Linear Power Supply for a DAC

Thanks for the replies.
steakster, not really interested in a DIY project.

I've been reading the UK audio forums where there is a lot of talk about Chord DACs, and the Teddy Pardo and Paul Hynes are highly rated. Many people are using TeraDak (Chinese) and they get good reviews.
But something I've noticed and don't understand is that DAC owners are using power supplies with specs that do not exactly match the Chord. i.e., they'll use a 12V 0.5A PS on a DAC which requires 2 amps.

There is one PS being sold in the UK specifically for Chord and it is less expensive than the Teddy and highly rated.
http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/power-supplies/514-chord-qutehd-linear-power-supply.html

My gut tells me to go for the Teddy Pardo even though it's more expensive. The pros...he works with top audio manufacturer's and he makes a PS which matches the specs of my DAC.

Thanks everybody.
@photonman, I see you did some research on power supplies as well, but the Uptone is beyond my budget.
I've seen many good units from the UK; MCRU, Paul Hynes, Sbooster, but so far I like the Teddy. He goes into detail about his filtering technology, but doesn't mention the transformer.
@elberoth2, @celtic66 ... do you know if the Teddy uses a toroidal transformer? Ever experience any hum?

I contacted Teddy and he does use a toroidal transformer. Another recommended LPS is from Swagman Labs (Hong Kong), found on Ebay or on their website.
What is most important about power supplies is to have good voltage regulation and strong ripple rejection.
I've since sold the Chord.

Almost every vendor I've dealt with will charge my credit card when the item is ready to ship. Not fair to do it any other way.

I see that TeraDak is popular worldwide. It's mentioned on forums in the US, UK, and EU.
For digital use it's important to see specs listed for fast voltage regulation as Steve N. stated. Some TeraDak models on Ebay include this.

Regarding TeraDak, does anybody know if the unit with multiple voltages; 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V can be set by the user?

Is there an advantage to owning a single voltage TeraDak LPS, maybe a better design?

@grannyring, maybe you can answer?

@grannyring ,
Since you use several TeraDaks, is there an advantage to owning a single voltage TeraDak LPS rather than the multiple voltage units? i.e., 5V, 9V, 12V selectable.
Currently I need to power a 5V digital source.

I have a Swagman Labs SE LPS that's worked well for me. I'd like to upgrade the stock DC cable from the power supply to the 2.5mm barrel connector.

First question; what is this cable called? It has a lockable circular plug.

And lastly, any recommendations (under $100) ?

Ok, now I know what I'm looking for. Any recommendations for a DC cable for linear power supply with lockable circular socket? Twisted conductors rather than the stock cable. Thanks.

I only found Canare in the archives.

 

@jackd  thanks. Have you tried their cables? 

https://www.ghentaudio.com/part/dc-gac4.html

Many thanks @jackd . I found the correct cable.

Could end up with lots of boxes and fat cables on my rack, but I am dedicated to having zero switching supplies in my system.  So much for all that effort on the part of manufacturers to be energy efficient...

Same here. I've been thinking about using a LPS to power my router. It's on a separate circuit than my audio but there are members here who say they can hear an improvement.

 

 

Hi @knownothing 

I'm using the Swagman SE on a reclocker in my digital chain. I have the iFi SPDIF iPurifier and it's inline with my Node 2i. This iFi device with the stock wall wart provided very little improvement removing jitter and noise. I experienced a significant SQ improvement after swapping in the Swagman to power the iPurifier. The data stream from the Node2i doesn't perform at the level of my Audio Note dac so I installed a reclocker. Now my streaming has improved to near CD quality. I also use a Cullen C7 power cable on the Node; big improvement. I would imagine adding a LPS to the Node would be a significant upgrade over the small internal SMPS.

I spoke to Teddy Pardo about a LPS for my Chord and felt very confident about using his power supplies. If you really like your Node and its interface, installing a LPS would be a great upgrade. However, I don't feel a Pardo would be cost effective on the Node. It costs about the same as the Node streamer. There are less expensive options to power your Node.

I would use a Teddy on a dac, although the Swagman SE would save you some money. But after seeing the positive user reviews for the Teddy/DAC combo, it might be worth it.

Sorry for such a long-winded response.

 

 

@mclinnguy 

I saw the C7 from Audio Sensibility, but went with a Canare DC cable only for the lower cost. I use AS Statement PCs in my system and they are outstanding as far as improved sound, not to mention the build quality. I prefer their performance over my Furutec PCs.