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Replace wall wart to Simaudio LP3

I just picked up a brand new Simaudio LP3 to go with a second turntable I am setting up. The wall wart that comes with the LP3 is miniscule and is bound to be a switching power supply. I want to replace it with a premium quality power supply and would be willing to spend up to $750. These are the options I am considering; Welbourne Labs ($240), Bolder Cable Company ($550 for basic), and two UK options, Little Pinky (~$300) and Paul Hynes Design (Scotland-~$300). Does anyone have any suggestions/tips/advice? For reference, I already have a Simaudio LP5.3 mated to a VPI Classic and Benz Glider. The LP3 is to be mated with a restored Thorens TD124/SME 3009 and Ortofon 540MkII.
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inna
7,132 posts
 
I don't understand it either. I have an LP3 and it is just fine for a modest phono stage. There are many better pieces used and even new for about $1k. Could you elaborate on your idea?
fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith OP
931 posts
 
Well yeah, I guess. Arguably, the LP3 is very close in POTENTIAL to the LP5.3 with a very similar layout and parts choice but it is single ended only and it lacks a sophisticated power supply. I picked up the LP3 on close-out for $350. The LP5.3 has been replaced by the 310 and the price has gone up from $1500 to $1800 such that retailers won't let a 310 out the door for less than $1500. If I were to spend $500 on an outboard PSU and get 90-95% of the sound quality of the LP5.3, I figure I come out ahead. Plus, it will be fun to experiment and compare. This hobby is supposed to be fun, right?
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drubin
3,265 posts
 
Of course! Have some fun.
chayro
2,926 posts
 
Just picking up a brand new phono stage and immediately thinking about replacing the power supply doesn't sound like much fun to me.
fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith OP
931 posts
 
"Just picking up a brand new phono stage and immediately thinking about replacing the power supply doesn't sound like much fun to me"

Unnecessary implied criticism/negativity. To each his own. If you read my OP, you would have seen that I already have a Simaudio LP5.3. I did not buy the LP3 thinking it would be fantastic or amazing or up to the level of my LP5.3. I bought it because I do need a second phono stage for a second table. I bought it knowing it would not be up to the level of the LP5.3 and when I bought it I discussed with the salesperson (from Music Direct) the potential to upgrade its performance with a replacement for the wall wart. Phono stages by nature "handle" very low voltage signals. The power supply to a phono stage doesn't have to handle big fluctuations in voltage and power draw the way one does in a power amp or even a preamp. But it does need to be ultra quiet. Hence the popularity of battery power supplies with phono stages. A well designed power supply featuring a top quality transformer and chokes will far excel the performance of a switching wall wart for a design like the LP3. I don't think you will find a single audio engineer who would say otherwise. The question is not "should I?" but "which?"-
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