PeterB7858 Posted December 6, 2023 Posted December 6, 2023 I've been reading this thread with interest but I hope you don't mind if I dumb it down a bit, theoretically, and price-wise... I have a simple one-bay Synology NAS (DS118 - used exclusively for music serving) currently connected to my ASUS RT-AX86U wireless router by a 1.0m (genuine) Supra CAT8 cable. This wirelessly feeds (boo, hiss, I know ) my Auralic Altair G1 in a separate room. My NBN HFC modem is connected to the same router by a 1.0m WireWorld Starlight Cat 8 cable. This path streams Qobuz wirelessly to the Altair G1. I have swapped the cables back and forth several times and come to the conclusion that, in my system, the Wireworld offers more detail with greater musical insight than the Supra. Subtle improvements, but repeatable. So I guess I'm asking what suggestions anyone has to replace the Supra. I only really need 0.8m the way things are set up but 1.0m will do fine, as well. Anyone have experience with Melco C100, AudioQuest Cinnamon or other cables compared to the Supra up to a budget of $400 say. Or do I wait for a secondhand Wireworld Starlight 8 to pop up again on SNA? Also, the ASUS wireless router has a LPS but I haven't gone down that path with the NAS yet. I think an iFi iPower X 12V would do the trick. All thoughts welcome, as well. Kind regards, Peter
Joelp Posted December 9, 2023 Posted December 9, 2023 Hi Peter, I'm looking to add an LPS to my Asus RT-AC86U router, so I'm interested in what type of LPS you're using and what improvements this made to your system? I am also using Supra CAT8 cables which I found were a big step up from the generic ones from Officeworks I was previously using. Thanks. Joel.
PeterB7858 Posted December 11, 2023 Author Posted December 11, 2023 (edited) Hi Joel. I don't know why I didn't see your query but, for some reason, I didn't get a notification (I just checked). Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. The specs on the power supply that came with my RT-AX86U Pro are 19.5V, 2.5A. This is similar to what my previous RT-AC68U required, so I just re-connected the 19.2V LPS I bought from AliExpress originally. Finding a 19V LPS is not all that easy. It is an unusual voltage, hence me looking to China... In terms of SQ improvement, there was no magical moment when everything because blacker and more musical , but I am a believer that everything matters in hifi and for the ~$100 delivered, that I think I paid, it was worth putting the building block in place, and I still use it several years later. I also have a Synology DS118 NAS and I'm getting a 12V iFi iPower X power supply (for Xmas from my kids ) so I will be able to report back on that in the new year. To me, I agree, the Supra CAT8 cables are superior to generic cables for music reproduction but like all things hifi, there are always other hills to climb, and tweaks to explore. Hope this helps. Kind regards, Peter Edited December 11, 2023 by PeterB7858
Joelp Posted December 11, 2023 Posted December 11, 2023 Hi Peter, Thanks for sharing your experience, it's much appreciated. I had the same issue with finding a LPS at 19v so will see what I can find on Ali Express. I have been told I could use a lower voltage higher amperage LPS (12v 6a) but not sure how true this is... I do agree that everything matters in hi-fi so will definitely try a LPS and maybe even upgrade the Supra CAT8. Regards, Joel
andyr Posted December 11, 2023 Posted December 11, 2023 2 hours ago, PeterB7858 said: I also have a Synology DS118 NAS and I'm getting a 12V iFi iPower X power supply (for Xmas from my kids ) so I will be able to report back on that in the new year. AIUI ... the iFi iPower X supplies are SMPSs - not LPSs. (But delighted to be proved wrong.)
PeterB7858 Posted December 11, 2023 Author Posted December 11, 2023 41 minutes ago, andyr said: AIUI ... the iFi iPower X supplies are SMPSs - not LPSs. (But delighted to be proved wrong.) Hi Andy. You are correct they are supposed to provide low noise for a SMPS and seem to have a reasonable reputation on the 'net, as far as I can find. I have a few other iFi products that I'm happy have made a difference in my system, so I'm prepared to try one out. It was either it or a bottle of Scotch again for a present .
PeterB7858 Posted December 11, 2023 Author Posted December 11, 2023 (edited) 9 hours ago, Joelp said: I could use a lower voltage higher amperage LPS (12v 6a) but not sure how true this is... Yes, I'm not convinced that it is worth trying. It all depends on how the circuit is designed. If the voltage is much higher or lower than specified it could either burn out the router or fry the power supply. 19.2V, use 19.5V okay but I have my doubts on 12V for example. I believe that you can use a supply that is the same voltage but higher current rating in most circumstances but not one where the voltage differs much. Others may be able to jump in and clarify? ASUS probably use 19V so you need to buy another proprietary power supply from them if you lose it or it breaks. Although I did have someone post a photograph of a 12V supply for his RT-AC68U whereas mine is definitely 19V. Who knows? Edited December 11, 2023 by PeterB7858 grammar, clarity
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