX power supply with no switching power circuits at any point. For cutting edge performance, instead of discrete elements, we used 11 state of an art LT3086 integrated linear regulators working in parallel. In result, the RMS noise of the OPTIMO ATX is impressive <15uV. We carefully optimised the PCB layout for shortest signal path, impedance and heat dispatch.




SUPERB BUILD QUALITY​

High quality components, from resistors to connectors. Significant design margins. Gold plated 70 um copper PCB. Heat transfer elements made of pure copper. EU placed supply chain. Everything to ensure superb quality. The OPTIMO ATX PSU complies with these safety regulations: directive 2014/35/UE EMC, 2014/30/UE RoHS 2, 2011/65/UE, EN 62368-1, EN 50419 and EN-61558-1.



DISCLAIMER​

All above information and specifications are preliminary/prototype and final product may vary.
 

Hieukm

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2016
271
105
128
110,000 uf? Are u having a laugh? Its gonna cost 5-6k and you cant spend more on capacitors?
 

Jar_Jcat

Well-Known Member
Sep 15, 2020
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110,000 uf? Are u having a laugh? Its gonna cost 5-6k and you cant spend more on capacitors?
Hi Hieukm,

Thank you for your comment, thou I'm not sure what is your point ???

From technical perspective the capacitance in OptimoATX regulator board is doubled of what is required to sustain voltage in transient situation, like you can see on graph below, with just half of them installed.


So there is more than enough margin even if with years to come capacitors loose 20% of their nominal capacitance. There is no point to increase it even further, even from impedance perspective, and on contrary this could create additional problems with in rush current, which is quite high anyway (OptimoATX will feature soft start circuit to keep it on reasonable level).

kind regards
 

Hieukm

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2016
271
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128
No point to increase capacitance even further? Take a look at Taiko or Sean Jacobs or Pachanko offering. You are really striving for quality in those capacitors? It is an insult if you gonna be offering this at 5K to be honest.
 

Marcin_gps

VIP Donor/Industry Expert
Jun 24, 2015
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No point to increase capacitance even further? Take a look at Taiko or Sean Jacobs or Pachanko offering. You are really striving for quality in those capacitors? It is an insult if you gonna be offering this at 5K to be honest.
@Hieukm did you see that the capacitance (linear regulator board) is separate for each rail?
 

Marcin_gps

VIP Donor/Industry Expert
Jun 24, 2015
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Here is a picture of the OPTIMO ATX's Linear Regulator Board side-by-side with the OPTIMO 3 DUO's linear regulator board.

129620583_290812682360131_947064708180112294_n.thumb.jpg.2942d92fde51035d9547d500ae216564.jpg
 

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