Preamplifier power supply


Hi folks, should a preamplifier have a BIG (that is: an overkill power supply) to sound dynamic and authoritative? I'm asking this because some experts would say "yes" while others would say "no". Recently a well known audio journalist (Anthony Cordesmann?) said that the preamplifier doesn't have to have a big power supply because it doesn't have to deliver lots of energy (in the form of current). A preamplifier can sound "dynamic" even with very modest power supply --> for example the built in preamplifier in the Benchmark DAC. But some manufacturers rely on a truly overkill power supply in their reference preamplifiers: MBL, First Sound Audio, BAT, VTL, LAMM, Mark Levinson. So who is right?

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 1 response by ptmconsulting

I have an AudioPrism Mantissa preamp. It's getting a bit long in the tooth now, but still a very nice product overall. It has an external power supply. There was also an upgraded version that had a beefier power supply available.

Now AudioPrism has long had a reputation as understanding power supplies and power filtering, so I kind of trust them on this one. Anyway, the difference between the original power supply and the upgraded one, in terms of sonics, is quite easily heard. More dynamics and ectension. An overall sense of increased ease and blacker backgrounds.

It's more than just boosting capacitance or the size of the transformer though. There's probably more discrete filtering in there and probably additional isolation between the sections feeding power to the analogue circiutry also.

Beefier supplies also tends to mean better design and implementation. Or at least more complex design and implementation that should lead to better sonics, for the reasons I cited above.

Enjoy,
Bob