Linear power supply for DAC worth it?

[nightrider1470]

Has anyone ever tested one of these and did it make a difference?

 

[Rroff]

In what context?

Linear power regulation is definitely much better for audio but a decently put together audio power management circuit should be able to filter a switched power source effectively these days.

 

[jpaul]

In what context?

+1

For a chromecast audio, you can get such a linear usb supply, but moreover I considered getting a usb powerbank, to be able to use it in the car too.
several comments said both improved sound.

 

[nightrider1470]

I have a cheap SMSL Sanskrit 6 and wondering if a linear can offer more improvements.... I feel it lacks soundstage

 

[jpaul]

I was put off by the linear prices - all I had found was alibaba/risky solutions ~£70 which was going to be more than the dac (what had you seen?)
at which point I thought I would be better off replacing dac from Schiit range say.

Amazon do not seem to sell any ? otherwise you could try one out.

 

[Rroff]

Looks like it has some smoothing capacitors internally so you probably won't massively change it with a different power supply.

I suspect the lack of soundstage will come down to the choice of op amp on the output and/or maybe too many general purpose capacitors having an influence.

If you are any good with a soldering iron a fairly simple LM317 (or LD1085) circuit between a switched mode adaptor and the unit itself will produce as good as makes little odds equivalent of an expensive linear power supply unless you are talking a really high end setup.

 

[nightrider1470]

I have a packed away Arcam AVR300, I might try it for 2 channel stereo as that's what my setup is...

 

[NirK]

Very much doubt that changing power supply will improve the soundstage, maybe try different op amp as suggested above or get a different dac or amp or headphones.