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Linear Power Supply

I am thinking of venturing into the LPS world for a Wattson Madison ( original edition ) DAC-streamer that I acquired for a second system.  Rather surprisingly, I tried it in my primary system ( Leben cs600 and DeVore O93 ) and found it sounded superb and more enjoyable than my Electrocompanient ECM. Given the fact that it comes with a wall wart power supply, I thought a LPS might improve its sonics further.  In the course of doing some research I found a wide range of "sonic" characteristics in the different LPS available in the 500-1000 dollar price range. The potential power supplies I researched include Linear Tube Amplifier, Teddy Pardo, Fidelizer, Farrad and SBooster to name a few.  My goal is to improved bass response and add to the natural organic tone of the Wattson.  I am curious as to what others have found in their searches.

rivinyl
genomeip
28 posts
 

I made the same LPS journey and had purchased a custom dual variable LPS from Pine Tree Audio.

 

The greatly enhanced dynamics, expanded soundstage, and more authorative presentation across all frequencies was very much a welcome surprise.

 

The duL variable allows me to change the voltage very easily across 2 outputs in case I ever switch out older components for new gear...i.e., not everything runs on 5v and 12v (WiiM Pro Plus and Geshelli J2S DAC respectively).

 

Good luck.

gunhold
9 posts
 

Lord Milton,

There are several PliXir models. Which one did you use to compare to the Zayin?

What did the Zayin do better than PliXir?

 

easystreamer
122 posts
 

Check out the two rail Uptone Audio JS-4.

I used the now discontinued JS-2 for my DAC and it worked well. The JS-4 is the improved successor model.

rivinyl OP
213 posts
 

So to update the discussion.  I bought and have deployed a Linear Tuber Amplifier LPS; just added to the set-up.  In the first few hours, I can say there is definitely an increase and tightening of the bass.  Voices are more present and realistic. However, the soundstage is more forward and so far a bit fatiguing.  I am little suprised that it hasn't added as much weight to the music as I had hoped for. Hopefully with some more time and run-in it will settle down a bit.  I will keep the forum posted.

rivinyl OP
213 posts
 

A further update; not so positive this go round.

As the air conditioning season has started in New England an unwanted feature has occurred.  When the AC ( central ) goes on, the LPS is faltering and the music stops to be replaced by static.  Our AC and my stereo cabinet are on different circuits.  This is a very reproducible event and does not occur when I go back to the wall wart power supply.  I did a bit of research and came across a couple of solutions: a hard start kit for our AC, vs a UPS.  Of course returning the unit is also on the table.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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