[SoCalWJS]

Finally found a Linear Power Supply for my A5, time to enjoy~

What did you get? How is it working?

[Jon L]

Definitely giving up a little bit in ultimate clarity and pinpoint imaging but the fullness and weight of images are back with the Jolida.

Nothing wrong with adding a little bit of NOS tube flavor to the signal chain of A5..

[nlitworld]

Holy opamp rolling Jon! I've read your posts comparing a bunch of them, but seeing them all on display is just cool. Definitely makes you curious on "season to taste " with some good ones. 

[Jon L]

It's all for fun.  I'm glad I found the good ol' OP2604 to work so well in the Aiyima tube preamp despite all the discrete opamps I tried.  In this hobby, one simply has to try things in the specific setup 

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

Added a linear supply to my A5, here are my initial thoughts after listening for a week.

Although, It didn’t surprise me though, here are some of the improvements thus far. 

1. Improved lower noise floor, no surprise.

2. Imaging is even better compared to the GaN power supply.

3. Low level detail, has more blackened background

4. Tonality appears more natural as well.

5. Transient response, is quicker, enabling large reserves to be delivered on demand with high dynamic changes in source material playback.

6. Sound-stage is more expansive, also the veil is now removed delivering even better transparency.

7. Bottom end, this is where it excels, no running out of gas, versus a GaN. There is no comparison really IMO. This huge 26lb linear power supply may be overkill. I know better than to overdrive it. I probably wouldn’t suggest it for others. Perhaps a model or two lessor in power.
I’m really enjoying the combination. These subs hit harder with this LPS!  To think I only paid $35 for this linear supply to make this amp truly sing! I’m thrilled needless to say with the results, considering how little I have invested in it.

8. The amplifier's ability, improved to accurately follow both large and small changes in volume (dynamics), preserving the energy and flow of the musical performance. The pace overall is more musical and natural.

These combinations of using the new LPS and various preamps, will truly hold it’s own, compared to more expensive audio amps, on the marketplace. Giving the A5 a hybrid like quality, with a little tube flavor, leaning more towards a relaxed solid state amp feel. That is used with a tube preamp. The latter, passive amp, is more analytical and more revealing, still pleasant, with a different delivery approach.

By the way, I tried experimenting, connecting up my Reference Line Preeminence One Passive, and it held nothing back. Having so much power on demand, with the linear power supply, the combination is impressive. Without a doubt the micro-details are better compared to a tube preamplifier.

Thoroughly enjoying the different preamp combinations. The tube preamp IMO, still provides the best synergy alongside the class D amp. Make no mistaken, the Reference Line Preeminence One sounds great too with the A5, used with this larger LPS!

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Interesting observation I’m experiencing with the set up, the amp is actually running cooler listening between the levels of 75 to 85 decibels. At idol, I used to touch the amp and it would be pretty warm, now however, it’s not at all now. The linear power supply appears to be enabling the Douk audio A5 amp to run cooler. This is a huge bonus, I was worried about not having a large enough heat sink on the A5, therefore shortening the lifespan of the amp significantly from excessive heat. Linear supplies pushes most of its excess heat out of its own casing, rather than passing it on to the audio amplifier. In contrast, a GaN power supplies being highly efficient, can generate more high-frequency noise that requires filtering inside the A5, creating extra heat in the process.

I’m using the dual discrete SX52B’s Op-Amp’s. Typically dual discrete op amps run warmer than the stock 5532 op amps do. So this is another bonus for the individuals wanting to hot rod the amp with dual discrete op amps.

In summary,
This has met my objective and some, improving the Douk Audio A5 performance capability.

FINALLY FOUND A EXCELLENT LPS TO WORK IN TANDOM WITH THE A5!

I did make a power cable, haven't added the texflex yet. I'm not noticing any noise interference coming through. 






Paid $1.00 including shipping for the one meter of OCC Wire.


One could use the copper ring connectors too, staying on a budget.

[nlitworld]

So... do you have a link or some info for that LPS where to buy? You can't tease like that! Or at least specs if you built one out from an Antek toroidal  unit.

[genjamon]

His original post said he got a used Acopian unit from an IT center or something for $35. Looking at their new 48V 5A or 10A units, they go for around $1k or more. So $35 is a steal, even used. There are some similar used items out there for around $200-400 it seems. Unknown condition or reliability gives me pause, though.

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

His original post said he got a used Acopian unit from an IT center or something for $35. Looking at their new 48V 5A or 10A units, they go for around $1k or more. So $35 is a steal, even used. There are some similar used items out there for around $200-400 it seems. Unknown condition or reliability gives me pause, though.

You would be correct,
I did buy it used from a studio that was doing renovations.  I was at the right place at the right time. Normally this would sell for $775.00.
For $35.00 It truly was a bargain.
 

[genjamon]

Can you remind us how many amps yours delivers?

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

Here is a reputable company I've been using for years. They even test their used products, and if you have issues they have excellent customer service. Very prompt with messaging. I've always had a good experience personally.
https://www.nriparts.com/products/acopian-a24h850-24v-dc-85a-amp-105-125v-ac-ac-to-dc-power-supply/371267/1049977

NRI, even have a ebay account, looks like in some cases, they'll even pay for shipping. Which is good if your potentially buying a heavy LPS.

