Aug 19, 20222 min read

Do you need a LPS (Linear Power Supply) ?

Linear Power Supply, also known as LPS, is a purpose built external device that supply clean, low-noise DC output(s) at specified voltage/current rating to the DC load. Clean power equates to the foundation of good sound quality - Audio Enthusiasts know that.

The LPS can be used to power up the equipment that comes with DC (direct current) input jack. Such equipment usually are low-powered devices like Ethernet Switch, Router, DAC, Streamer, etc.

It is not all equipment require LPS. Or rather, not all equipment can be 'upgraded' with an external LPS.

Equipment with built in AC/DC circuitry do not need an external LPS. A good example would be DENAFRIPS equipment. All DENAFRIPS equipment come with high quality LPS built-in.

A good way to identify such device is - they come with IEC AC Mains Inlet. Of course, it's not all AC powered equipment has LPS built in; some of the devices use SMPS to fit their own design purposes and merits. For example, the Lumin U1/U2 Mini uses built in SMPS power supply.

Typically, conventional LPS is made out of the following building blocks:

AC Filter Circuitry
AC Transformer
DC Rectifier, Reservoir Capacitors
DC Regulator
DC Output Socket

Thanks to technology advanced, battery powered LPS emerges on the market in the recent year as battery technology evolved and advanced. It is not common yet but we may see more such Battery Power LPS in the near future.

Ref: 6moons Review of LHY Audio LPS160VA

LHY Audio

LHS Audio offers a wide range of LPS to cater for different needs.

The formula for electric power is given by

P = VI;

where,

P is the power

V is the potential difference in the circuit.

I is the electric current.

Take into account of 0.9 factor of efficiency, the lowest capacity LPS25VA can supply 2A over 12VDC; the higher capacity LPS80VA can supply 6A over 12VDC

Voltage / Current	LPS25VA	LPS50VA	LPS80VA
5V	4.5	9	12
12	2	3.75	6
19V	1.2	2.3	3.8

Take away

It is evident that by replacing the stock power adapter Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) of the equipment with a high quality LPS, the sound quality improves.

When choosing the LPS, it's mandatory to verify the following: