Seventh Circle Audio

Is it possible to install a 500 series api module in the sca rack?

thanks,

tony

Nope.

I bought a 500-style chasis with some pres and a bunch of open slots. While researching possible options, it seems that SCA pre's require your proprietary chasis.
Was this design is due to some legit sound/performance-related issue, rather than the desire to sell SCA chasis?
Are you aware of the HUGE market share you are losing because of this?
Seriously, that design choice is the worst business decision SCA ever made. That's about a $500 entry fee that is not posed by your competition. There has to be a huge number of people like myself who would be eager to install a bunch of SCA pres into their existing lunchboxes.

Of course we considered the 500 series format but felt it had too many limitations, including

+/-16V power supplies (PS03 provides +/-30V)
1.5" module width too narrow for N72 output transformer (N72 requires 1.75")
Restricted I/O possibilities
No internal busing
Questionable grounding scheme
High cost

At current pricing, you can get a chassis, power supply, wiring harness, and C84KF for $475, which is about the price of an API lunchbox alone.

For those who need the convenience of a truly pluggable modular system, we're going to have something soon that addresses all of the 500 series shortcomings and then some. And yes, you'll be able to use your 500 series modules with it.

Great news!!!!
Once the production date nears, will you start an order list?

i just wanted to chime in here on why i chose SCA over API. i have been drooling over the API 500 series for over a year. the only reason why i haven't gone for it was the entry price of the cage (not the lunchbox) and the modules. the exact same SCA package of cage, PSU, wiring, and 2 modules is less than half the API version at discounted prices. ordering new modules is not going to hurt nearly as much as the API since again, it's less than half the price.

plus i get to build them myself which is a big deal for me. and i can mix and match api, neve, jensen modules. what could be better?

about the only thing the API has that i miss with the SCA is level leds and the hi-z input. both of which i live without (would love an overload led though).

tpryan \$m[1]:For those who need the convenience of a truly pluggable modular system, we're going to have something soon that addresses all of the 500 series shortcomings and then some. And yes, you'll be able to use your 500 series modules with it.

Any chance you'll give us an idea how soon "soon" might be? I already own one of your preamps and have been considering buying and API lunchbox and a few different pres. I'd love to wait on your gear if the wait won't be too terribly long.

bump..

Any time frame or details for the 500 box?

It's going to be a while, way too many "repairs" these last 6 weeks.

For those who need the convenience of a truly pluggable modular system, we're going to have something soon that addresses all of the 500 series shortcomings and then some. And yes, you'll be able to use your 500 series modules with it.

quick definitions (admission)
noun: an acknowledgment of the truth of something
noun: the fee charged for admission

in truth i have to admit
since reading this thread a couple of months ago there has not been a day that has gone by when i did not think about the possibilities enhanced by this excellent proposal
thank you Seventh Circle Audio Team for the quality of your commitment and for Tim who would care enough about his clientele that he would take time away from R$D to personally oversee to customer satisfaction.

on a personal note
it is my hope that in what be compatible or in accordance with what Tim would see as a timely manner we continue to witness the evolution of this great Seventh Circle Audio product line. along with the well thought out products available now (and those on the drawing board ) i wonder if there might be a market for an SCA line of input and output transformers
or perhaps an EQ module kit. maybe something like an enhanced Urei 530 (hello Michael Wagener)

no pressure Tim thanks and keep up the good work

Still the most exciting think I can think of in terms of gear for my studio. I just wanted to ask how things are going with the design. I know Chandler's new Germanium 500 pre needs their own power supply modded into whatever 500 rack you might have. Are they doing that for similar reasons as SCA? Just curious. Thanks! Keep up the good work!

Any idea on a release date for the SCA 500 offering?

i'm wondering more about when the next pre kit is going to be ready... (and details about the design).

the masses demand updates!!!

tpryan \$m[1]:For those who need the convenience of a truly pluggable modular system, we're going to have something soon that addresses all of the 500 series shortcomings and then some. And yes, you'll be able to use your 500 series modules with it.

Is this project still in the pipeline? I've been looking into 500-series projects. Thanks.

Is this project still in the pipeline?

Yes.