[Amberlamps]

I find it impossible in my limited tests to hear a difference when I cycle between passthough in the context of listening to a song

Yes, I do find it very very hard, but, when I take a break away from music and come back, it’s like a WOW punch in the face.

You can tell from the start it’s totally different to what it used to be, it’s transformed an old pair of closed headphones for me.

 

[Raghu6446]

I just replaced the stock power supply with an ifi iPower 12v. I found it lowered the noise level a bit and improved on bass/treble extension. And the electrical buzz when touching the chassis is gone!

 

[Raghu6446]

15v is the one has to used right?

 

[hken]

15v is the one has to used right?

The power requirement of M Scaler is 9 to 15v.

 

[Raghu6446]

Thanks was getting 15v ifi ipower is it ok or should I stick to 12v

 

[hken]

Thanks was getting 15v ifi ipower is it ok or should I stick to 12v

I played safe and went for 12v to avoid voltage overshoot that would possibly void the warranty. 12v works like champ but 15v should be fine too.

 

[Raghu6446]

Will go for 12v just to be safe on warranty thanks

 

[seaice]

The M Scaler stock adapter is rated 15V/4A. The iFi iPower is rated 12V/1.8A (or 15V/1.2A). Is the iFi iPower really sufficient for the M Scaler?

 

[hken]

From Rob a while ago,

"Yes it will work with 9v to 15v. I have used it a lot with 85W/h battery banks, and gotten more than 6 hours listening from it. I do not recommend replacing the supplied PSU with a linear PSU, as the PSU has been carefully specified for low leakage and RF noise levels - with better performance than linear PSU's."

 

[Amberlamps]

The M Scaler stock adapter is rated 15V/4A. The iFi iPower is rated 12V/1.8A (or 15V/1.2A). Is the iFi iPower really sufficient for the M Scaler?

12volts will work ok for the mscaler.

Rob has a battery that he powers his mscaler with and it’s set at 12volts. As for amps, I dunno.

 

[Amberlamps]

I played safe and went for 12v to avoid voltage overshoot that would possibly void the warranty. 12v works like champ but 15v should be fine too.

Just remember, using a third party psu will void your warranty, and if things go wrong when using a third party psu, Rob said it’s very easy for chord to detect when they open the item and the stock psu up to check/repair.

I was going to buy the same battery as Rob, but if my mscaler died on me and chord wouldnt fix it because I used a third party psu, I would die. So I decided that I’m happy to stick with the stock psu.

You can’t put a price on peace of mind.

 

[miketlse]

Thanks was getting 15v ifi ipower is it ok or should I stick to 12v

Just to extend what @Amberlamps has posted.
If the power supply exceeds 15v for any reason, then the MScaler power protection diode will blow, which will be an indicator to Chord that a third party power supply has been used.
So stick with 12v, because that will give you plenty of margin, just in case there are occasional spikes in your domestic power supply.

 

[tunes]

I just replaced the stock power supply with an ifi iPower 12v. I found it lowered the noise level a bit and improved on bass/treble extension. And the electrical buzz when touching the chassis is gone!

That seems like a very reasonable tweak at about $50. Can Rob confirm that using a non-OEM power supply voids the CHORD warranty? Is the power rating equivalent to the provided CHORD power supply? Will the noise floor and buzzing be better with a portable rechargable battery. I have this and rarely use it but could be adapted for the HMS since it has a regular AC outlet on the portable battery.

Portable AC Outlet Battery Pack by ChargeTech - 27000mAh 85W / 110V (TSA Approved fo... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0116BX968/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_JyP9BbC72ABRH

 

[Whazzzup]

Hold on, is there noise floor buzzing that needs reducing in the mscaler??. What do people hope to achieve and why? Please go to the cable company and peruse 20 g to 100 g power supplies then, if you beleive this stuff.

 

[musickid]

The mscaler adds a beautiful solidity to the music. It gives everything in terms of added musicality but takes nothing away from the very essence of the music. IMHO it handles every genre with ease adjusting tempo and flow as and when the music demands. With EDM it's one step ahead and with slow ballads the tempo adjusts instantly, slower, smoother and more relaxed. I think the mscaler effect could even be described as something that isn't just appreciated and very much liked but an effect that needs to also be learnt a little.