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?
I now have my 3rd iFi X on order. Now powering all my cable modems, switches and wifi access points with them. At that price you can’t go wrong. Each one entered into the network chain has improved things. In the dedicated listening room I use a Farad Super 3 LPS, but cannot afford 3 of them for the external network setup. Yet. So for now the X is perfect. |
@alexberger here’s another experience with the iPower X. I have replaced my Chord QuteHD with a Chord Qutest which requires a 5V power supply. I didn’t have any 5V lps on hand but do have a 5V iFi iPower and a 5V iPower X. Both of the iFi switching supplies sound inferior to the stock switching supply that comes bundled with the Qutest from Chord. It is not even close. Plus one to Rob Watts and Chord. I am currently looking for linear supplies for the Qutest and for my Bluesound Node. If anyone hear has some suggestions, that would be appreciated. Interestingly, I also recently got a Chord Mojo2 for a desktop system. The Mojo2 has a power management feature that takes the battery out of the power loop when plugged in for extended periods to protect the battery from overcharging. With the Mojo2, the iPower X sounds way better than a generic 5V supply, and on a par with the Internal battery for playback. Very happy with that combination. kn |
