First One Build: Power Supply Selection

LC tested three First One amplifiers, each one equipped with different power supply [link]:

• Hypex SMPS1200A400 [link]
• AudioPower DPS-500/63
• Connex SMPS2000R [link]

AB comparison 1: Single Connex vs Dual AudioPower

It was not really hard to recognize the better PS, since bass was really on a weak side of Connex, probably the reason lies in the use of a single SMPS2000R for both amp’s channels, nevertheless the sound-stage was narrow, instruments weakly presented, thin bodies, no real feeling of involvement into the music. DPS-500/63 were in dual mono configuration, meaning one per channel. Transparency and details resolution was very similar but the bass was one step ahead over the Connex. Still no real musical involvement presentation here, sound more or less stuck to the speakers, instruments with weak bodies, sound-stage not well formed.

Since both were regulated SMPSs we got an impression that the problem lies in the voltage regulation principle, too much interfering in audio signal is probably the worst thing it could happen from amp’s power supply.

It is interesting to point out that without AB comparison, LC had this to say about the Connex supply:

Cristi, your second SMPS2000R is just WOOOW, driving both channels. This is the one packed with Rubycons on primary and secondary side, set to +/-63 V, no hum, dead quiet silence, rock stable imaging, resolution is at the top notch, no sign of sibilants on vocals, liquid like sound, bass is simply awesome, like a day and night different from first one tried, also much better than SMPS1200 [link]

Yes, a day and night between the two SMPS2000R, named them A and B versions. As I can see the only difference is in secondary cap bank, maybe also something else, surely Cristi would have something more to say about them. Anyway version B with Rubycons is an absolute winner up to now, doubtless.

SMPS1200 provided better bass than Cristi’s A version, but that’s about it, both Connex gives higher headroom, also more power because of higher and regulated rail’s potential, at the end resulting in more stable sound imaging. [link]

AB comparison 2: Single Hypex vs Dual AudioPower

Here is the latest version of the Hypex supply. The entire PCB was updated in 2013 according to the data sheet [link]

After half an hour of mental pause, test continued between (single) Hypex SMPS1200A400 and (dual) Audio Power DSP-500/63. First we listened to DPS-500/63, musical impression stayed very much the same as it was in the first session. Weak presentation left us more or less cold, music is simply too thin, uninvolving.

Hypex’s turn then settled the things where they should belong, suddenly real music in the room. It was immediately clear to all of us who’s having magic stick in its sleeve. SMPS1200A400 shocked us with music so real that the other two seemed like that there was something broken in them.

Hypex presented bass so low and strong that our jaws just dropped for a while, dense wall of air moved with lowest possible frequencies we could still hear, still with ease. Sound-stage completely another story from previous contenders, no speakers in the room only musicians and instruments, this time with fully developed bodies, atmosphere of a recording stage, whether real or artificial, presented in full scale. SMPS1200A400 puts the First One amplifier in the first league of power amplifiers no matter the price level.

AB comparison 3: Single vs Dual SMPS1200A400 [link]

The result is not so far from our expectations, tight similarity with very slight differences noticeable on momentary A-B test; otherwise, on not so closely conducted comparisons, it would be very hard or even impossible to distinguish the two configurations.

In which cases to choose single or double SMPS solution greatly depends on the speaker’s efficiency and impedance, these two parameters dictate how power hungry your speakers are and of course how loud you want them to be.

The ultimate and preferred First One solution is still dual mono configuration, although the use of a single SMPS completely fulfills the needs in a smaller system.

AB comparison 4: Linear vs AudioPower [link] (Comparison on-going…)

Conclusion

Well, after the not-so-subtle remarks in the AB comparison performed by LC, it is almost impossible to argue the fact that using anything else than a Hypex SMPS1200A400 supply would “rob” performance out of the amplifier modules. A plus is that the amp modules are factory calibrated and tested with this supply in mind. In addition, especially for a budget-constrained build, the AB comparisons also showed that unless there is a need for high current demand, a single SMPS1200A400 would sufficiently fulfill the designed performance of the First One amp. Further, the Hypex SMPS1200A400 is competitively priced against the other two offerings.

Best choice

If one wishes to confirm the results or adjust certain variables in the comparisons, it would be difficult for the diyer to replicate even some of the tests reported by LC. First several amps were configured with the different supplies for a immediate AB comparison. Second, one would have to procure the different supplies for the test. This would be cost prohibitive for the common diyer. In addition Hypex has a long and excellent reputation for high end audio not just a a provider of high fidelity products but also as a technical innovator, and thus there is very little chance to find a superior supply for this application.

Why Hypex supply outperforms Connex supply?

Having examined the Connex supplies in detail, I find that the use of soft switching approach minimizes the generation of EMI while increasing efficiency. The hypex datasheet does not say whether it is a “soft” or “hard” switching approach. It merely says “The SMPS1200 is optimized from the first phase of design to final implementation to realize the lowest possible EMI signature required of the most demanding audio applications” this could very well mean the use of soft-switching and/or more aggressive output filtering. So from a SMPS switching approach point of view, one cannot say why one would sound better than the other.

Therefore, the difference in audio quality seems to be fully attributed to the unregulated output nature of the Hypex supply. This comes as a surprise because the audio implementations have been moving toward regulation and now we find that SMPS with regulated output seems detrimental to audio quality at least in this instance.

LC believes that regulation “interferes” with the audio signal [link]

For those interested in more technical details, the Connex supplies were tested extensively [link]. And even thought they exhibit superb performance and I remain a fan of Connex supplies [link], I cannot justify using them with the First One Amp modules in light of the comparison presented here.

AudioPower develops Unregulated PS

It is worthwhile to note that AudioPower has recently developed Unregulated versions of their Audio SMPS, perhaps a testament that “unregulation” has sonic advantages (or just competing with Hypex). [link]. I’ll have to admit, they are best looking.

My initial choice

For now I will use the power supply of the Adcom GFA-5300 AM. It generates +/- 52 volts and according to spec, can supply a max of 720VA