Linear Power Supply?
Can someone tell me exactly what an LPS supposedly does to improve the operation of a turntable motor? Does it run more precisely at a given speed? Does it vibrate less? I have a SOTA Eclipse motor with Condor and Roadrunner. SOTA is coming out with an LPS option which they say is better than the SMPS wall wart, but I want to know exactly how it’s better. If less noise in my system is the benefit, then I believe I already have that addressed because I plug it into my PS Audio P20 power regenerator.
SMPS technology may he applied to a high end power supply. Iirc CS Port uses them ( although they are run by a retired industrial power supply engineer )...but in general it seems a decent LPS is the easiest way to get into a better quality PS. Yes better PS make a difference to turntable motor systems. |
A linear power supply is extremely simple. It uses a transformer, diodes and capacitors and regulators to create a DC output from the incoming AC. It's the oldest type of such converters and is in most high end audio gear. A switch mode power supply is more complicated, much higher efficiency, much smaller, lighter and noise can really vary based on design. Done well it's noise can be equal to or better than the best linear supplies. Most are not done well. :) |
I also have a Condor/Roadrunner. To get it more precise, level the plinth and platter better, and lube the bearing. I usually get 0.04 on Analog Magik or 0.02 on WFGUI by doing so on my VPI. FWIW, the older Phoenix Eagle/Roadrunner used a LPS similar to the one SOTA has developed. Same case, even. The only difference between the Phoenix LPS and the SOTA LPS is that the latter has connections for both boxes. Also, when I had the Eagle/Roadrunner, I had to separately ground the LPS. YMMV. |
Like I said, it's a matter of individual perception. Is there likely to be a measurable advantage to the LPS vs the existing SMPS, in terms of noise in the audio signal or speed control accuracy? No, I don't think so. But will you hear a difference? Maybe, because of how our brains work. Brinkmann has for years offered a tube-based motor controller as an optional extra cost item compared to their standard solid state motor controller. I can't think of a reason for it, but many end users report an improvement with tubes. (The present situation is not analogous, of course.) |
@earthtones , I have a Cosmos with The Phoenix Drive system. It is perfectly normal to see a variance up to +- 0.005 RPM. Mine runs 33.336 +- 0.002. Never in a million years will you hear this. The Phoenix drive also buffers whatever power it is getting. There would have to be a very large variation before it would effect it's performance. I have watched the Road Runner with all sorts of power dipping events and nothing seems to bother it. |
