Linear Power Supplies, as suggested, lets talk about them.

[novisnick]

Do I need one? Or more? What are they’re best uses?
They will/should get rid of ground hums?
Ive found information about them but do they add any benefits to HiFi?

[pknaz]

Haven't Keith, Lonnie, and Dan all described the ins-and-outs of linear vs. non-linear?

[sahmen]

To me, it all depends on your components and your needs. I use one each--an Uptone Audio Ultracap LPS-1--with my Micro-rendu and Ultrarendu. These two can alternatively be powered with other units, such as a Meanwell SMPS power supply or the Ifi 9v power supply, but the results, in the latter cases would be noticeably subpar in comparison... Also you would normally not need any A/B auditioning to tell the difference between the respective outcomes, because it is a difference that smacks you in the face...

I had a particularly revealing experience with a Squeezebox Touch, which I had idling about in the house for a long time, one which I was going to sell off for some cheap change, because I thought it had outlived its usefulness as a SOTA streamer or network player. And then one day I read a comment on Computer Audiophile in which John Swenson of Uptone Audio was speaking in very glowing terms of the transformative effect that a good power supply, such as the LPS-1 can have on the Squeezebox Touch... So I replaced the stock power supply of the Squeezebox touch with an LPS-1, and the result was indeed quite dramatic. Soon afterwards, I discovered that that the makers of the Sbooster power supply series have made one specifically dedicated to the Squeezebox touch, so I got a pre-owned Sbooster power supply with the same specs (BOTW P&P ECO 5V - 6V.) on e-bay, for the Squeezebox touch, because I needed to use the LPS-1 in a different application. Let's just say that the Squeezebox Touch now occupies a place of honor in the 2-channel near-field rig in my home office as a Roon endpoint, and it accomplishes its duties sensationally for headphone listening as well as powered monitor listening via my Airmotiv 6s. I do not think that Squeezebox Touch is going anywhere any time soon.

I am also aware that people use Linear Power Supplies with all kinds of source components, such as DACs and computers, but my experience in such other uses is almost non-existent, but others who know better may chime in.  One caveat is that these Linear Power Supply units are not all created equal : synergies are very important, so some research is always essential before acquisition.


   

[405x5]

Generally speaking I alternate them depending upon the alignment of the planets.

Bill