1/ Zero measurable difference, for appropriately rated and designed supplies (although SMPS tend to radiate more putting more emphasis on very good wiring technique)
2/ Power depends on rail voltage chosen and the output bias current setting but folks are reporting 5 to 10 degree temp rise for stereo in one box.
3/ The build guide is very very good according to novice builders so you will have no trouble if followed carefully.
2/ Power depends on rail voltage chosen and the output bias current setting but folks are reporting 5 to 10 degree temp rise for stereo in one box.
3/ The build guide is very very good according to novice builders so you will have no trouble if followed carefully.
I can answer 1 as I've spent a bit of time on linear vs. SMPS, swapping out existing linear supplies in class AB amps for SMPS, just for the sake of tinkering.
Subjectively to me, no difference whatsoever (other than with one amp - where a loud unrepairable due to EMI hum completely vanished yielding a massive subjective improvement with SMPS), and for even the most diehard audiophiles the Jury is still out. The best linear supply argument I have seen is that of reliability, which I think when it comes to audio specific SMPS is just nonsense. Sure, go power your amp with some no name mass produced factory SMPS meant to run your OLED TV and sure, it might pop in 2-5 years, but the high-quality stuff is just that.
Objectively, at least in amplifiers with poor PSRR, the Audio Specific Non-Regulated SMPS yield a (sometimes massive) improvement in measurements within the audible band and normal listening levels. I haven't had the means or time to test maximum/peak power levels correctly yet. I think the ability for a linear supply to provide headroom is superior as a SMPS will hard limit whereas a linear can "go over" the redline.
My wolverine as you can see is going to be SMPS, and others here have also done SMPS powered builds, they may chime in.
For me, it's a no brainer. SMPS - cheaper, easier to procure, easier to install, lighter (way less shipping cost and more amp mobility), as powerful-if not more (hard limit, however), less EMI in the audible band, no requirement for soft start, additional features with some models like 12v input.
It's a bit like carbureted vs injected for car guys.
All IMO YMMV.
Subjectively to me, no difference whatsoever (other than with one amp - where a loud unrepairable due to EMI hum completely vanished yielding a massive subjective improvement with SMPS), and for even the most diehard audiophiles the Jury is still out. The best linear supply argument I have seen is that of reliability, which I think when it comes to audio specific SMPS is just nonsense. Sure, go power your amp with some no name mass produced factory SMPS meant to run your OLED TV and sure, it might pop in 2-5 years, but the high-quality stuff is just that.
Objectively, at least in amplifiers with poor PSRR, the Audio Specific Non-Regulated SMPS yield a (sometimes massive) improvement in measurements within the audible band and normal listening levels. I haven't had the means or time to test maximum/peak power levels correctly yet. I think the ability for a linear supply to provide headroom is superior as a SMPS will hard limit whereas a linear can "go over" the redline.
My wolverine as you can see is going to be SMPS, and others here have also done SMPS powered builds, they may chime in.
For me, it's a no brainer. SMPS - cheaper, easier to procure, easier to install, lighter (way less shipping cost and more amp mobility), as powerful-if not more (hard limit, however), less EMI in the audible band, no requirement for soft start, additional features with some models like 12v input.
It's a bit like carbureted vs injected for car guys.
All IMO YMMV.
I see @fireanimal used Hifisonix MRE in one of his creations with SMPS. Did this improve performance?
One of the measurements I've seen indicates that SMPS have more HF distortion over linier PSU.
-I don't know if this HF really matters in real life conditions and our ability to actually hear any difference.
Regards
One of the measurements I've seen indicates that SMPS have more HF distortion over linier PSU.
-I don't know if this HF really matters in real life conditions and our ability to actually hear any difference.
Regards
I am considering building The Wolverine, either with 3 or 4 output pairs.
And if I do have time to build, it will be powered with SMPS.
I have had great success using them in my F6, M2x, J2, and V4H.
Fewer issues with ground loop problems and they are really quiet, with no hums with ears to speakers, but you can still see them with much lower signatures of 50 and 100Hz in REW.
I encourage anyone who has not used smps in DIY amp building, to try once, you may be a convert.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/class-a-amp-with-smps.379188/post-6843956
And if I do have time to build, it will be powered with SMPS.
I have had great success using them in my F6, M2x, J2, and V4H.
Fewer issues with ground loop problems and they are really quiet, with no hums with ears to speakers, but you can still see them with much lower signatures of 50 and 100Hz in REW.
I encourage anyone who has not used smps in DIY amp building, to try once, you may be a convert.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/class-a-amp-with-smps.379188/post-6843956
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Yes it does improve things, and I would recommend if you can find space for it in the chassis. Transistors need to be heatsinked
I will also highly recommend microaudio and their SMPS.
FWIW. Mouser US/Canada just got in a shipment of MJL4302AGs .
Yeah you're right...I'm glad my Wolverine is firing on all cylinders.
I have been researching some SMPS. Did see a lot of specs, but PSRR does not seem to be one of them. Is that because it also depends on the elco buffer or what is the reason otherwise?
As there are so many options, what is a very good one and what the best for say in the 60-70V range?
As there are so many options, what is a very good one and what the best for say in the 60-70V range?
The suggestion by Andy above is probably a good choice.
PSRR is related to the amplifier.
Hope this helps
- Dan
PSRR is related to the amplifier.
Hope this helps
- Dan
I’m new.. I emailed for the boards.. is there a place where I can choose all the components and buy.. or do the boards come with a list of components?
For those who would like to purchase boards.
Please read the first post of this thread and the first post of the second group buy thread.
2nd group buy thread
Just biy the boards. You won't be disappointed with regards to the documentation and support. I'm one of the noobs who has built the Wolverine without any major challenges.......
Just order the boards and start from scratch or whereever you are....
reg
W.
As of now I will build 2 stereo amps with independent power for each channel.. one will drive 2 x 150w Tops in 12ohm .. the other one 2 subs 600w in 4 ohms.. do I get the 3-3 or the 3-4?
@kortland I'm not a tech, but the most basic difference between the two is the amount of output transistors as described on page one post#1.
To my understanding the EF3-4 should be better at low impedance speakers.
I strongly recommend that you spend a day or two reading this thread before you deside, there is so much information, making the right choice much easier😉
Best regards
To my understanding the EF3-4 should be better at low impedance speakers.
I strongly recommend that you spend a day or two reading this thread before you deside, there is so much information, making the right choice much easier😉
Best regards
My tops are 150 w in 12ohms ..and the subs are 600w in 4ohms all with passive crossovers of decent quality.. jenzen ..obbligato ..