Audio Power Supplies - PART3 - SMPS, LPS. SuperCap, Battery, DIY route. New devices opens up new options.
Dec 12, 2016 at 8:02 PM Post #91 of 133
I purchased this LPS a while ago for my pro3z 216. It made a very noticable difference for the good. Can anyone tell me how much better I can do with another off the shelph LPS?
 
Dec 12, 2016 at 8:38 PM Post #92 of 133
I purchased this LPS a while ago for my pro3z 216. It made a very noticable difference for the good. Can anyone tell me how much better I can do with another off the shelph LPS?


It's important to know what the DC noise level is - that is usually determined by the LDO regulator used.  The lower the noise the better.  Also an R-Core transformer has much better AC noise rejection then the Talema toroidal transformer.
 
That said  - it is better then powering from the noisy PC USB.
 
Dec 12, 2016 at 8:44 PM Post #93 of 133
I'm currently powering my Dac & Amp on a dedicated circuit, with only the audio gear on it and, the computer/monitor connected to another circuit.
I don't hear any audible ground noise/loop to my ears but would it be better to connect the computer to the same powerstrip anyway?

I actually managed to reduce my smps switchers in the house to only the PC PSU and the router is powered by a ifi, everything else that is connected to the house grid has got ferrites attached to it now.


Ground loops are different then AC line noise - a loop will generally present itself as a low level constant hum.  AC noise can sometime be audible - think your neighbor using an electric power saw - this can product a varying buzzing sound.  But much AC noise is of high frequency - beyond human hearing - but can effect or modulate with sensitive digital circuits - like femto clocks.  This will present as muddy, harsh, brittle, lacking dynamics (less black background) - all detrimental to top quality sound.
 
My suggestion keep all switching power supplies and the CPUs on a separate line from DDC and DAC.
 
Dec 15, 2016 at 1:59 PM Post #94 of 133
Ok the LT3042 brain transplant is complete - and it sounds great!
 
Here is the original LT1083 (180uv noise) board in the Breeze LPS:

 
Kept every thing pretty much the same - making this DIY pretty easy.  Hardest part was I had to drill new mounting wholes - always a pain without a drill press.  (Again - not recommending anyone attempt this - WARNING LETHAL VOLTAGE inside - have a professional do this mod for you).
 
Here it is with the new LT3042 (.8uv noise) board:

 
Readings on my Kleim Multi-meter - perfect 4.98 VDC cold - 5VDC warm.


Front LED reads 5.04VDC
 
I had to fashion a DC connector out of some old computer parts - would have been nice if they had provided a screw type connector like on the AC side.
 
Note used some 3145RTV on connections, electrical shrink tubing on the DC connections after soldering them.
 
Cold out of the box - very nice sounding.  Will run in for a 100 or hours then give it a serious listen.
 
Total cost: $83 for Breeze LPS + $60 for the LT3042 fully assembled board = $143
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161870356771?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/142115498378?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
 
Jan 19, 2017 at 11:03 AM Post #95 of 133
Just ordered this board to try out - I have a 12V Rcore to power it:  I really like it's variable voltage settings - wide input voltage range.
 
LT3045
 
Ultralow-noise (0.8 µVRMS) low-dropout linear regulators (DC-DC) 
The LT®3045 is a high performance low dropout linear regulator featuring LTC’s ultralow noise and ultrahigh PSRR architecture for powering noise sensitive applications.
Features
• Wide Input Voltage Range: 1.8V to 20V
• Output Voltage Range: 0V to 15V
• Output Current: 500mA
• Low Dropout Voltage: 260mV
• Ultralow RMS Noise: 0.8µVRMS (10Hz to 100kHz)
• Ultralow Spot Noise: 2nV/√Hz at 10kHz
• Ultrahigh PSRR: 76dB at 1MHz
• Multi output (PIN Configurable Vout=ΣOpenPINs) or Single Resistor Programs Output Voltage (best performance - available by request, please PM )
• Built-In Fixed Current Limit and Thermal Shutdown
• PCB size: 25x35mm
• Operating Temperature Range:–40°C to 125°C

Package includes
1 x Fully completed and tested LT3045 PCB
1 x 3PIN straight headers with Jumper(ON/OFF)
BOM (Bill of Materials)
LT3045 : IC, Low Noise Power Solution, Linear Technology  – United States
GRM31CR71E106KA12L x2 : Cap Ceramic 10uF 25V X7R 10% SMD 1206, Murata – Japan
GRM31MR71E105KA01L x1 : Cap Ceramic 1uF 25V X7R 10% SMD1206, Murata –
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LT3045-Ultralow-noise-0-8-VRMS-LDO-linear-regulators-0V-15V-0-5A-1V-Step-/252719753860?hash=item3ad7456a84:g:aGwAAOSwA3dYdhLA

 
Jan 20, 2017 at 8:09 PM Post #96 of 133
Nice to see all LPS here. Anyone powering any LPS with pure sinewave online UPS with better sonic result than directly connected to wall outlet? Anyway does good power cord plays a part for your LPS?
 
Jan 20, 2017 at 10:27 PM Post #97 of 133
Nice to see all LPS here. Anyone powering any LPS with pure sinewave online UPS with better sonic result than directly connected to wall outlet? Anyway does good power cord plays a part for your LPS?
Good question on the cable. I did try a UPS not good dynamics robbed.

If I had more funds to throw at this I'd get the excellent Cerious Tech Graphene Xtreme power cords. Just to expensive for me right now. Using a pretty good generic silver power cords with niobium plugs.
 
Jan 22, 2017 at 10:41 AM Post #98 of 133
Good question on the cable. I did try a UPS not good dynamics robbed.

If I had more funds to throw at this I'd get the excellent Cerious Tech Graphene Xtreme power cords. Just to expensive for me right now. Using a pretty good generic silver power cords with niobium plugs.


RB, any chance you could provide a link to your generic silver power cord? I'm looking for a cord for my Auralic Aries linear power supply that won't break the bank.
 
Jan 22, 2017 at 11:37 AM Post #99 of 133
RB, any chance you could provide a link to your generic silver power cord? I'm looking for a cord for my Auralic Aries linear power supply that won't break the bank.


I bought a few of these years ago - for like $70 each - they are very good especially for the price.  Don't know if he still sells them or not.

SILVER HIGH BREED Epitome 6AWG Power Cable

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/silver-high-breed-epitome-6awg-power-cable-1m-length--5
 
Also very good for the money
Shunyata Research Venom 3s power cable:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/ac-cables-shunyata-research-venom-3s-power-cable-2017-01-21-power-60098-woodstock-il
 
Now these don;t compare to the extraordinary Cerious Tech Graphene Extreme - that I wrote much about on the previous XU208 thread.  I had several of the 'Red' version that I bought when he had a promotion on Audiogon - reg $500 - sale $250.  I sold them all except one (wish I could have kept them) which I use on my tube DAC.
http://www.cerioustechnologies.com
 
Also very good  - if you can find used. They are usually quite cheap as they are 10 yrs old.  Are the C.P.C.C. power cables (Custom Power Cords Company) - I use a HiCurrent Top Gun on one amp and a Model 11 on my DDC in my office:
http://www.usedcables.com/category.aspx?mid=6533

Also the Synergistic Research X2 active Ref power cords:
http://www.usedcables.com/category.aspx?mid=6573
 
Other expensive power cords I have had:
Nordost Valhalla
Synergistic Research Tesla APEX
 
But the Cerious G.E are the best I've heard.
 
Jan 25, 2017 at 10:10 AM Post #100 of 133
Anyone has any experience with this USB power supply?
http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=76

Thinking to power my Singxer F1 from Ifi idefender insertion. Currently using LPS with usb output. Seeing this is battery powered and provide " pure 5V " in the description. Couldnt find any image inside casing though.
 
Jan 25, 2017 at 11:56 AM Post #101 of 133
Anyone has any experience with this USB power supply?
http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=76

Thinking to power my Singxer F1 from Ifi idefender insertion. Currently using LPS with usb output. Seeing this is battery powered and provide " pure 5V " in the description. Couldnt find any image inside casing though.


Looks interesting - when I get time I will complete the PART 4 of this power thread series.  And cover LiPo and the new Super Capacitor power supplies.  Batteries have their own issues - some have high levels of noise they produce and virually all have slow rise times.
 
I have tried this one and it's not great:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/xiaomi-MI-16000mAh-USB-Power-Bank-Battery-Charger-For-Mobile-Phone-/152213745260?hash=item2370a56e6c%3Ag%3AyBgAAOSwRQlXf7Da
 
Jan 25, 2017 at 1:23 PM Post #102 of 133
Speaking of supercapacitors, Vinnie Rossi has this interesting Ultracapacitor power supply:   http://www.vinnierossi.com/mini/
 
For people like me who are power supply illiterate and want to educate themselves further (apart from reading Rob´s threads of course) John Darko explains what Vinnie Rossi is doing in a fashion which is easy to understand :
 
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2015/04/vinnie-rossi-lio-review-part-1-ultracapacitor-power/
 
Another great thread Rob, hats off to you.
 
Jan 25, 2017 at 6:14 PM Post #103 of 133
  Speaking of supercapacitors, Vinnie Rossi has this interesting Ultracapacitor power supply:   http://www.vinnierossi.com/mini/
 
For people like me who are power supply illiterate and want to educate themselves further (apart from reading Rob´s threads of course) John Darko explains what Vinnie Rossi is doing in a fashion which is easy to understand :
 
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2015/04/vinnie-rossi-lio-review-part-1-ultracapacitor-power/
 
Another great thread Rob, hats off to you.


Thanks - good link.  These 'Super' or 'Ultra' cap power supplies may be the way of the future.
 
Uptone LPS-1 looks good as well.  And it's 'only' $400.
 
Also the AudioByte Hydra ZPM
 
Mar 18, 2017 at 11:33 AM Post #105 of 133
I read the initial pages and see the focus here is on an alternative/upgraded PSU for Recovery, Reclocker and Wyred. Would any of these PSUs work for an Auralic Aries Mini? Which 'off the shelf' units would be comparable or better than the Auralic upgraded PSU - for less than their $299 price?
 
Thanks,
Steve
 

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