How important is a Linear Power Supply Versus a Switcyed one?

I think this is a mod, not an external box, so return would be messy if not impossible. The question is whether it would be noticeably better. 
Forgot to mention that I have a Furman Elite 15 conditioner which got rid of a very slight buzz I had with the volume turned up with nothing playing. Does this make a difference in this discussion/decision?

That's what I am afraid of....  a teeny bit. I don't consider myself a tweaker and generally don't do things like aftermarket tonearm counterweights, cable stands so they don't touch the floor or that type of stuff. I do care very much about quality and was very pleasantly surprised by a tonearm I bought last year that blew me away (the phono stage made almost the same difference) but a 2 step turntable trade in/upgrade that cost more than the arm made only a very subtle difference and I was disappointed with that, but liked a couple new features so I kept it.  

I am very much aware of the law of diminishing returns and I think I am at the point where my strategy of paying up to $1000 for something noticeable being a no brainer is now impossible. Maybe I am wrong here. I think I am going to call Ron Sutherland - he is a very nice down to earth guy.

Thanks for all the input.

I spoke with Ron Sutherland and he is the nicest guy. Can't believe he acts as his own distributor and handles inquiries directly.

He said others in the past who did the Insight upgrade were pleased, but he didn't say they were happy they did it and would do it again. He is not a salesman at all and said with or without it, I would be happy, but he knows it it technically better and like some of the posters have said there is some internal noise reduction. The question is, does it sound better to someone with very good, but not Absolute Sound ears.
 
It's an internal board which he said I could do myself, but you have to "jigger a couple things" and blindly thread an LED and it would take an hour (same price if he installs it or not, which was surprising). The second time I would do it would be easier/quicker.... I'm not really looking for a science project. Even though it's only spacers and screws and an LED (no soldering), he said you need to be dexterous.

By the time shipping back and forth is added, it's about $400, almost half of what I paid for the whole phono stage (used). It is a marketing strategy - he charges 25% of list for the linear Power Supply, which seems a bit much compared to the cost difference when manufacturing the LPS board versus the SMP one. I doubt the incremental cost to him is 25% more with the swap. On his 20/20 PS, which is also widely regarded as a great value, he charges $450 for an LPS and it comes in a separate box, so it is easy to compare.Thats a $2200 Phono Stage vs. $1400 for the Insight.

Doesn't matter though - if it is a noticeable improvement, I would do it.

I just don't know....if it was an external box it would be so much easier to compare and return if I wasn't happy.

Does anyone know anybody who has done the upgrade and saw a noticeable difference? I'm of the school that the most important part of the system is the source, so I don't mind spending $$ there.

They say that SMPs introduce noise into the circuit that could impact the sound quality. Sutherland says it's better to have an LPS, but he wasn't acting like it was a really big deal, claims he doesn't like to make minor changes to his personal system but would tell a family member to do it if asked.

I agree with some of the other posts that it would depend on the system as to whether or not I would hear it, and unfortunately, a trial wouldn't be feasible. 

If it was only one or two hundred bucks, I would just do it because it can't hurt (like when I bought better power cables and didn't hear a difference) and I wouldn't be upset about it, but $400 is something more considerable. I guess it all depends on your mentality on spending.

Oh well, I'll think about it....there are certainly bigger issues in the world....maybe if I can get someone reliable to do the install and drop it to $350 and not have to ship the whole unit....

Kijank-if SMPS is more expensive, then why is it standard and LPS an extra cost option?

Mapman - what are you saying as to why the LPS is an optional extra cost item?

I took the plunge and am dealing directly with Ron Sutherland who assured me I will have no problem swapping the boards (which will save the back and forth shipping costs of $50 or so).

No soldering, and he is even willing to get on the phone in case I need any help. Nicest guy. I'll let the discussion know how easy it was and how much better it sounds.

I wonder what that represents in actual dollars. Double sounds high, but if its $20 versus $10, does that justify $350?

Thank you all for your contributions. I did my science project and since it came with no instructions, I did speak with Ron Sutherland a couple times during the 90 minutes or so swapping the board and power bridge. Second time would probably take 15 minutes. The guy is so refreshingly nice and patient, I can't recommend him highly enough for anyone looking for a phono stage with the features needed at a price point anyone is considering. They get very good reviews. He will service any of his equipment regardless of where or when it was purchased, and is happy to do so. He just wants people to enjoy the fruits of his labor and is honored to have his products as part of his customers' systems.

When I connected the unit, the upgrade did not have anywhere near the same impact it did when the phono stage was connected the first time (as expected), but I could hear a little bit more in the bass, more so for jazz than rock, but this is for only a small sampling of records.

As long as it does not hurt the sound, I am glad I did it. If it becomes more noticeable, I'll post again.

The LPS was recently added as an option and Ron told me he has only sold a handful of upgrades (new Insights are often optioned with the LPS straight out of the factory). He doesn't charge labor to do it, so unless you like working in very tight spaces, are dexterous,  and have patience, I would let him do it. He can count on one hand (I think it was 3) the number of his customers that did it themselves like me. He was the one who told me I could do it and what would be involved and he was right on the money. Great guy.  

Forgot to mention... it is exactly the same power supply as in his $3800 Little Loco model, so I do think it is a good deal, which is why I bought it.

It takes up as much space as the main board, so yeah $350 is more than justifiable.

It only has value to me though, if I can hear it, but still it's nice to have. I am sure I will hear more and more improvement.