External Linear Power Supplies

@steakster what LPS makes/models did you get? Thanks. 

@kingbarbuda For my modem and router, I purchased two of these LPS’s – with heatsinks.

As mentioned earlier, the LPS’s for the modem and router can get hot - especially, if someone else in the house is a gamer or watching a movie online. In my home, the modem & router are sitting unattended on top of a wooden cabinet. So, fire safety is a concern. I placed fire resistant material underneath as an additional precaution. Safety first & foremost.

For the digital components in my audio rig, I purchased two of these LPS’s – without heatsinks.

When I first turned them on, I was astounded. The SQ was much more bold with the music having body. An acoustic guitar sounded like it was in the room. These particular units utilize a different power regulator than the other LPS’s. Without heatsinks, these units never get warm to the touch - with the low draw digital audio components. But, when I tried one of these units with the modem or router, it got dangerously hot to the touch. I quickly returned it to where it was before.

Generally speaking: Having owned several brands of affordable LPS’s, I find it extremely difficult to determine if one is significantly better than the other. (I haven’t owned any expensive units such as Teddy Pardo or Paul Hynes or Empirical Audio Dynamo.) There are so many variables – type of transformer, quality of capacitors, internal wiring, connectors, etc. With a hi-rez system, a change in power cords will easily yield a different sonic signature. Another substantial improvement would be to replace the cheap manufacturer’s 12vdc umbilical cord with a quality cord from Acoustic BBQ. As long as the LPS meets the necessary specs for driving the component – and is from a reputable company with positive reviews - it will still be far superior than a wall wart.

@steakster  Do you ever turn off the LPSs that power your modem and router? I ask because my modem and router always stay on. I'm interested in upgrading my router with an LPS but I'm concerned that it would get too hot even with heatsinks. 

Have a look at The Linear Solution's website here. They offer a router, switch, linear power supplies, and a USB card for audio systems. I would appreciate if anyone shares their first hand experience with The Linear Solution's products.