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Reasonably-Priced Linear Power Supply for WIMM Pro Plus Streamer

I just received my WIIM Pro Plus streamer for my second system, which is most often played at a low or moderate volume level..  Set up was prompt and simple, using my iPad zero for set-up and operation.  It feeds music to my Rega Brio integrated amplifier and Paradigm Premiere 200b bookshelf speakers.  The sound is excellent,  it I wonder if going from ehat appears to be a phone charger wall wart (USB-C) to a linear power supply would make an improvement in the sound quality and what options there might be, not to exceed the roughly $200 price of the Pro Plus.  BTW, although both the Pro Plus and  the Brio have internal DACs, I am using a Schiit Modi 3+ DAC in the system.  I will do a comparison of the three DACs to see if there is a significant difference in sound quality.  If not, I can simplify things by using one of the internal DACs.  

mike4597
mattw73
148 posts
 

I've used the Farad Super 3, Sbooster, multiple IFI Elite's, & an AfterDark LPS which I thought was the worse. I've also used IFI iPower X. The Farad is the primo unit but I would recommend the budget iPower X. It's cheap, easily returnable, & I am extremely confident you will hear & perceive the improvement over the WiiM's supplied PS. The Ipower X is a legit bang for buck improvement for most devices. I personally feel that IfI's cheapest unit isn't worth the purchase. Pay extra for the X. 

As noted above the IfI's are switch mode's. Depending on the device I can't really perceive a difference between the LPS Sbooster & the Ifi Elite. I also don't think there is a huge difference between the X & Elite. Though the improvement is there..the Elite also has a proper ground pin. 

devinplombier
920 posts
 

OP's ask was

Reasonably-Priced Linear Power Supply for WIMM Pro Plus Streamer

Did he ask for an overpriced switching-mode wall wart that costs at least 60% as much as his streamer?

lanx0003
1,282 posts
 

@mattw73 Depending on the device I can’t really perceive a difference between the LPS Sbooster & the Ifi Elite. 

Is it just the Sbooster Eco, or is the Ultra added as well? From the spec sheet, the difference in ripple noise is huge—Eco is under 1000 microvolts, while adding the Ultra brings it down to around 10 microvolts at full load. Someone here mentioned that adding the Ultra for $99 is quite beneficial. It baffles me why Sbooster doesn’t just integrate the Ultra by default. I guess audiophiles do care about spending an extra $99 after already paying $380.  To be clear, I’m not saying that’s the reason—but I’m certain sub-1 mV ripple isn’t exactly something to write home about.

mattw73
148 posts
 

@lanx0003 I've never used the Ultra add-on.. which I'm glad you mentioned it as I should order one. I do think they need an extra volt to operate. But my Sbooster BOTW MKii does have an extra volt & half to play with. If the Ultra can improve on the Sbooster for $100 that's a good deal in my opinion. 

As far as the Elite & Sbooster differences I would just say on the things I've tried them on the differences weren't huge. I may have had a preference of one over the other depending on the device but it would be easy for me to understand if someone else preferred the other PS. Personally I would normally recommend to always get a LPS. But the IFI's are cheap & I think they do a good job. The X being a decent piece to hold one off til a better investment can be made. I have been informed that LPS do a better job on components with an analog stage in use. It's not something I've experimented deeply with yet. 

Thanks for the specs on the Ultra add-on! 

shtinkydog
746 posts
 

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