It is common knowledge in the audio world that standard switching power supplies (wall warts) inject noise into the AC power line. This is not necessarily a noticeable hum. It is a type of interference that can degrade an audio signal. It is not the electronics within a router or a modem that causes this problem. It is in the lower grade power supplies. This is the reason for putting expensive linear power supplies with music streamers and other audio components. No one is required to believe this, anymore than they are required to except the findings of Charles Darwin. It is simply something to consider if you want your audio equipment to sound its best. Happy listening!
Excellent Power Supply Solution
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s very hard to find a good, affordable DC power supply from a U.S. dealer. I wanted a 12 volt 3.5 amp model for a Netgear router. The quality linear power supplies are considerably more expensive than the router. But, then I stumbled upon an interesting product from Waveform Lighting. They offer a $49 DC power supply for strip lighting purposes. The 12 volt model can handle up to 10 amps and 100 watts. I do not know the technical details on how it works, but the description states “very low ripple and noise.” It also has overload voltage protection. The DC cable is 16 AWG wire. A nice feature is that you can attach an audio grade power cable with a C7 connector. I used a Shunyata Venom cord.
The unit did add a noticeable increase in sound quality. A little more clarity, more lifelike vocals and less harshness in the upper treble. If you have a 12 volt modem, router or switch, give the Waveform Lighting DC power supply a listen. Here is the link: https://store.waveformlighting.com/collections/power-supplies-and-dimmers/products/filmgrade-12v-24v...
The unit did add a noticeable increase in sound quality. A little more clarity, more lifelike vocals and less harshness in the upper treble. If you have a 12 volt modem, router or switch, give the Waveform Lighting DC power supply a listen. Here is the link: https://store.waveformlighting.com/collections/power-supplies-and-dimmers/products/filmgrade-12v-24v...
Showing 4 responses by boakey39
You must not have read the specs. It is designed for critical lighting applications, and also works well with audio equipment. It has good filtering and voltage overload protection. I would recommend checking customer reviews and reading impressions from other audiophiles. I can attest that the unit improved my system when attached to a Shunyata Venom AC cord. Of course it won’t beat a Paul Hynes LPS or an SBooster. It is an affordable alternative, and significantly better than a stock wall wart. |
With the iFi DC power supplies, you have to be careful with the amp rating. It’s OK for a power supply to have a higher amp rating than your device. But it cannot have a lower amp value. The same is true for the wattage. The 12 volt iFi power supply only handles 1.8 amps. Many of the cable modems and routers require more than 1.8 amps. That’s why the Waveform Lighting power supply worked so well for me. I just ordered another one today. While I’m at it, here is another tip. I wanted to put a high grade AC power cord on this power supply, but the ones I have do not have C7 connectors. Fortunately, you can order a C7 adapter from Voodoo Cable for $19.00. The non-polarized type works for most routers and modems. Here is the link: https://voodoocable.net/product/c14-to-c7-iec-two-pin-adapter/ |
Using some of the logic here, everyone would throw away their linear power supplies that go with their music streamers. After all, streaming music is digital and bits are bits, right? Every audiophile forum should have a special “Snake Oil” thread for people who don’t think cables, power cords and power supplies can improve sound. Let the serious audiophiles pursue their passion in the regular threads. As for using quality, filtered power supplies on modems and routers, you often get the advantage of using better than stock AC power cords. I use mostly Shunyata cords in my system, and they improve the sound, regardless of which components I attach them to. One last thought. This very forum has several previous threads with thoughtful and helpful comments on DC power supplies. I have found that some of the better quality, but still affordable ones have a detachable brick with a C7 AC cord connector, like the ones from Waveform Lighting. |