Uptone JS-2 Dual Linear Power Supply
Feb 18, 2024 11:40:00 GMT
MikeMusic, mattspl, and 1 more like this
Post by MartinT on Feb 18, 2024 11:40:00 GMT
I want to give a shoutout to the two JS-2 power supplies I acquired around Christmas time. Each is powering an AfterDark clock and has lifted their performance from great to outstanding. Such is their ability to outperform all that has preceded them that I am still taken aback at how good they are.
The JS-2 is very nicely built into an attractive industrial/striking case that looks far better than in my photo. Its claim to fame, and the reason why I think it does an outstanding job of powering clocks, is that it is choke (inductor) regulated rather than using the usual array of capacitors. It does use caps, too, in an LC (inductor-capacitor) circuit that reduces the charging spikes from sharp harmonic-filled spikes to a benign low-level sinewave that is further regulated. As you know, clocks are very sensitive to noise of all kinds and perform best when fed a very clean supply and are vibration insulated from the outside world. Effectively, the power supply quality determines how clean of damaging noise the clock output is. Ultimately, this impacts the DAC and directly influences its performance limit.
The resulting benign sinewave is far easier for the regulator to manage than a waveform full of high frequency spuriae. The choke also has the added benefit of filtering out most of the noise coming in through the mains power.
The independent outputs are individually selectable for one of four voltages and the combined output capability is:
4.7 Amps at 5V
5.5 Amps at 7V
7.0 Amps at 9V
7.4 Amps at 12V
Instantaneous capability of up to 10A
I have both of my JS-2 sitting on Black Ravioli Big Pads and have a Schramm weight on top.
Powering an AfterDark clock at 12V and less than 1A draw, they are comfortably within their capability and the only reason I don't use the other output is that nothing, such as a ground loop, must interfere with my sensitive clocks as they are the key determinant to my system's sound quality.
The JS-2 just does its job quietly and fuss-free. Yes, they are not inexpensive but when you weigh up the price against the performance and, ultimately, the sound quality they bring to the system, they offer high value for money. Some of the very best components I have ever bought for my system and ones that I am very glad to have discovered.
The JS-2 is very nicely built into an attractive industrial/striking case that looks far better than in my photo. Its claim to fame, and the reason why I think it does an outstanding job of powering clocks, is that it is choke (inductor) regulated rather than using the usual array of capacitors. It does use caps, too, in an LC (inductor-capacitor) circuit that reduces the charging spikes from sharp harmonic-filled spikes to a benign low-level sinewave that is further regulated. As you know, clocks are very sensitive to noise of all kinds and perform best when fed a very clean supply and are vibration insulated from the outside world. Effectively, the power supply quality determines how clean of damaging noise the clock output is. Ultimately, this impacts the DAC and directly influences its performance limit.
The resulting benign sinewave is far easier for the regulator to manage than a waveform full of high frequency spuriae. The choke also has the added benefit of filtering out most of the noise coming in through the mains power.
The independent outputs are individually selectable for one of four voltages and the combined output capability is:
4.7 Amps at 5V
5.5 Amps at 7V
7.0 Amps at 9V
7.4 Amps at 12V
Instantaneous capability of up to 10A
I have both of my JS-2 sitting on Black Ravioli Big Pads and have a Schramm weight on top.
Powering an AfterDark clock at 12V and less than 1A draw, they are comfortably within their capability and the only reason I don't use the other output is that nothing, such as a ground loop, must interfere with my sensitive clocks as they are the key determinant to my system's sound quality.
The JS-2 just does its job quietly and fuss-free. Yes, they are not inexpensive but when you weigh up the price against the performance and, ultimately, the sound quality they bring to the system, they offer high value for money. Some of the very best components I have ever bought for my system and ones that I am very glad to have discovered.
