Finally, after what seemed like forever (just over 2 months), my D16 has been changed to run from an external LPS.
Too early to give any real impressions, other than to say I really like what I'm hearing. If I had to describe the initial changes, it would mirror exactly what johnjen has said.
I can safely say, these are real changes, not 'I think it sounds better' type of change.
Starting with the LPS (Meiyan S130), the 2-pin connector was changed to 3-pins (3rd pin was to add earth ground). Common ground (-) was also connected to earth ground. I won't get into the common ground/earth ground debate, but will say the guy doing the repair was adamant it needed to be done. LPS has a floating ground (had).
Back of LPS showing 3-pins. There are photos in this forum showing what the LPS looked like prior to these changes.
Rewired D16. Changed the filtered IEC 3-prong connector to basic 3-prong connector and attached internal wires to it.
I asked him to leave the original SMPS in the D16, but I guess he forgot. Shouldn't be to difficult to put it back if I need to (no real plans to do so at this point).
Showing both units connected together.
Word of caution - if a normal power cable was plugged into the D16 at this point, it would most definitely get fried.