Simplest Linear PSU?

@itsjustme That is right - complex things like R2R require SMD and because of that, they can sound pretty bad even if they improve some aspects things. I compared the Mola Mola Tambaqui ($13k) over a $2k AKM-based DAC I modded with as many high end discreet components and the Mola Mola objectively couldn't portray most instruments fully - a ton of information was simply missing, and exhibited the typical SMD "sound" to me which is a false sense of bass on every sound and brittle highs that appear as dynamics but are missing the musical information. The components eat away at transparency, period. They are simply not designed for audio - they are designed to be mass produced cheaply and fulfill non-audio engineer criteria. Nothing like that belongs in audio gear, IMO. Not even a chassis.

Anyway, yes it all depends on what discreet components you choose, only a couple people are manufacturing top end ones. On the other hand, sometimes its unavoidable like you said. I love Weiss op-amps, they do have SMD but they are the best sounding option that I know of when op-amps are needed.

I'm very open minded with audio, thats how I spent years modding and arriving at this conclusion. But I will try anything once.

@mijostyn Its for a recording studio not audiophile den, so its unavoidable with certain creative tools. 

@charles1dad The best thing you can do is upgrade as many components as you can on your SMPS to audio-grade, and you will be blown away with the results of even just a few. Which really means, how bad they are to begin with.

@clustrocasual

I appreciate your comments posted here. My Pro-Ject RS2T Box CD transport comes with a wall wart SMPS. To be candid, it sounds terrific and bettered my long term P.S. Audio PWT (On board LPS) which is very good sounding. So, Pro-Ject does achieve excellent sound quality with their standard SMPS wall wart. They do offer an upgrade LPS.

I chose a Fidelizer Nickola II Signature LPS and it did take what is very good, even further upward. So I’m convinced excellent sound is possible with either type of power supply. Design, part quality and execution the determining factors affecting final sonic results. All of my other audio components came with on board LPS.

Charles

Charles, like Mijo, I’ve never had occasion to shop outboard power supplies of any type.