2. digital
  3. 153873-3293

Linear Power supplies for DACs...?

Is there real SQ benefits or is it placebo snake oil?
i have a Chord Qutest and it has a wall wart. Lots of people say there’s real benefit to adding an external LPS. 
Plenty of choices ranging from $50 - $500.
Sure, a home audition is ideal.

but, what do you guys think?

Not just for the Qutest, but in general for DACs.
ianrmack

Showing 6 responses by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
 I also added a VPI brick on top of the LPS transformer. Seems to help smooth things out. Strange.
@mkgus,  what does VPI claim the benefits of the brick are when added to a power supply?

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
I read in one of my father's old MSEE textbooks from the golden age of hifi in the 50's, that a block of iron or other magnetic material in proximity to a transformer will improve coupling action between the primary & secondary windings.

Thanks, @mkgus. This info gives me something to research.


lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
@c_avila1 , is the Cerious a custom cable? I don't see it on their website.
I don't know if there is a standard connection to a LPS, but the termination to the device is a standard 2.1mm.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
I had a DC power cable that didn't fit well, so I ordered one from Monoprice and it worked perfectly.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
Doesn't the Swagman have an IEC that accepts a standard power cable?
By "wall-wart" do you mean the DC power cable with the 2.1mm barrel connector that goes from LPS to Arcam?

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
Yes, using a LPS is a noticeable upgrade for the Chord.

More to discover