[beppe61]

I think to have read somewhere that switching power supplies are not the best solution for powering digital circuits.
I would like to hear the opinion of anyone who has some more understanding of the problems involved.  

Thank you very much to anyone.
 
beppe61

[skrivis]

I think to have read somewhere that switching power supplies are not the best solution for powering digital circuits.
I would like to hear the opinion of anyone who has some more understanding of the problems involved.  

Thank you very much to anyone.
 
beppe61

Most computers are powered with switching power supplies. Some of these power supplies are good, and some not so good. I don't see any problem with this type of power supply in general.

One possible complaint about their use in audio circuits is that they can emit a lot of electrical noise. It's possible to deal with this when designing a device.

I've seen a number of people claim that a switching-mode power supply is not good when used with a Tripath amp module. This strikes me as very odd, because the Tripath amp uses many of the same techniques as a switching power supply. Why would it be ok at one point in the circuit, but not in another?

You can view an amplifier as a regulated power supply with a variable reference voltage. Kinds of takes all the mystery out of things, doesn't it?

Getting back to the original question, I don't feel that blanket statements of this type can be made, unless qualified. I would say that a mediocre linear power supply is probably better for audio use than a mediocre switching-mode power supply.

[RussKon]

yamaha has a hi-end (read expensive) digital amp that uses a switching power supply

the yamaha MX-D1 has a suggested retail of $4999 and provides 500 watts x 2 into 8 ohms.... here is a link with more info

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/customer/manuals/PDFs/MXD1_literature.pdf

[peranders]

I think to have read somewhere that switching power supplies are not the best solution for powering digital circuits.
I would like to hear the opinion of anyone who has some more understanding of the problems involved.  

Thank you very much to anyone.
 
beppe61

Are you sure you have heard it?  

It's all about technology. A bad SMPS isn't good for any application.

Bladelius Grendel from Sweden uses a 8000 W SMPS! This isn't so bad, not the price tag either....

http://www.bladelius.com/grendel.html

[skrivis]

I think to have read somewhere that switching power supplies are not the best solution for powering digital circuits.
I would like to hear the opinion of anyone who has some more understanding of the problems involved.  

Thank you very much to anyone.
 
beppe61

Are you sure you have heard it?  

It's all about technology. A bad SMPS isn't good for any application.

Bladelius Grendel from Sweden uses a 8000 W SMPS! This isn't so bad, not the price tag either....

http://www.bladelius.com/grendel.html

Agreed.

The original idea behind switch mode power supplies was that you can use much smaller coils and xformers. Less copper & less iron = less expensive, and less space used is a bonus. The increased need for shielding is a drawback, as is the increased complexity.

There isn't any magic to them, nor anything inherently evil. It all depends on how well they are engineered (part of which is making sure it's suitable for the intended use).

[beppe61]

Dear Sirs,

Thank you very much for your kind and valuable comments.
To sum it up:
1) a well executed switching PS is not noxious for an audio equipment (see for instance Linn CD12 and Klimax line, Halcro preamps)
2) probably it is easier to build a nice linear PS than a switching PS

So like always is much depends on the quality of implementation of the PS.

Thank you very much for your indications.

Kind regards,

beppe61

[beppe61]

I think to have read somewhere that switching power supplies are not the best solution for powering digital circuits.
I would like to hear the opinion of anyone who has some more understanding of the problems involved.  

Thank you very much to anyone.
 
beppe61

Are you sure you have heard it?  

It's all about technology. A bad SMPS isn't good for any application.

Bladelius Grendel from Sweden uses a 8000 W SMPS! This isn't so bad, not the price tag either....

http://www.bladelius.com/grendel.html

Dear Mr. Peranders,

I gave a look at the Bladelius site.
What impressive lines of products!
Very amazing indeed, also from a design poin of view.
Did you have the opportunity to hear them?
Thank you very much for your valuable remarks and links.

Kind regards,
 
beppe61