max2
100+ Head-Fier
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Like power source wise?
Whats the difference between a full-size amp and a portable one?
- Thread starter max2
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ProtegeManiac
Headphoneus Supremus
Power supply vs battery with a charger. The first draws AC and either converts to DC or lowers AC voltage; can be more susceptible to electrical noise if there's enough that it can't filter out. Portable runs on batteries so unless it's plugged in and the charging circuit is activated you can't get electrical noise off the grid, but that doesn't mean the amp circuit can't be the noise source. DAC-HPamps running off USB without a battery might usually be the ones that produce the lowest power output and most susceptible to noise.
Also it's a lot easier to make a desktop amp that has a higher current and voltage output since you're not starting out with a 7.2v or 9v (or even several 9v) power, so given the same cost/price point, a desktop amp running with a power supply that doesn't compromise much for size will produce a lot more power. Barring a badly designed power supply (or something wrong with your grid or your house) and amp circuit the usable range of that power, if not even at full output, isn't necessarily going to have higher noise levels.
Also it's a lot easier to make a desktop amp that has a higher current and voltage output since you're not starting out with a 7.2v or 9v (or even several 9v) power, so given the same cost/price point, a desktop amp running with a power supply that doesn't compromise much for size will produce a lot more power. Barring a badly designed power supply (or something wrong with your grid or your house) and amp circuit the usable range of that power, if not even at full output, isn't necessarily going to have higher noise levels.
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