TIP - Effective USB powered FM signal amplifier

Had previously bought the following USB powered FM signal amplifier, as part of a antenna kit, to overcome the loss of access to the building FM antenna facility (REF: http://myoldvintagehifi.blogspot.com/2019/02/alternate-analogue-fm-reception-for.html)

I can definitely recommend this USB powered FM signal amplifier as it is works very well and is a cost effective solution. Even bought a 2nd unit for another tuner in the house!

It is basically the no-frills version of the FM signal amplifier which was originally intended for use in motor vehicles but altered to draw power via USB. Hence there is no need to buy the expensive radio signal amplifiers or antenna kit as the total cost for all the items in the pix(s) below cost less than the price for a single signal amplifier unit (only) at the local shops!

Note - May need to purchase connector adapter(s) to enable connectivity and an external antenna

For the 2nd installation I used a salvaged WIFI 5dB antenna, mounted on a external SMA-connector type WIFI antenna kit - see items below. Works great and the solution does not cost "an arm-and-leg"😁

Salvaged 5dB WIFI antenna on SMA mount

Bare SMA connector and mount kit fitted with adapter(s) for connecting to tuners 

Blue-tooth receiver with audio player and ESS DAC

Just received my new Trasam DAC2PRO earlier this week. 

Trasam DAC2PRO (silver) directly connected to the Sansui B-2101 amplifier

The DAC2PRO provides a blue-tooth upgrade to my existing hifi setup with RC and remote volume control.

In addition, the unit has the ability to playback FLAC, MP3, WAV, M4A encoded audio via a ESS based DAC. The on-board DAC processes input received via a soft selector for COAX, OPT and Blue-tooth😑.

I ordered a unit with audio quality components from the Chinese eBay equivalent - came with black colour Nichicon EC capacitors on the power circuits and a OracleII-02 op-amp on a DIP-8 mount (phew!). Rest of the components are SMD types.

Was quite disappointed there was no MUSES op-amp provided with the unit. Hence I ordered a MUSES-8820 and 8920 as these are quite affordable nowadays as these have been superseded by the newer (and more expensive) MUSES-01 and 02.

Will update with more pix(s) and feedback of the sonics with the Oracle vs the older MUSES op-amps once I have the opportunity to perform the review.

In the meantime, I will have a play with my new toy 1st....😀