Add a Linear power supply or iFi SPDIF Purifier2?

Just an update, I bought a LPS from China for $200 and there is a significant improvement over the switch mode power supply.  The most obvious improvement is the bass.  Money well spent.

Depends on what you are trying to do. The IFI spdif thingy makes a pretty big difference if you have a sh…y feed. For tv optical out makes a BIG difference. It was a difference with the Node 2 to the same dac but not that much. 

Although not cheap, the Ediscreation Fibre Box II looks a neat and tidy way to clean up your signal from ethernet to fibre.

https://ediscreation.com/product/fiber-box/

https://www.howenint.com/products/fiber-box-ii

Another option from SGC is a more basic fiber optic converter, you get a pair of them, a cable and wall warts for $350.  Not sure if it is a big step down from the pricier bundle with a Sonore converter on one side.  I am considering buying one of these bundles for my Sonic Orbiter i5 and UltraRendu.

@fuzztone 

thanks for your PM.  Yes, buying from AliExpress or from China directly basically means not returnable.  I tried search Amazon but can’t find similar LPS.  I may try eBay later.  

@gte28 

Check PM.

I will say that it is quite difficult to return any AliExpress items. Better to try from Amazon. If it works is it actually worth it to wait weeks to save a buck? And what is the actual percentage of revenue that goes straight to China?

You can go from Ethernet to fiber optic to start ,then upgrade at your pleasure.

the sonore deluxe converter should be your end of chain for $499: $$ well spent .

one step,at a time.

I also don’t quite understand how to setup optic Ethernet.  Both the NAS and streamer are connected to the router.  And the Ethernet cable between the streamer and router is long.  So, with optic ethernet, the idea is to connect thebstreamer and router with an optical cable instead of ethernet cable?

@audioman58 , that seems like a lot of complexity and a lot of scratch. I am sure it was pleasing once you got the end result, what about a simple plug and play for those of us who hate complexity and spending $$$?

Yes using fiber optic is the best medium for isolation , the Sonore Deluxe is much better ,I started with just a media converter , the big difference inside there are linear technologies low noise regulators ,choke, and very low jitterFemto clocks 

the $40 ones will work but have high phase noise you should at minimum at the end point spend $499 for the Sonore, Small Green Computer  sells them and has very respectable LPS power supplies the 12 v  model I bought for my rougher is 

6 lbs for $300 is a great buy , these too take about 100 hours to settle in but it is now much clearer ,more depth and the top end bite is gone , after theLPS  the aftermarket  DC cables and a inexpensive pangea powercord , these tweaks add another $1k to the mix ,I have 3 LPS for the 2 Sonore deluxe media converters , and forthe New Motorola 8702 modem-router ,with the much faster 3.1 Docsis technology Big sale on AMA         Zon.

+1 @audioman58. Although I do not use the Sonore, I use the same principle in breaking the Ethernet connection with fiber using a tx and rcvr just before the streamer. This has probably been one of the biggest noticeable upgrade tweaks I’ve ever done and it’s under $100. You can get the parts on Amazon and it’s simple to install. Really! I highly recommend this along with your power supply. This should make you forget about a new streamer for a long time. Good luck. 

If looking for an LPS, LHY Audio is a decent brand from China. I used one for many years and it works very well. Quite a lot of tech inside too.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001795236295.html

Yes, Alvin of Vinshine (Denafrips), also brings in this brand of LPS.

I put a reclocker between my computer and DAC and also used a linear power supply for computer. For me, the reclocker was a bigger upgrade; in this case Singxer Su-6. After looking at all the LPS on Aliexpress, I went with the HD Plex 300W LPS that provides 19V, 12V, 5V, and adjustable voltage. 

How many volts ? Please keep in mind you have to know the amp output also 

go to small green computer . Ijust put anice lps on my new modem router combo  the power supply made a Big difference the music has much  better image densitt and focus. My new 8702 Motorola has a much better 4 core processor andBig memory buffer and verygood wifi ionlyuse for control ofthe tablet ,

a huge upgrade alsoistheSonore Ethernet toFiberoptic  the Sonore deluxe is $500 each , for now youcan get one and just add LPS  to them noise cannot travel over fiber optic much cleaner then wire , 

Zen 3 now $3k? needs a DAC. Good solution.

Beatechnik Audio sells LHY LPS and they are a reputable dealer unlike the sketchy ones found on Aliexpess. You can trust Alvin Chee.

I have the iPurifier and can recommend it.

There are many LPS on AliExpress.  It is really hard to tell which one is good.  This is one reason I am hesitating.  I am watching the following, let me know if you can spot which one is more promising.  All of them provide more than 4.2A.

C$ 209.22  30％ Off | LHY AUDIO 80W DC linear regulated power supply Audio 80VA linear PSU DC5V, 9V, 15V 19V, 20V, 24V For HDD NAS Router MAC PCHiFi
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMxKjca

C$ 85.92 | 120VA Ultra-Low Noise Linear Power Supply  Output DC 12V 19V @ 8A High Current HiFi Upgrade Power Adapter HTPC HD player/NAS
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKAM4kA

C$ 68.62  5％ Off | BRZHIFI Modern Design 80W High Current With Protection DC Linear Power Supply 12V Hard Disk Box NAS Router MAC PCHiFi
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mry2hWO

Small green computer appears to be a branded version of the ebay ones that sell cheaper and have the same case and cosmetics.

I have 4 of the Farad (not cheap) supercap based LPSs for my DAC and upscaler.  they are excellent. they run cool.  I've had and gotten rid of other Supercap based LPS that ran hot to the touch which greatly reduces longevity and reiability.

I have 2 of the cheap Chinese ebay LPS powering my ROCK (just a NUC) and my Etherregen switch. The ether-regen has a lot of features to eiminate noise and did pretty well with the switching power supply but it seems better and cooler with the Ebay LPS.  Both the ebay LPSs are not supercap based and run cool.

I say power supply over the pruifier.

What does the unit it is powering say?  I would guess yes, it will work.  Digital stuff doesn't use much amperage generally.

Thanks.  That one gives 4A.  My switch mode power supply says 11V-4.2A.  So, it is 0.2A short, will that work?

Small Green Computer has a reasonably priced LPS.  I have one for my custom PC streamer.

If looking at a cheapish LPS, this one is quite good

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001288349011.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.55c218024DJ8dl

@fuzztone thanks.  You definitely scored a great deal for the iPurifier.  May I ask what LPS you tried?  And what DAC do you use?

It "should" sound better than SMPS. I have gone that route. But do compare by listening. I do have the SPDIF Purifier2. It made a big improvement in clarity. And it has an Toslink tap on the side for a second output.

Of the two choices I believe it makes the largest improvement in SQ, especially sweet for the $89.20 I found one last month.

@audiotroy Yes, I know.  But I don’t have the funding now.  So, maybe I will save up.

For Innous, would your recommend Zen mini or Zen?

none of theses tweeks will do much the unitiserve isan okay device but falters compared to a better device 

we know the server well long time naim dealer

the unitiserve was really developed as an add on to a 

naim system with your  dac you will get far better results with an innous or 432EVO server

Dave and  Troy

naim and 432EVO dealers