Based on shared experiences between the various Acopian LPS's, the A24H850 is the most practical for those on a budget. I received some data from a friend I sold my old Acopian A24H850 LPS. He took some measurements using the NIOSH Sound level meter app, I've provided for download on a later thread on here. The reason being it could be a general reference tool for anyone interested.
Not sure why he came up with this approach, that is off the cuff. His theory for testing in such a manner, was for any entry level newcomber with a very basic set up, to see decibel output test results, using only YT as a playback source.
Equipment / Source Used:
YT is the playback source, via a laptop, connected to a budget Schitt Modi / Douk Audio A5 / A24H850 Acopian LPS. Custom built 88db rated speakers, set up 3 ft into a 175 Sq. ft. rectangular room. Listening position is 9 ft. from speakers. No subwoofers involved. Room is acoustically treated. Sounding a little on the dryer side to my taste. Could that be absorbing some db's?
Testing:
The measurements were obtained with the NIOSH sound level meter app- using the Ipone's internal microphone, set to C level weighting.
Playing various material, with varied dynamic levels, peak levels obtained were in vicinity of 79-80 decibel maximum listening output.
*Source material not only being severely compressed, but at a much lower rate output wise, will constitute these sort of results. Even though these levels are reasonable and comfortable for listening pleasure. It's a far reach, attempting to simulating concert output levels.
The Good News! You can still achieve higher levels of output, even with a 24volt LPS, simply by using higher quality playback sources.
Music, streamers, Tube preamp, Tidal or Qobus, just to name a few. Adding a preamp really benefits the A5 / Acopian combination. For example, adding the right preamp, can increase voltage, potentially bumping up the sound output levels increased between 6-14+ decibles more. Now taking the overall maxium output levels now from 79-80, to being capable of over 90. That is plenty of output without causing hearing damage for long periods of time.
keep in mind this test was provided without subwoofers be used! Add them and you have even more output.
Just think of the A24H850 as a trial run, like many do rolling op-amps. It's similar in price as some op amps. You can find them used on ebay as low as $40.00 including free shipping. THIS IS A WORTHY UPGRADE FOR A REASONABLE COST.
Even though it won't play as loud as Douk Audio GaN 48volt 5amp switching power supply, what it lacks in power, it more than makes up with improved sound quality. It also signicantly reduces A5 amp from excessive heat exposure, versus the stock GaN switching power supply providing a longer shelf life, benefiting the circuit board. Reason being, all the filtering is cleaned up through the separate regulated linear power supply, that has galvanic technology in a separate chassis as well.
If you gave me the choice between the stock 48volt 5-10 amp GaN, versus the smaller A24H850 Acopian LPS? I would gladly give up listening at louder 85 or higher decibel levels, the GaN switching stock power supply provides. I rather enjoy better audiophile quality, the Acopian A24H850 delivers, any day of the week.