To answer your question Genjamon, mine is 48 volts 8.5 amps providing 404 watts. Which is way more than what the amp can handle, which Douk claims is 300 watt's max. Although I wouldn't personally push it more than 250 for short burst. Although in my bedroom it will blow us out, with this 26lb behemoth.

By the way Douk said you can run 24 volts with this amp, just go with a higher amperage. For example 24 volt 8.5 amp will still give you 204 watts approximately. Here is a used Acopian A24H850 Linear Power Supply, that will supply 204 watts, for dirt cheap. Just paint it black. Make a offer, shipping is free! UPDATED HERE IS ONE IN BETTER CONDITION!
https://www.ebay.com/p/28018148895?iid=283424465372

Acopian products are manufactured for commercial usage. They are built like tanks, known for their reliability.  Here is a little history about them.

https://www.acopian.com/history.html

For beginners that don't have a lot of electrical knowledge, yet are interested determining Voltage, Amperage and wattage. This may simplify it.
In the event your shopping LPS's, you definitely need to be aware of matching up a compatible power supply, in this case with a Douk Audio A5 Class D amplifier. Here is a link providing some basic information, that maybe beneficial.
https://reductionrevolution.com.au/blogs/how-to/calculate-watts-wattage?srsltid=AfmBOopzFoGwRlDfjC8bNjYszQfJiqySbrtFfXvERUp9LAU3MxWbbX85

Since I'm discovering audio benefits utilizing a LPS, I wanted to share my thoughts. Perhaps the information below, will give better incite to the less technological individuals, that wish to upgrade their A5 amp with a LPS. Please be advised this does require proper calculation between two components, driven by power source. Proper matching is essential to receive excellent results.
The good news! We have a range between voltage, between 24-48, and amperage between 5-10. Just calculate responsibly. Keeping in mind 300 watts maximum, is the golden number not to exceed.

Beware the maximum output for the Douk Audio A5 is 300 Watts Maximum output, not continuous. Big difference! Therefore if your shopping a LPS, it may be to your best interest to find a LPS that doesn't exceed 300 watts. Repeated this with good intent!!!!

I realize mine is up to 408 watts, but I'm disciplined and have no kids, and have educated others, not to grab the volume dial and bury it to 3:00 o'clock!

A class D amplifier with 300 watts of headroom for dynamics should have a continuous power rating of at least 150 watts. A more conservative and safer rating would be closer to 75 watts to ensure the amplifier is not regularly driven close to its maximum continuous thermal limits.
Why continuous power is half of peak power?

Peak vs. Continuous: An audio signal is dynamic, with short bursts (peaks) that are much more powerful than the average signal level. The "300 watts max" refers to the peak power, which the amplifier can handle for very brief periods. The continuous power (also called RMS) is the power level the amplifier can output for a sustained, prolonged period without distortion or damage from overheating.

Thermal Limits: The relationship between peak and continuous power is governed by thermal limits. While an amplifier can handle a sudden, brief peak of 300 watts, it would quickly overheat if forced to maintain that power level. This is why the continuous rating is a more conservative and honest representation of the amplifier's true capability.

Sine Wave Calculation: The most common rule of thumb is that for a perfect sine wave, peak power is double the continuous (RMS) power. Therefore, an amplifier with a 300-watt peak output has a maximum continuous output of 150 watts.
Operating a class D amplifier safely

Driving a Speaker: When pairing a 300-watt peak amplifier with speakers, you should match the continuous power ratings. For example, if the speakers are rated for 75 watts continuous, a 150-watt continuous amplifier is an ideal match. The amplifier can supply a clean, unclipped 75 watts continuously and still have plenty of headroom for the music's dynamic peaks.

Avoiding Distortion: Underpowering a speaker (using an amplifier with a lower continuous power rating than the speaker) can cause the amplifier to "clip" or distort when pushed too hard. This clipping can damage speakers even at low wattage. By sizing the continuous power correctly and using the headroom for dynamics, you prevent this distortion.

Marketing vs. Reality: Some amplifier manufacturers may use inflated "peak" or "max" power ratings for marketing purposes. The continuous (RMS) rating is the most reliable measure for an amplifier's long-term performance. RMS vs. Peak Power When Comparing Speakers.

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Painted all but the front black on my Acopian linear power supply. Still deciding if I'm going to paint the front or not. I'm also going to make a terminal cover plate, providing a safeguard, as well as looking little better concealing the cable and terminal block.





Time to put some Sorbothane support under the LPS.

[WGH]

His original post said he got a used Acopian unit from an IT center or something for $35. Looking at their new 48V 5A or 10A units, they go for around $1k or more.

Acopian power supplies are always available on eBay, I have bought a couple. Yes, the supplies are built like tanks and for all practical purposes will work forever. Acopian power supplies have exposed AC and DC connections and need to be tucked away from small children with forks.

First I look up the model number based on the volts and amps needed then look it up on eBay.
https://www.acopian.com/power-supply-voltages/powersuppliesbyvoltage.aspx?min=48


A 48 volt 8 amp Acopian W48MT8 is $200 including shipping on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=acopian++W48MT8&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313

A 48 volt 5 amp Acopian 48PT5 rack mount with meters is $110 - $160
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=acopian+48PT5&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_odkw=acopian++W48MT8&_osacat=0