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Arjestin
362
Aug 25, 2019
"Snake Oil" is a term being thrown around quite often in our community. I encourage you to read about the difference between transparent and euphonic audio components in the following article: https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/124929287-how-should-i-buy-an-audio-system "A well-designed switching power supply can be much quieter than a linear supply". True. This is because SNR is an objective (quantifiable) measurement. However, our listening enjoyment is subjective (non-quantifiable). Humans do find some harmonics and nonlinearity to be pleasant. We're just weird that way. Please don't judge us :) Many high-end audio component manufacturers equip their products with an oversized toroidal transformer, despite knowing that a well-designed SMPS transformer measures better in terms of SNR. Why? Because they are convinced that their products sound better with a LPS. It is a subjective opinion, not a measurement. Now, I'm not advising you to buy a Topping P50. It's barely powerful enough to charge a smartphone, though you're a true badass if you use a Topping P50 as your iphone charger! But when it comes to amplifiers, LPS do have their rightful place in the market. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dqaRpz5_pw
UOIM
24
Aug 25, 2019
ArjestinHi friend. I'm currently using topping d20. The problem with this device is that it does not support grounding on the power supply. As a result, the amp connected to the dac is also affected by ungrounded residual electricity. The problem is this: my amp has a volume knob and housing made of aluminum so I hear noise in my headphones every time I turn the volume knob. This device requires a 15v 1a power supply. The only compatible power supply with 15v 1a is the product p50!. I understand your attitude regarding this product to sound quality. However, you should be aware that people who use current topping products, such as me, may have problems with current and noise problems. It's a hasty generalization to say that buying this product is stupid.
(Edited)
Arjestin
362
Aug 25, 2019
UOIMSo you bought a Topping P50 to fix a fundamental flaw with the Topping D20, which is about the same price? Hey, as long as you enjoy the sound coming out of your gear, I'm happy for you. It's all that matters.  Out of curiosity, what amp do you use? Did the P50 eliminate your "ungrounded residual electricity" issue?
UOIM
24
Aug 25, 2019
ArjestinIt's a fact that everyone, not just you and me, know that buying a power supply at a price similar to the price of a DAC can seem irrational. Nevertheless, it is the choice of the individual to take this absurdity. I'm at least happy with the sound of the dac I use, and I bought a power supply to remove residual noise without changing the DAC. I don't think it's a bad investment because this solves the problem completely. For reference, I use my own o2 amplifier. But I wonder if you deserve enough to enlighten someone. To talk about the rumors and facts about the sound quality of a linear power supply, it's pretty convincing to quote "the manufacturer's description of selling thousands of dollars of products." is not it? Of course I'm very sick of audio superstitions. But I use my knowledge to not waste money, not to fool others.
(Edited)
cutekitty
32
Aug 26, 2019
ArjestinYou're spot-on regarding objective vs subjective measurements. I know that a Porsche performs better than a Cadillac, but I'd rather have the Cadillac due to its superior comfort and luxury feel. Just like I'd rather have an R2R DAC rather than a top performing ESS based one. But I really don't see the point of having an external linear power supply if the device it drives filters the input power. For example, I will gain no audible benefit from changing the PSU of my RME ADI-2 DAC, because the unit is power agnostic by design. Where LPS and huge toroidal transformers do make the sound pleasant for us humans :) is inside power amplifiers. Unless you intend to fix an existing defect with Topping equipment, this P50 is a waste of your money.
RayF
22214
Aug 28, 2019
Arjestin
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