Power Supply for Schiit Mani Phono Preamp

Well, that is because everyone who has reviewed the Mani with one of these LPS units has called it that, including Swagman.

Of course it is a transformer, as, from what I understand at its simplest, an LPS *is* a transformer that takes AC and converts it into DC. And that’s what the Swagman, and the unit I bought does. It certainly isn’t a ‘switching’ power supply. And the Schiit wall wart also turns AC into DC, but without an additional power transformer. But both convert AC into the required 16v DC power.

Before I purchased mine, I read from another about the circuitry within the Mani, and was dumbfounded that these units worked, but they sure seem to by those who have purchased them, installed them, and used them with success and better performance.

On The Swagman site he describes it as a toroidal transformer with some sort of EMI treatment. the spec on the site is an output of 16VAC, 2A (which is a clue that it is only a transformer). A transformer converts 120v to some other AC voltage ( it cannot output DC). He does call it a power supply which is stretching it a bit.A linear power supply starts with a transformer, then a rectifier/diode bridge, then a filter capacitor system, possibly also inductors, and finally a voltage regulator for each rail. It will output a specified DC voltage.Schiit uses an external transformer in a walwart package for reasons of cost and to use a smaller chassis which  is more convenient for an entry level user. The rest of the linear power supply is on their circuit board. They provide a really high performance to cost ratio product. I cannot name a used phono preamp for less that $300 which might be as good.
Using the Swagman transformer to replace the external walwart, the AC voltage goes through rest of the linear power supply on the Schiit circuit board. The current that this linear power supply can provide is limited by the rating of the rectifier, which might be only 1 amp, since the Mani only draws 4W. (This means that using an even higher amperage transformer would not be an advantage).
If you were to input a DC voltage into the Mani, the diodes might let the voltage flow to create either a plus or a minus 5V rail ( depending on how the polarity on the plug happens to be) but not both. Not a good thing.I suggest you do an internet search for "linear power supply".
I am not an EE, but I can solder and read a schematic, and have built a linear power supply from Radio Shack parts many years ago. BTW, to build a Swagman "power supply", would have a parts cost of ~$70 if you use good parts, so his product is not a ripoff.

But but these power supplies *are* an advantage, no matter how Schiit created the circuitry. My, and others who have ears, have heard their advantage first hand. In my case, the performance increase was somewhat substantial. The additional money spent took the very good value Mani to another level. As one reviewer I read stated, ‘his Mani, with the Swagman, made it into a phono pre that easily rivals those costing $500-700’. So still a great deal.

In the end, the performance increase is all that matters for those who have ponied-up the additional $110-130. 

As I believe I stated, I was ready to make a move-up to a more expensive pre, (perhaps much more), but took the chance on one of these power supplies first. There wasn’t really much to lose. And I’m glad I did. That doesn’t mean I won’t replace it, I’m sure I will at some point, but don’t feel that necessity right now.

And I have done a little research regarding ‘linear power supplies’.

Thanks to everyone for the great input.  I shall never mislabel an AC transformer that sort of looks like a DC power supply again.  I'm certainly no smarter, but definitely more discerning now.
bkeske has convinced me the Swagman transformer is definitely worth a try.
Thanks again.

@dougthebiker,bkeske is right on the money about the Swagman Labs power supply for the Mani. I have the Mani in my system for about 6 weeks now and the Mani has never sounded better, it took on a new life as everything just smoothed out, got bigger with more air, soundstage expanded in both width and depth. I more than happy right now with the Mani not to say that I will not upgrade at some point (looking for a ARC PH3) but Im not in a big hurry. Get a Swagman Labs and a descent power cord and you will be amazed how good it sounds. Happy listening and just enjoy the music.