Simplest Linear PSU?

Although I definitely do not agree that SMD are categorically to be avoided at all costs, nevertheless it occurred to me that for those obsessed with avoiding SMDs, I would go along with a recommendation I think made by someone else to look on Ebay for laboratory grade DC power supplies. Those made by lambda or by Pharmacia, for two examples, are of very high quality well regulated and permit adjustment of voltage and current. However they are also relatively large in size, and some have fans for cooling that will make a tiny bit of noise in your listening room. They are meant for laboratory use, for real. And most likely anything you can find these days will contain semi conductors. Heaven for bid!

smd vs smps -- 🤣

that is hifi nerd-dom conflation at it’s nadir!

what the heck are we talking about here????? 🤔

on a slightly more serious note, i think one needs to bear in mind that some judicious component designers may choose smps for their compactness and economy, and could well build in power feed filtering within the main body of the component... doesn't solve the problem of the cheapo smps dirtying the shared ac power line other gear takes from, but the particular unit in question could well run beautifully with the smps delivering the dc at its input

there are no serious audio-grade SMD components,

Hilarious  

"audiophile" with size, shape, lovely colour, gold plated leads, pc triple c copper leads, aged, brewed - I have a bunch of audiophile components in the spares bin that were easily outperformed by "non audiophile" components.

SMD can offer huge advantages in short signal paths, more controlled rf floating around, less leakage, more accurate solder joints ( by the way solder joints - no 2 are the same, even the shape of the solder joint can induce distortion )

But @lewm is correct here - most audiophiles have no idea and make assessments based on labels on components and audiophile jewellery. A bit of machined aluminium inside the case sends most audiophiles into raptures - completely unaware of the dodgy solder joints. 

I recall asking my tech about a stereophile class phono stage all the rage - he said "the case looks nice, but I lost count of the dodgy solder joints".

@itsjustme 

On the topic of SMPS (switched mode power supplies) the problem is noise.  Noise CAN be controlled, but it is difficult. 

Thank you - the first intelligent post on this thread.

That is the issue - linear power supplies vs switched mode power supplies.

The early switched mode power supplies were awful, spewing out rf and noise both into the circuitry and back into the mains. New generation switched mode power supplies are much better now, but personally I still prefer a linear power supply - ease of repair and if properly designed more headroom.

New generation switched mode power supplies are much better now, but personally I still prefer a linear power supply - ease of repair and if properly designed more headroom.

I suspect that is the general consensus here.

Charles