I wonder what that represents in actual dollars. Double sounds high, but if its $20 versus $10, does that justify $350?
How important is a Linear Power Supply Versus a Switcyed one?
I recently purchased a used Sutherland Insight phono stage to replace the built in one in my Plinius8200 MK II integrates amp. I was amazed at the improvement in openness and presence. It comes with a switched power supply but there is an option for a Linear Supply for about 35% of what I paid for the Insight ($350). I have a Van den Hul One Special cartridge (if that matters). Is it worth it?
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sokogear OP $350 sound fair SMP (switchmode) https://ibb.co/syZLpCj Linear LMP https://ibb.co/xGQVK29 Cheers George |
Most of these small audio manufacturers have commensurate small volume. To that end, they are paying quite a bit for components, and an arm and a leg for assembly. What you can build 100,000 of for $10/each, can cost $100(or more)/each, to build 100. I wonder what that represents in actual dollars. Double sounds high, but if its $20 versus $10, does that justify $350? |
Thank you all for your contributions. I did my science project and since it came with no instructions, I did speak with Ron Sutherland a couple times during the 90 minutes or so swapping the board and power bridge. Second time would probably take 15 minutes. The guy is so refreshingly nice and patient, I can't recommend him highly enough for anyone looking for a phono stage with the features needed at a price point anyone is considering. They get very good reviews. He will service any of his equipment regardless of where or when it was purchased, and is happy to do so. He just wants people to enjoy the fruits of his labor and is honored to have his products as part of his customers' systems. When I connected the unit, the upgrade did not have anywhere near the same impact it did when the phono stage was connected the first time (as expected), but I could hear a little bit more in the bass, more so for jazz than rock, but this is for only a small sampling of records. As long as it does not hurt the sound, I am glad I did it. If it becomes more noticeable, I'll post again. The LPS was recently added as an option and Ron told me he has only sold a handful of upgrades (new Insights are often optioned with the LPS straight out of the factory). He doesn't charge labor to do it, so unless you like working in very tight spaces, are dexterous, and have patience, I would let him do it. He can count on one hand (I think it was 3) the number of his customers that did it themselves like me. He was the one who told me I could do it and what would be involved and he was right on the money. Great guy. |
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