2. misc-audio
  3. 181852-2135

iFi iPower X - hifi bargain?

I am shocked by how much better the iFi iPower X power supply is compared to the stock power supply that comes with the iFi iPurifier 2 coax re-clocker.

I use the iPurifier 2 to connect a Bluesound Node streamer to a Chord QuteHD DAC. I was having difficulties getting the two devices to sync properly via coax, and someone online suggested using an iPurifier to solve the issue. Turns out I had a BNC adapter problem that was resolved with a replacement. Once the adapter problem was fixed I actually thought the the Chord DAC sounded better without the iPurifier inline.

I was about to return the iPurifier 2 when on a whim I bought a 5V iFi iPower X to try with the little re-clocker. I honestly didn’t expect to hear any difference between the stock iFi power supply and the iPower X, but the improvement in sound quality with the iPower X was significant. Faster transients, more contrast between quiet and loud passages, more detail, better pace and timing and better musical flow using the upgraded power supply. My system just sounds more like live music with the iPurifier inline powered by the iPower X than with the stock iFi power supply or the Chord DAC alone. While YMMV, the iPower X and iPurifier 2 combination is one of the best tweaks I’ve made to my sound system, and the iPower X made it all work. It’s staying put for now, very highly recommended. What’s your experience?

knownothing
knownothing OP
1,703 posts
 

I have several aftermarket linear power supplies from MCRU and Swagman Labs powering my Chord DAC, Project phono pre, and even my Amazon Fire TV Box, and I am very happy with them all.  They allow experimenting with different power cords which also make a big difference.  I generally try to keep switching power supplies out of my system as much as possible to reduce noise, and the lps’s I have definitely improve the performance of the devices they are connected to.  But I am not sure any of the linear power supplies had as big of an impact as the iPower X had on the SDIF iPurifier 2.  And it’s a switcher, go figure.  Well done iFi.

knownothing OP
1,703 posts
 

All, thanks for the input.  Interesting and so far consistently positive results.  For fun I may try getting one for either my DAC and/or my phono pre and swapping with my linear supplies to see what that does.

alexberger
945 posts
 

Does anyone compared iPower X vs Sbooster with Chord DACs?

I tried MSRU LPS with 2qute. This combination sounded horrible. 

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@stevebohnii 

I traded the ifi zen in for the ifi stream and the stream comes with the X

The initial releases did, but not the later. I purchased an iFi Zen Stream this past year, and it did not come with the X. Thus, I found a used one, luckily, and very happy with it.

knownothing OP
1,703 posts
 

@alexberger interesting.  With a Chord QuteHD, I am now using a modified MRCU power supply (Furutech rhodium IEC socket, upgraded fuse and silver DC lead) that I had been using with an Arcam irDAC, and it sounds great - much better than the stock switching supply that comes with the Chord.  I am also using a nice PC assembled with Furutech parts with the MCRU, and that makes a big positive difference.  If you do try the iPower X with the Chord DAC, I would like to hear about how that works out for you.  

More to discover