Post by MartinT on Nov 6, 2018 20:33:56 GMT
This is a mini-review of my individual QP-1 power supply. Each one is created bespoke for the customer’s needs but the principles remain the same: ultra tight voltage regulation, ultra low noise and the ability to meet variable demands in audio circuits by use of high value supercaps for a large reservoir of storage.
Mine provides +5V via two USB sockets for powering my Raspberry Pi and modified DigiOne separately, and +15V via a DC connector for powering my Caiman SEG DAC. The whole black box is large and heavy and suggests an over-rated toroidal transformer inside. This is exactly the configuration I was looking for, to power my streaming subsystem to its maximum potential and get the very best performance from both components. I also wanted to ditch the batteries and all the charging routine that entailed. My intention was to leave it powered continuously.
Connecting it up, what this high quality PSU does is quite dramatic in outcome, more so with my DAC than the Pi but the whole comfortably outweighing just powering the DAC alone. The soundstage becomes far larger, extending left and right outside of my speakers. Depth is profound, which is not something my system has been notable for in the past. Voices jump right out of the mix and it becomes easier to distinguish vocals in general. Bass tightens up and is more tuneful. Music sounds more dimensional, more detached from the speakers and more vivid.
One important thing to note. This PSU took a good two weeks and longer to give of its best, most likely because of the length of time it took the industrial grade super-capacitors to ‘form’ and settle. Do not judge it at all within the first week of operation, just keep it powered up.
Having stepped up from the stock switched mode power supply, through a good linear power supply, then 12V lead acid batteries and now to this supercap power supply has been a progression from decent sound quality to something quite unexpectedly extraordinary. I’ve always known that power quality determines overall sound quality but this is a surprise even to me. Highly recommended, although the QP-1’s contribution is going to vary from one system to another.
Specifications
- Custom 120VA transformer with electrostatic screen, RFI/EMI shield, potted and specially designed mounting system
- From 3.3V DC - 18V DC, also can be produced to deliver up to dual rail +/- 25V DC, current capability now at 18A peak, 5A continuous up to 18V DC
- Use of two independent supercaps, one 470kuF, the other 68kuF, fitted after main custom rectification and first stage smoothing / storage capacitors, which can vary according to individual specification
- Two year warranty and can be reconfigured if customer changes equipment
- Price from £495
Mine provides +5V via two USB sockets for powering my Raspberry Pi and modified DigiOne separately, and +15V via a DC connector for powering my Caiman SEG DAC. The whole black box is large and heavy and suggests an over-rated toroidal transformer inside. This is exactly the configuration I was looking for, to power my streaming subsystem to its maximum potential and get the very best performance from both components. I also wanted to ditch the batteries and all the charging routine that entailed. My intention was to leave it powered continuously.
Connecting it up, what this high quality PSU does is quite dramatic in outcome, more so with my DAC than the Pi but the whole comfortably outweighing just powering the DAC alone. The soundstage becomes far larger, extending left and right outside of my speakers. Depth is profound, which is not something my system has been notable for in the past. Voices jump right out of the mix and it becomes easier to distinguish vocals in general. Bass tightens up and is more tuneful. Music sounds more dimensional, more detached from the speakers and more vivid.
One important thing to note. This PSU took a good two weeks and longer to give of its best, most likely because of the length of time it took the industrial grade super-capacitors to ‘form’ and settle. Do not judge it at all within the first week of operation, just keep it powered up.
Having stepped up from the stock switched mode power supply, through a good linear power supply, then 12V lead acid batteries and now to this supercap power supply has been a progression from decent sound quality to something quite unexpectedly extraordinary. I’ve always known that power quality determines overall sound quality but this is a surprise even to me. Highly recommended, although the QP-1’s contribution is going to vary from one system to another.
Specifications
- Custom 120VA transformer with electrostatic screen, RFI/EMI shield, potted and specially designed mounting system
- From 3.3V DC - 18V DC, also can be produced to deliver up to dual rail +/- 25V DC, current capability now at 18A peak, 5A continuous up to 18V DC
- Use of two independent supercaps, one 470kuF, the other 68kuF, fitted after main custom rectification and first stage smoothing / storage capacitors, which can vary according to individual specification
- Two year warranty and can be reconfigured if customer changes equipment
- Price from £495
