Linear Power Supply for a DAC

LPS for digital has different requirements than for analog preamp etc..

The digital LPS should be very fast reacting to provide the current transients for digital.  I recommend the Sbooster supplies.

Analog supply should be quiet, can be slower responding but input noise rejection is important.  Paul Hynes supplies do the best job of this.

Paul has had some factory issues over time, but he has his own shop again.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

What power supply specification or other property could one use to tell if one supply is faster than another. I am also looking for a very good linear power supply for my Acoustic Plan Digimaster DAC which uses 4 - EC86 tubes and has a 15V ? 2A DC input.

There is nothing in the specs on most power supplies that will tell you this unfortunately. You have to try them out and compare them.

Do power supplies have different "sound signatures" (if that’s the right term)?

They will cause different sound signatures in different components. Slow reacting supplies will reduce dynamics (slam factor). Supplies that do not have tight regulation will cause smearing and loss of focus. Supplies that do not have good AC line noise rejection will cause noise in the music.

I have gotten positive feedback on the Sbooster supplies.  I believe they are fast reacting.  They are not earth-grounded, but this can be added by using the right cabling.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio