R_volution Chassis DIY-X700 + UBP-X700
Specifications and features
Overview
The Sony UBP-X700 is a very common 4K Blu-ray player, appreciated for its Dolby Vision compatibility and SACD support. It also has a known flaw: its external switching power supply, a source of electrical noise that limits the quality of the audio and video signals. R_volution’s DIY-X700 Signature Edition Chassis, optimized by the German brand Authentic Cinema, aims to remedy this by transplanting the Sony’s motherboard and optical drive into a new chassis equipped with a linear power supply and selected components.
The principle: change the enclosure, not the Sony electronics
The DIY-X700 is not a standalone player. It is a case that houses the internals of the Sony UBP-X700: motherboard, optical drive, all video and audio processing remain Sony’s. The interface, menus, and player functions do not change. What does change is everything surrounding these components: the power supply, signal filtering, vibration treatment, and AC power connection.
The kit requires no soldering or electronics skills. You open the Sony, remove the motherboard and optical drive, install them in the new chassis, and connect the supplied ribbon cables. A detailed manual and a video guide accompany each step. R_volution says the complete operation takes only a few minutes.
A linear power supply instead of a switching power brick
The technical core of the chassis is its linear power supply, based on an 81 W OFC copper toroidal transformer. Voltage regulation relies on two stages: a Toshiba linear regulator for the main power supply and a low-noise Lintec LDO (Low Dropout) regulator for sensitive circuits.
Compared with the Sony’s original switching power supply (a simple external 12 V / 1.5 A adapter), this configuration reduces high-frequency noise and electromagnetic interference that disrupt digital signals. Switching power supplies, by nature, generate fast switching events that introduce noise into the audible spectrum and beyond. A linear power supply eliminates these switching events, with a direct effect on signal purity.
What the Signature Edition adds to the standard version
R_volution offers the DIY-X700 Chassis in two versions. The standard version already includes the linear power supply and quality components. The Signature Edition, modified by Authentic Cinema, takes the treatment further in three areas.
On the power supply side, the Signature Edition adds an EMI filter at the AC line input, a ferrite filter on the power cable, soft-recovery rectifier diodes replacing the standard diodes, and higher-capacity filtering capacitors with additional filtering stages. These modifications are intended to clean the current before it even reaches the transformer, then further smooth the output voltage.
On the signal side, a ferrite filter is placed on the front panel cable to limit conducted interference. A high-precision capacitor is added to the contact board. The standard fuse is replaced by a ceramic model with gold-plated end caps, and the original power socket gives way to a rhodium-plated Furutech inlet, chosen for its conductivity and mechanical stability.
Mechanically, a damping material lines the underside of the chassis. An anti-vibration compound is applied to the capacitors to reduce micro-resonances. The plastic feet are replaced by machined aluminum feet.
Filtering components and capacitors
The power supply uses Nichicon and Nippon Chemical capacitors for the audio circuits, and WIMA capacitors for the video circuits. This choice of separate components for audio and video reflects an approach in which each signal path receives filtering suited to its characteristics. Nichicon and Nippon Chemical are recognized Japanese manufacturers in the field of capacitors for audio applications. WIMA, a German manufacturer, produces film capacitors used in circuits where stability and low distortion matter.
Integration into a home automation system or rack
The IR remote control supplied with the chassis is larger than the original one and has additional buttons. It uses the same IR codes as the Sony remote, allowing direct integration into home automation control systems: Crestron, Control4, RTI, Savant, Logitech Harmony, SofaBaton, SwitchBot, Philips Pronto, Elan, URC, and ProControl are supported without any special configuration.
Rack-mount ears are included for professional installations. A dedicated ground connector is provided to eliminate ground loops that sometimes appear in racks grouping several devices.
Technical Specifications
Overview
The R_volution Chassis DIY-X700 Signature Edition is an optimized, audiophile version of the DIY kit designed for the Sony UBP-X700. Developed with advanced optimization (Authentic Cinema), this edition delivers advanced electronic improvements to achieve a superior level of performance in home theater audio and video.
