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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.
128x128fsonicsmith
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?"-
chayro
2,926 posts
 
I just said it doesn't sound like fun to ME. Everyone should enjoy their audio system in their own way. Some like to listen to music and some like to futz around with gear. Makes no difference to me as long as I don't have to pay for it. Enjoy yourself.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
The power supply to a phono stage doesn't have to handle big fluctuations in voltage and power draw

I know a few designers who would strongly disagree with that. ;-)

It is not worth spending $700 to replace a wall-wart. As was mentioned to you on AA, look at plugging in a battery supply. You can match the input connector down at Radio Shack to make up a cable. Most of the jump start batteries I mentioned come with a DC accessory jack and a cable. Might set you back $50 and will give all of the benefits you are seeking.
inna
7,132 posts
 
Right, why not extract maximum performance from a basically very good piece? Just might be a little expensive in this case.
My speaker cables were more expensive than my speakers, both new and used.
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