Best affordable Linear Power Stage

@ghdprentice 

I am sure the best available power supplies are available inside audiophile equipment. 

Like this one in its separate box that connects to the Aries Cerat Kassandra? 

No outboard power supply necessary here, no DDC necessary either. This end-game DAC weighs in at 80kg. 

Yeah, I know, not affordable, but it is nice to dream.

https://aries-cerat.com/kassandra-signature-product-page/

Thanks. I'll be curious to hear your feedback. 

@hdm I purchased an r-core power supply and a silver plated dc supply cable in the teeth of the current trade environment.  If they arrive, I will report.

kn

@toneranger58 

Got it. Thanks. I hear some of that but not to the level you are apparently. My system is resolving and I heard a lower noise floor, more definition around the instruments, less glare on the high end, but all the other factors were about the same. Definite improvement but limited. Maybe the uDDC improves the Denafrips more than the LAiV. Anyway thanks for the info.

Magnetar UDP800 (SACD) and Denon DCD-SA1 (CD)

(Magnetar via HDMI out to HDMI > I2S and Denon coax)

LAiV uDDC

(I2S via HDMI)

LAiV DAC

(RCA)

Anthem AVM60

(Transparent Plus RCA)

SimAudio Moon 760A

(Transparent Plus)

Wilson SabrinaX + REL S/812 x 2

I have a couple of the Allo Shanti 5V LPS. Well built and reasonably priced. Chicago Electric used to sell them, but since their merger with the PiShop they no longer carry it. Audiophonics.fr has them, but I'd guess there are now tariff issues that might come into play...

Does this link not work?

@sizzitrail84 what I’m hearing is as follows:

very big sounstage, wider; deeper and more depth.

sounds develop from a black background, fills out with weight and decays back into the background. 
 

every instrument is placed in the soundstage with great space around it and separation from the other instruments. Warmer top end with plenty of air, full accurate midrange and tight focused bottom end with punch.

it just sounds so right. I’m sure it has a lot to do with my system. 
 

System: from router, SmoothLAN into Innuos MK 3, to uDDC with LHY LPS,I2s out to Denafrips Terminator 2 12, balanced XLR via Nordost Valhalla cables to Sim Audio 700i to Focal Sopra 2’s. I feel there’s a lot of synergy with the system and the end result gives a great presentation as noted above. I’m only using one chord and out on the LHY LPS. Hope this gives a good description of what I’m hearing. I was getting a lot of this before the addition of the LPS but it kicked things up for me a major step with the addition of the LPS on the uDDC.

@toneranger58 

“So received my LHY LPS for the uDDC. As advertised it’s like putting the uDDC on steroids, great product and result. I ordered this from Alvin at Vinshine Audio, this one is specifically noted on the site to be the preferred LPS for the LAIV uDDC unit.

Very pleased and only took about 5 days to get here. For anyone with a LAIV uDDC I would highly recommend giving it a try.”

I also just got the LHY LPS in and on positive phase it really rolls off the edges. Definitely sounds warmer but lots of detail lost and bass sounds hollow and weak.

On negative phase it doesn’t sound cloudy and it sounds marginally more refined. A bit lower noise floor and edges softened without losing too much detail compared to the included switching PS.

When you say it’s like it’s on steroids, what do you hear? Also, how do you have it setup? There were two cords and two outlets.

@hdm  doesn’t necessarily make sense to me either but that’s what he said. Usually the device asks for a certain amperage and the supply delivers it. Doesn’t matter the max potential output. But if Alvin says it’s better then I’m going with that. I don’t know, maybe they are just labeling it to make it clear to buyers of these LAiV products and they’re really the same thing as what they’ve always had. I can test it out with a meter once it gets here.

"from Alvin at Vinshine, the DDC version is 5V 2A vs 3A for the regular 5V LPS. Similarly 15V 2A for the micro DAC."

Not really sure that I get this and (maybe I’m just cynical...) have to admit I’m a bit skeptical on it as the 3A "standard" versions would work fine with the LAIV uDDC or DAC in the 5V or 15V respective "standard" versions of the  LHY power supplies. 

On top of that a 3A version vs. a 2A version would be more "future proof" in terms of being able to be used in the future with different 5V or 15V components requiring the ability to deliver more power and would seemingly offer better value at the same price. 

Alvin at Vinshine is the real deal, and a great seller. I bought all of my Denafrips gear from him (when he sold Denafrips), and my Bluesound Node LPS

@toneranger58 from Alvin at Vinshine, the DDC version is 5V 2A vs 3A for the regular 5V LPS. Similarly 15V 2A for the micro DAC.

So received my LHY LPS for the uDDC. As advertised it’s like putting the uDDC on steroids, great product and result. I ordered this from Alvin at Vinshine Audio, this one is specifically noted on the site to be the preferred LPS for the LAIV uDDC unit.

Very pleased and only took about 5 days to get here. For anyone with a LAIV uDDC I would highly recommend giving it a try.

Thanks @hdm 

knownothing: I am certainly no expert but google is your friend here. The argument is that R-Core, especially if isolated in a different chassis as it will be with an outboard linear power supply, will be quieter and perform better. The disadvantage, when compared with most torroids is size and weight, which again, is less problematic with an outboard as opposed to a built-in power supply. 

As with all things audio, there is rarely universal agreement but as you say it is a pretty insignificant experiment to try out the Sengterbelle I linked to. It was a fair bit better than a slightly less expensive Talema torroidal based power supply that I also have here on my DAC and astonishingly better on my Wiim Pro+ as a streamer only, which certainly flies in the face of logic with the "bits are bits" crowd. 

Here's a couple of links to discussions on other forums and I'm sure there are others. In any event to say I've been happy with the Sengterbelle's would be an understatement. If it doesn't work out for you, you're out $100. ;)

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/55835-why-a-torroidal-instead-of-an-r-core-transformer-in-digital/

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/toroid-and-r-core.228096/

John Curl also, for example, seems to have a preference for R-Core, so I figure that's probably not a bad thing?

Folks, can you provide some help please, to understand the "wattage" of a switching power supply and equivalent linear power supply?

I use the HDPlex 400W HiFi DC-ATX in my fanless PC build, which runs the HQ Player. Currently I use a Dell 330W power adapter that powers this PC. I understand that this outputs 19Volts. But I also see from other sources that this also outputs 10 Amps of power?

I see that the linear power supply specs mentioned above do have 12-19Volts output. But what about the Amperes? Will that matter when I try to replace the Dell switch mode power supply with a linear power supply?

I use an After Dark power supply with an RME ADI-2 Pro AD/DA. Sounds better than an "eBay special" sourced from offshore.

@hdm can you explain the differences between encapsulated, toroidal and r-core transformers, and why an r-core based power supply might be a better choice for a small digital device with no internal power supply?  Honest question.  I’ve used various external LPS from MCRU, Swagman Labs  and Teddy Pardo with generally positive effect.  My favorites right now are an 18V Swagman SE that powers my ProJect phono pre and a Teddy Pardo dual supply that supports a digital front end consisting of a Bluesound Node N130 and Chord Qutest.  The 12V MCRU SE supply I had previously was pretty good, but those have become quite expensive.  If the argument is compelling enough in favor of an r-core supply, I might be convinced to give one a go.  At $108 it is a pretty low risk experiment.

kn

@sizzitrail84 i don’t know the difference just went with the one specific to the uDDC.

@toneranger58,

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2789900

Do you know what the difference is between the LAIV uDDC version of the 5V and the standard? Can’t find anything on it.

@sns Thanks for your answer.

@tyray I've never heard a 'house' sound from network and clocking devices or network cables. these only affect transparency/resolution, have no affect on either tonality or timbre. I2S and usb cables affect tonal balance to a small degree, also transparency/resolution. Voicing comes from dac and rest of audio system.

@ghdprentice,

As to discussion of DDC, I’m content my choice of going with Denafrips Gaia along with top quality I2S cable was best for both near and long term enjoyment. With the Gaia no need for outboard power supply, has top notch internal lps, great usb input optimization, best quality OXCO clock with top quality power supply for clock.

Good point here, even the Iris and the Hermes have no need for a outboard power supply and are very price competitive. I just wonder do we want to mix brands? Or do we want to stay with the same brand to get the ’house’ sound? Keep in mind I have NO idea what I’m talking about here, I’m just spitballing...

@ghdprentice I'd agree for major streaming components like streamers and dacs shouldn't be any need for outboard power supplies. When I'm speaking of the need for outboard lps this pertains to the myriad network devices available for streaming.

As to discussion of DDC, I'm content my choice of going with Denafrips Gaia along with top quality I2S cable was best for both near and long term enjoyment. With the Gaia no need for outboard power supply, has top notch internal lps, great usb input optimization, best quality OXCO clock with top quality power supply for clock. Certainly the Gaia relatively high cost but keeping in mind both short and long term I believe it provides best value for a highly resolving streaming and system setup.

@hdm, ok I see that now. The $87US version does give you the option of the double barrel version and the USB version with free shipping. Thanks for clearing that up.

Same power supply tyray. The only difference is the 2nd output connection on one is USB A versus the standard barrel connector. You can purchase power supplies with both outputs barrel connectors or both USB as well if you search. 

Different Ali sellers will have different prices (and often slightly different descriptions). You simply need to shop around on the site for the same product. 

The LHY Audio LPS25VA has (2) 15V Simultaneously Driven Voltage Output Jacks that would be perfect for the Laiv Harmony µDAC and the Laiv Harmony µDDC.The price is $249.00 SGD (Singapore) which is about $185.00 US. A really great deal with fantastic functionality.

Just for future reference, you could not use the 15V version as linked to by @tyray with both the Laiv DAC and µDDC. Yes with the DAC but no with the uDDC as it is a 5V device and needs the 5V LHY specific to the uDDC as per the Vinshine website. The 5V LHY can also be ordered for $100 U.S. from Aliexpress which would make it even better value ;)

It seems Aliexpress has two versions of the LHY Audio LpS25VA. The LHY 25W Dual DC DC5V DC9V DC12V DC15V DC18V USB Decoding Routing Interface for Audio DC Stabilized Linear HIFI Fever Power Supply for $87US may be an inferior version with free shipping.

The New 25W LHY Audio LPS DC ultra-low noise DC linear regulated power supply DC5V/9V/12V/15V/18V at $105US is the (maybe?) standard version, still a good value with $48US shipping? I don’t know?

I deleted my previous post referencing the LHY 25W Dual DC DC5V DC9V DC12V DC15V DC18V USB Decoding Routing Interface for Audio DC Stabilized Linear HIFI Fever Power Supply as not to confuse Agon members on maybe getting a inferior unit.

I have read before that Aliexpress sometimes (maybe?) sells name brand versions with inferior parts and this is the first time I’ve came across those issues face to face.

The Sengterbelle is still the one to get IMO.  I have a Talema based LPS like the LHY here to compare (it was the first LPS I purchased) and that one has been relegated to a secondary system, although it is still a nice improvement over no LPS, a power brick, etc. 

The Sengterbelle can also be purchased in dual output for a few bucks more should one want to go that route. But you're going to want the 2nd device to not be very power hungry typically in that situation. I'd rather just have two singles and be overkill on the power supply at the price of these.  

@scp I found the better resolving your system the better the uDDC will deliver. Great addition to my system. I just ordered the LHY LPS, from Vinshine Audio for $185.00, seemed to be a great value and has been advertised to be linked with the LAIV uDDC product. Should have in a week and will post my findings shortly thereafter. 

Good thread..as I am in the same boat. I have been wanting to try a ddc and the Laiv uddc seems logical. In the past had good luck with the Sbooster...but dont want to spend 250-400 on a PS for an $800 ddc....since the ddc is kind of an experiment to start with. So I saw a report on a guy reviewing three different price point LPS and he said decent things about an $30 Alieexpress unit. So I ordered a one. Still waiting to get both the lps and the ddc...so no reco at this time. If the Laiv is fruitful..I will move up the chain on the LPS...and maybe even the ddc at some point. . Heres the link. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801655528382.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.63b218020zPwR0&tblci=GiDkHYAKHFliBBPKNM9ILkVK6EMpprrmDH_1qb1BJ667kiDA9m4o9tP22ZGM9L8ZMKjbXg&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

@sns Oops, perhaps my comment was too brief. The focus of my comment was on the words "audiophile equipment". The best way to get the very best sound (and associated power supply)  is to purchase audiophile equipment... so, like Boulder, Audio Research, Aurrender.. to get the best power supplies, instead of adding on. So, for instance my Aurrender W20SE uses battery power to provide the quietest background Audio Research has a tubed power circuit. It was my intent to simply point out that audiophile gear has incredible focus on power supplies. Two box solution preamps have one box dedicated to power.  

