I recently purchased one of these beauties for a customer who is very sensitive to radiation of all sorts and looked for a noise-free replacement for the switching power supply that came with his Squeezebox Classic streamer.
First I went for the ubiquitous Teradak DC-30 but then found out that all sources to buy one are in China. Looked around some more and was amazed to find that there is a French company selling a similar PSU for even less! The ordering process was hassle-free and straightforward. Took less than a week to have it here.
Unfortunately I had only very little time to check it out, but I really like what I see.
I need to emphasize that I don't consider myself an audiophile, I am more focused on things that I can feel and measure. Therefore, I won't share any audition results and comparisons between this PSU and others regarding the sound quality. Sorry folks.
** Case **
The build quality is superb all over. Nice anodized aluminium case, thick front panel, the back panel is also aluminium, everything fits exactly, it's heavy and solid. Chunky IEC power connector, indicator LEDs on the front (white) and back (green). It's a beauty to behold.
** Inside **
Inside things go on like that. Heavy duty toroidal transformer, massively oversized, discrete rectification, four Nichicon electrolytic capacitors, 4700µF/40V each to reduce any ripple, very clean PCB layout. Not a single wire. No flux residue anywhere, it's just as clean as it could ever be.
** Measurements **
There is not much to say about the output. It's absolutely flat 5VDC with no ripple or distortion whatsoever. Even under load this won't change. I hooked up three Squeezebox Classic with a consumption of around 6 to 7 Watts each. Even though this is close to the maximum specified, the PSU had no trouble serving them all the cleanest power. The peak power drawn from the 230V supply was ~34W so it appears that the PSU will consume around 4W for itself per output used. Haven't had the time to play around with smaller loads but I assume this is in relation to the power demands of the consuming device.
Power factor is close to 0.9 which I consider good, not stellar but a lot better than the typical switching power supplies.
Power consumption is shown with 0.0 Watts on the HOPI meter when the PSU is on but nothing is connected! Wow!
The three outputs are joined together but there is so much power available at any time that the consuming devices won't affect each other. This might be different if one emits extreme amounts of distortion, but then such units are best isolated from others and not supplied on the same power rail. Not a fault of this device in any case.
** More Observations **
The unit produces a good amount of warmth so it should not be used in tight spaces with little air around. It's far from red hot though.
There is a fuse inside, protecting the primary side of the transformer. In case it is blown it's just a matter of lifting the top lid and putting in a new one. However, I would have preferred a more accessible place for the fuse, somewhere on the back panel.
The LEDs are just poking through their respective panel, they are not fixed so it's possible to push them in. All that holds them is their own two legs. Not a major concern though, considering the price this is a tiny compromise.
The USB ports don't have a lot of grabbing force. It is rather easy to pull out USB connectors. A bit more spring tension wouldn't hurt.
Although I ordered only a PSU, there was also a 5.5/2.1mm cable delivered along. Nice touch, guys, and very appreciated!
** Summary **
This is an amazing piece of kit, unexpectedly well-built considering the budget price. I think this little thing can compete with PSUs in the price range of 400 to 500 EUR. Much of that goes into the brand names, not the values inside. A lot of attention was paid here, and all pieces that count are well done.
I will recommend this unit, and Audiophonics overall, to anyone who is interested in enhancing their audio equipment and musical experience.