Highlights
- Simple DIY upgrade, no technical skills required
- Optimized audiophile linear power supply
- Drastic reduction of electrical noise (electromagnetic and radio frequency interference)
- More precise image: deep blacks, natural colors
- Premium chassis with anti-vibration treatment
- Advanced electrical optimization (Signature Edition)
- Compatible with high-end home automation systems
Signature Edition Improvements
- Power supply optimization
- Input EMI filter for high-frequency interference reduction
- Ferrite filter on mains line
- High-end soft-recovery rectifier diodes
- Premium filtering capacitors with increased capacity
- Additional filtering stages
- Electrical signal optimization
- Ferrite filter on front panel cable
- High-precision capacitor on contact board
- Ceramic fuse with gold-plated end caps
- Furutech rhodium-plated mains socket for optimal conductivity
- Mechanical treatment and vibration
- Damping material under chassis
- Anti-vibration compound on capacitors
- Machined aluminum feet, replacing plastic feet
- Results achieved
- Cleaner signal
- Reduced jitter
- Better electrical stability
- More precise audio / video reproduction
Power Supply
- Type: high-end linear power supply
- Transformer: OFC copper toroidal 81 W
- Regulation
- Toshiba (main)
- Lintec LDO (low noise)
- Advanced multi-stage filtering
Audio and Video Performance
- Visual improvements
- Contrast with deeper blacks
- More accurate color reproduction
- Increased sharpness and image precision
- Audio improvements
- Better dynamics
- Noise reduction
- Increased detail accuracy
Audiophile Components
- Capacitors: Nichicon and Nippon Chemical
- Video capacitors: WIMA
- Premium Furutech mains connectors
Control and Integration
- Compatibility with Crestron, Control4, RTI, Savant, Logitech Harmony systems
- Rack mounting possible (ears included)
- Dedicated ground connector for ground loop prevention
Installation
- Installation guided by manual and video
- Steps
- Open the player
- Remove the motherboard and drive
- Install in the new chassis
- Connect the ribbon cables
- Installation time: a few minutes
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions: 43 × 28.23 × 7.17 cm
- Weight: 5 kg
Power Consumption
- During playback: 12 W
- In standby: 0.5 W
Operating Conditions
- Temperature: 10 to 30 °C
- Humidity: 30 to 70 %
Included Accessories
- Sony-compatible IR remote control
- 1 m 4K HDMI cable
- Rack kit
- Power cables (EU, US, UK, AU)
Differences from the Standard Version
- Linear power supply: present on both versions, optimized on the Signature Edition
- Advanced EMI filtering: exclusive to the Signature Edition
- Extended premium components: exclusive to the Signature Edition
- Anti-vibration treatment: exclusive to the Signature Edition
- High-end mains connectors: exclusive to the Signature Edition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sony UBP-X700 player included in the kit?
That depends on the version purchased. R_volution offers the chassis alone (in which case you must provide your own Sony UBP-X700) or a kit including the Sony player already installed. Check the exact reference and EAN code before purchase.
Does installation modify the firmware or functions of the Sony player?
No. The kit modifies neither the software, nor the motherboard, nor the optical drive. All functions of the Sony UBP-X700 remain identical: Dolby Vision, HDR10, SACD playback, streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube), DLNA, dual HDMI output. Only the power supply and mechanical environment change.
Is the Sony warranty retained after installation?
Opening the Sony player and transferring its components into another chassis voids the Sony manufacturer’s warranty. The kit is intended for users willing to give up this warranty in exchange for a qualitative improvement in the power supply.
What is the concrete difference between the standard version and the Signature Edition?
Both versions share the same chassis and the same linear power supply. The Signature Edition adds EMI filtering at the input, soft-recovery diodes, higher-capacity capacitors, mechanical anti-vibration treatment (compound on the capacitors, damping material under the chassis, aluminum feet), and rhodium-plated Furutech power connectivity. These additions target the last percentages of residual electrical and mechanical noise.
Is a break-in period necessary?
R_volution recommends a break-in period for Authentic Cinema modifications on its other products (250 to 400 hours depending on the models). It is reasonable to expect similar behavior for the DIY-X700 Signature Edition, while the capacitors and new components stabilize.
Is the chassis compatible with Sony players other than the UBP-X700?
No. The chassis is designed exclusively for the Sony UBP-X700. The internal layout, connection ribbons, and mounting points correspond to the specific dimensions and arrangement of this model.
Can you return to the original Sony chassis?
Yes. The operation is reversible. The motherboard and optical drive are not modified and can be reinstalled in the original Sony enclosure.
What temperature and humidity conditions should be observed?
R_volution recommends use between 10 and 30 °C, with humidity between 30 and 70%. These are standard ranges for electronic equipment, but the presence of the toroidal transformer and sensitive components makes these limits slightly stricter than for the Sony in its original ventilated enclosure.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.