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?

Ag insider logo xs@2xknownothing

I am using a previous version power adapter from iFi power supply with my EtherREGEN. So, based on this post I went ahead and ordered the new X version.

ozzy

So, just tried the new iFi X power plug with my EtherRegen.

Let's just say, I should have just burned a $100 bill...

ozzy

@ozzy thanks for the feedback.  So the iPower X doesn’t walk on water in every instance - good to know.  It is possible the power circuits on the EtherRegen are fairly sophisticated and capable in their own right.  From the product website:

 

  • To support its performance, the power networks of the EtherREGEN are as sophisticated and costly as the rest of the design. We use 12 of the world’s lowest-noise, lowest-impedance integrated voltage regulators—the famous Linear Technology LT3045 and LT3042. Supporting both the voltage regulators and the data chips are 195 low-inductance, X7R and X5R capacitors sized and selected by their derating curves.”

And that could very well be true.

Perhaps I need to let it work for a few days before sending it back. You never know about the final outcome when trying different power supplies/filters etc. 

ozzy

So, I'm going to retract my previous statement.

I think now after 24 hours of usage, I am liking the iFi X power plug.

Good call knownothing! You know something!

ozzy