Thor, thanks a lot for teaching us!
My pleasure.
---Current Setup---
The CAN uses iPower (USA 110-120V) version, which says 5V 2.5A on the sticker.
The DAC V2 uses the stock USB3 cable for power.
My 2 headphones are 58X: 150ohm BAL, and DT770: 250ohm SE.
Neither headphone is very hard to drive. So more power for the Zen CAN may not be the first order.
The level of DIY I can do is low. I could do a kit that had all the parts specified, with an instruction sheet of exactly what to do. The level of specificity in this thread is over my head. I must find a simpler alternative to upgrade, even if its costs more.
The capacitors have two wires. It is no more difficult than hooking up a bunch of LED Lights for example.
I think watching a few you tube video's on soldering should do the job.
Personally I just bend the capacitor wires to the side and then solder the capacitors together making a block. Then two wires (+/-) in and two out.
Buy a short DC-DC 5.5mm cable and use that to make the two ends. Done.
I seek the best option to get the best result while not spending over $150.
My very limited understanding for my options right now are:
Options:
1. One
Allo Shanti LPS with dual outputs, 5v 3A and 5V 1.2A. It can power the CAN and DAC. The 3A is not ideal but still better than 2.5A, and maybe upgrade with supercapacitor brick later(?!)
I had a look. It seems ok build for the money:
The "Supercapacitors on the output" seem more show than substance. R-Core transformers just like toroid transformers they have higher mains leakage than multi-chamber types.
The rest seems solid enough and with 2 DC Outputs it's like a one stop solution for a Zen Stack, with "Zen-ish" price.
I would not exactly endorse it, but you could spend your money worse ways.
Mind you, for the Zen's I don't think it is really better than these:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801584320437.html (for Zen Can)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800848485119.html (for Zen DAC)
These two come in at 100 USD including delivery. This may leave enough cash for a super capacitor block or two.
Again, not endorsing these supplies, but I think you could do worse. A lot worse.
See how much delivery on the Allo is, compare the two options.
You could also initially use the iFi iPower on the DAC to reduce spending.
2. Two
Lusya 5V Super Capacitor Power Filters for $26 each free shipping to California. $52. Get some USB-C to DC-5.5x2.1mm adaptors. $67. Use iPower to feed the DAC's supercap, and use something else to feed the CAN's supercap. $87. ($63 still left for other sonic improvements!)
I had a look, these have fairly low capacitance, but cost is low and they are ready made.
What do you think? Or would you do something else for more bang-for-bucks with a $150 budget?
IF IT WAS MY MONEY I was spending and only your list is possible (and I am not spending your money), and I really did not want to DIY, I'd get the two Aliexpress linear PSU's and the Supercap Bricks, plus adapters. I think this will be most "bang for bux"
BUT the Allo Shanti is less hassle, all in one, plug, play, enjoy and forget and not a bad option either.
What do you think is better for the CAN? Clean 5V 3A power, or dirty SMSP giving 5V 6A? (Hard to find 5V 4A and higher for clean power).
Key metrics are mains leakage and general EMC/EMI. I would go with linear supplies, these guarantee low mains leakage and low EMI by principle. SMPS can be designed to be as good, but most are not. So if buying off the shelf more or less untested and unknown, linear PSU is always the better choice over an unknown SMPS.
You are most welcome.
Thor