I have Small Green Computer 5, 7, 12 volts LPS for 189, 189 and 289. Had them for last year. Work flawlessly for switches and older DAC.

Have a Plixir for one main DAC-built like a tank. Expensive-Sounds very good.

Just for future reference, you could not use the 15V version as linked to by @tyray with both the Laiv DAC and uDDC. Yes with the DAC but no with the uDDC as it is a 5V device and needs the 5V LHY specific to the uDDC as per the Vinshine website. 

The 5V LHY can also be ordered for $100 U.S. from Aliexpress which would make it even better value ;)

I have the Allo Shanti now for a couple of weeks.. Ordered from Amazon.de.  It is fantastic together with my WiiM Pro

@tyray 

@trivema 

Thanks went with LHY as you both noted, the specific one for the LAIV uDDC noted on Vinshine site.

S Booster

+1 LHY LPS.  I have 5 LPS of three brands and think the LHY is best value for price.  Vinshine Audio Singapore. 

The LHY Audio LPS25VA has (2) 15V Simultaneously Driven Voltage Output Jacks that would be perfect for the Laiv Harmony µDAC and the Laiv Harmony µDDC.The price is $249.00 SGD (Singapore) which is about $185.00 US. A really great deal with fantastic functionality.

Plixir Elite BDC Mk2

Paul Hynes 

You're going to have a very hard time beating any of the Sengterbelle R-Core power supplies on Aliexpress at anything remotely close to the price and probably at 3-4X the money. I read somewhere online that there is a UK audio retailer simply marking them up and selling them for around 400 GBP. 

R-Core like the Allo Shanti so extremely quiet with digital gear and benefits from a good power cord and DC cable (which are also ridiculously cheap on Aliexpress). 

I own 3 of them, 2 5V and a 12V for my modem/router. That one may have been the least bang for the buck but the two 5 volts I have here on a Topping E30 MK II DAC and a Wiim Pro + as a streamer only have been a huge bang for the buck and both directly compared to a less expensive Talema torroid based 25W power supply. I was really surprised at how much it elevated the performance of the Wiim as streamer only. 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800739878853.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.2.4602q0IXq0IXoR&algo_pvid=ebc6e5de-591d-47f3-a8dd-8b269e4edf79&algo_exp_id=ebc6e5de-591d-47f3-a8dd-8b269e4edf79-1&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%2282%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%7D&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2198.00%2198.00%21%21%2198.00%2198.00%21%402103247917433884451453150ee8fa%2112000038789771359%21sea%21US%21701030016%21X&curPageLogUid=b0Ovwh0Uv5oK&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

@steakster thanks for the Aura recommendation, looks very interesting will check into it.

Lots of nice ones out there, all depends on price willing to pay. I always go with lps that can provide more amperage than device requires, much better for reliability, keeps heat down.

@ghdprentice There are many reasons why outboard linear power supplies superior to either inboard supplies or devices that use external switching power supplies. If we're talking about streaming equipment, many devices designed to use outboard power supplies, certain manufactures understand the intended use of the device and/or their own limitations in designing and manufacturing high quality linear power supplies. Many of these manufacturers are small operations, they specialize in a single thing, let others take over for the lps, put the two together and you have a quality device.

I am sure the best available power supplies are available inside audiophile equipment. 

For further reading: 

https://audiobacon.net/2021/08/06/the-worlds-best-audiophile-linear-power-supplies/7/

Fidelizer Audio just released their Aura for $219. Technically, it has a switching power supply to keep the price affordable. The owner, Keetakawee, has a track record of designing excellent products. For a true LPS, look at his Nikola series He provides excellent product support. He'll be happy to answer any questions.

This Audiogon thread might be useful: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/linear-tube-audio-little-known-great-linear-power-supply

Or: https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/accessories