@mikhailark Don’t worry. The disagreement originates from misunderstanding. The factory PS for micro DAC is indeed SMPS, a good low noise one. However, the micro DAC takes 15V 2A and you could throw in 15V, min. 30VA LPS to power it. A good LPS with low ripple noise at both empty and full loads ranges from $120 (like LHY) to a few hundreds. Soundnews actually tests both options and find the factory SMPS is ’good enough’.
One other space-saving aspect of the micro DAC is that it only comes with XLR output. Also, according to a reliable source, the dual beefy transformers in the Denafrips Pontus account for roughly 24%–32% of its total weight. After subtracting those, along with associated components and the chassis weight that would no longer be needed with an external power supply, I’m afraid what remains might be roughly equivalent to the Harmony DAC.
The small form factor offers necessary space savings for some users, and as long as it doesn’t compromise quality, I’m more than willing to accept it. However, to claim that the physical size of a device directly impacts its sonic quality — I just haven’t seen any evidence to support that. So for now, I’ll sit tight and wait for the next reliable review I’ve been looking forward to.
