When we started this project, we aimed to create the perfect product for the HiFi market. Existing solutions were either too expensive, featured cheap-looking designs, had poor specs, or sometimes a combination of all three. I am pleased to introduce our latest development, a dual-channel low-noise power supply unit, which is highly compact yet incredibly powerful. In the development of our power supply, our primary focus was on creating a product that embodies elegance and sophistication. Designed to seamlessly complement HiFi and Hi-End components, our power supply showcases a striking exterior made from premium materials. We have made every effort to arrange all the components inside a compact chassis while taking all necessary measures to minimize the interference between electronic components. Let’s focus on the key components of our solution that allowed us to achieve excellent results.
To summarize the key components of our solution that have contributed to our exceptional results:
Ultra-compact FN9280b Power Entry Module from Schaffner: This module stands out for its compact size and efficient AC network filtering. It not only enhances the performance of your connected devices but also significantly extends the lifespan of your equipment. What’s more, it includes an integrated IEC lock to prevent accidental disconnection from the AC power source, ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted power supply for your devices. Additionally, the PCB mounted 230/115VAC selector allows you to configure the unit to be used worldwide, making it a versatile choice for various international power standards.
Audio-grade Transformer by Toroidy: Our solution features an audio-grade transformer meticulously engineered for superior performance. This toroidal transformer delivers the cleanest and most stable power supply to your audio equipment. Its unique toroidal shape effectively minimizes electromagnetic interference, resulting in pristine audio quality with minimal noise and distortion.
Synchronous Rectifiers with N-channel MOSFETs (‘Ideal Bridges’): These advanced rectifiers, often referred to as ‘Ideal Bridges,’ offer cutting-edge solutions. They not only maximize power efficiency but also eliminate thermal design challenges. With improved efficiency, reduced heat generation, and enhanced overall performance, they ensure the longevity and reliability of your systems.
Panasonic’s FC-A Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors: Renowned for their exceptional reliability and widespread use in audio applications, Panasonic’s FC-A Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors are a cornerstone of our solution. They contribute significantly to the overall quality and durability of our product, guaranteeing optimal performance for your audio equipment. All the above components are integrated onto a high-quality PCB, which we refer to as the “Rectifier Module.“
The second module, known as the “Regulator Board,” accommodates two independent high-end Dual Stage regulators, securely attached to the top heatsink of the chassis.
The development of this board took a considerable amount of time, and we’ve incorporated numerous unique solutions, drawing from all our experience in designing low-noise voltage regulators. The core concept revolves around implementing a dual-stage regulation approach. In the first stage, we employ a switching mode DC-DC voltage converter, responsible for reducing the rectified voltage to the desired levels before channeling it into the second stage, a linear regulator. This grants us the capability to achieve a wide range of output voltages without requiring adjustments to the rectifier’s output voltage and without the need for extensive cooling mechanisms to dissipate high power.
Similar solutions are available on the market, but in our view, the implementation of these solutions has been far from perfect. The first issue is that standard Switching Mode DCDC regulators are relatively noisy devices, generating a multitude of noise across a wide frequency range that is nearly impossible to filter out using linear regulators. Our solution is based on the use of specialized regulators employing silent switcher technology, followed by one of the best linear regulator modules available.
Another aspect that often doesn’t receive the required attention is the implementation of circuitry solutions. Some manufacturers overlook the recommendations provided by chip manufacturers for PCB layout and opt for solutions that may be user-friendly but can significantly impact IC performance. For instance, adjusting the output voltage using a trim resistor or a switch placed on the rear panel may seem convenient, but it can compromise the regulator’s performance, as long wires or traces within a reference circuit do not help in this regard.
The Regulator Board features two fully isolated dual-stage hybrid regulators with superior specifications. Additionally, optional external DC inputs enable you to power the regulator with an external DC source, such as a battery or another DC power supply, allowing you to disconnect from the AC source when needed. The controller board, attached to the regulator, continuously monitors all essential parameters and includes protection features for undervoltage, overcurrent, and short circuit scenarios.
Accurately measuring noise levels, especially in low-noise power supplies, can be a challenging task. However, it’s effortless to create a simple setup and compare our power supplies with others, even from the comfort of your home. We can assist you in making such comparisons to ensure our performance superiority.
We’ve conducted extensive tests, comparing our products to several well-known alternatives, and we can confidently confirm that our power supplies consistently outperform the competition in terms of noise levels. In addition to these tests, we’ve also evaluated our units with various audio equipment. The results are crystal clear: our power supplies put the rest on rest.
