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In Reply to: RE: Implemented fiber optic... posted by DTB300 on August 24, 2015 at 06:45:33
I took the SMPS off the media converters and used an Anker external battery (5V/4.5A max). Dang, sure enough, the sound improved (slightly) some more.
What most people don't realize is those USB power packs do not provide 'clean' 5V DC battery output. They are basically a form of noisy switching power supply.
The Anker and pretty much all of them use an inductor and switching boost converter chip inside to covert the 3.7v nominal from Li batteries to +5VDC.
In other words, it's a 'switching power supply' and the +5VDC out is far from 'clean'. The output 'noise' from such devices can be quite high compared to even a wall wart AC power module.
Follow Ups:
"The Anker and pretty much all of them use an inductor and switching boost converter chip inside to covert the 3.7v nominal from Li batteries to +5VDC.In other words, it's a 'switching power supply' and the +5VDC out is far from 'clean'. The output 'noise' from such devices can be quite high compared to even a wall wart AC power module."
And that is what I have found with them. Initially the sound is different, so of course we "like it" due to the change. But I ran them for two weeks, then swapped them out for the MC SMPS. And kept the SMPS in place. Then I purchased a 5v & 9v LPS and tried them. Did the two week of running, then switch back to SMPS. LPS went back in - LOL. BTW, compared the 5V and 9V on the MC (9V/.6A or 5V/1A) and no difference that I could tell.
There seems to be a high frequency "type sound" I am getting with these Ankers - hard to pinpoint, but noticeable when swapping in and out versus the SMPS or LPS.
Edits: 09/15/15
"The output 'noise' from such devices can be quite high compared to even a wall wart AC power module."
Those have been "illegal" to sell new in the U.S. for several years now i.e. the old-style transformer wall-wart.
But you're right, those old wall-warts are much better re noise, that was my first test reported on here years ago when playing with the network setup for an SBT (Cat5 vs Cat6, power supplies, switches vs routers, ethernet cable lengths, etc.). The switchers that come with most network electronics are just terrible, the worst I've ever seen (I'm especially pointing at yours Cisco/Linksys!). Surprisingly (to me), those that came with the low-buck TP-Link offerings were much better. It's worthwhile to look around for old-style wall-warts at garage sales etc., but most of us likely have a good selection already (you don't throw those out do you?).
I see the OP is using Tripp-Lite gizmos. They cost a little more than apparently-similar stuff, but the quality, reliability and the performance of the stuff they put their name on (but probably don't actually make) is worthwhile...cheaper in the long run because the stuff *works*. Have never tried to evaluate it in an "audiophile" sense though, just a basic technical sense.
Interesting they may be noisier.But again while listening and not knowing what was hooked up (either the SMPS or Anker) and the Anker had the better sound - in our opinions.
I had the Anker's sitting here and trying them out was a $0 trial. Easy enough to put the SMPS back in.
I have a 9V LPS I have sitting around or maybe an iFi iPower as something to try versus the Anker.
Edits: 08/24/15
It's also possible that even though the Anker battery +5VDC output might be 'noisier' than a wall wart SMPS, the Anker is isolated from the AC mains so that path is eliminated.
""It's also possible that even though the Anker battery +5VDC output might be 'noisier' than a wall wart SMPS, the Anker is isolated from the AC mains so that path is eliminated.""""
More that likely... They are switching supplies as you mentioned in the batteries, but many people report improvements when using them in various locations.
More that likely... They are switching supplies as you mentioned in the batteries, but many people report improvements when using them in various locations.
Until you tell 'em they're switching supplies and they go back and listen again. They change their minds. ;-) Expectation bias? Who knows. I'm just poking fun here.
There was a sound change over the SMPS - and we both thought for the better each time.
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