[MisterX]

Has anybody noticed the new boards from AMB Labs?
 
http://www.amb.org/audio/sigma78_sigma79/
 

 σ78 ("sigma 78") and σ79 ("sigma 79") are DC voltage regulators designed as high-performance replacements for the common 78xx/79xx, LM340/LM320 and LM2940/LM2990 series of 3-terminal IC voltage regulators.* In most cases, a direct swap is possible due to physical, heatsink and pin compatibility. σ78 is a positive voltage regulator, just like the 78xx series, whereas the σ79 is a negative voltage regulator like the 79xx. σ7x offers much lower noise and other improved performance attributes.

 
Cool stuff.
 
 
 

 

[amb]

If you have gear that uses the 78xx and/or 79xx series voltage regulator in TO-220 packages, and ultra low noise and high PSRR are important, then it is a candidate for upgrading to the σ78 /σ79.

σ78 and σ79 (as supplied with regulator chip pre-soldered):

A fully-populated σ78 (minus the pins):

Comparison of a blank and populated σ78 vs. a 78xx TO-220 regulator:

Comparison of a blank and populated σ78 vs. a US $0.25 coin:

Please read the σ78 and σ79 development thread.

 

[amb]

Here's a photo of a CK²III headphone amp PCB upgraded with σ78 and σ79 regulators: