Intro
Contents
The Chinese brand LHY is now a familiar name on this platform. From this manufacturer we have already checked out the nice switch and some power supplies. Now it is time to take a closer look at these power supplies. We look at the 5 and 12 volt LPS-25 (supplied by Boelsz). Especially the 5 Volt version.
A power supply really only has one job: to provide fast, clean and stable power. Now that sounds very simple, but it is not. And that is evident from the countless designs we see passing by. Both at the “micro” level we see differences, but also the variations on the various types of power supplies: linear and switching, for example. Or the use of supercaps instead of as few capacitors as possible. Each technology has advantages and disadvantages. And we believe that at in the end, there are only two types of power supplies: bad ones and good ones.
The LHY LPS-25
LHY markets a linear power supply with the LPS-25 that can deliver a maximum of 25 watts. For a 12 volt version, this means that the power supply can deliver a maximum of 2 amps. The 5-volt version can load up to around 3A. Probably due to the heat generation of the voltage regulator.
The linear power supply has been kept quite compact. On the back we see two connections and, of course, the mains connection. Furthermore, we see a possibility to adjust the voltage. This was not necessary in our case.
On the front we see a display that shows the voltage. Nice, but not really necessary. And probably for some people too bright in a room with dimmed light. Oh well: tape it over and don’t look at it anymore.
The LHY LPS-25 on the inside
On the inside, the LHY LPS-25 looks very tidy. We see a familiar Talema transformer. Next to it a large diode rectifier on a cooling fin. Furthermore, the step-down to 5 volts and the necessary caps to filter out some left over noise. It looks like a fairly simple design, but the execution is neat.
Where can I find this exact product? When I try look for it I can only find a much cheaper same looking version on AliExpress and on their own site for $140 I can’t find this thing being sold anywhere in the €289 range. If it wasn’t for the price difference I would assume this is the exact one you guys tested here, but is it? https://store.lhy-audio.com/products/lps-25-25w-audio-grade-ultra-low-noise-linear-power-supply?variant=45222392594605 (Thanks in advance, great work, you guys got me started with this network-switch PSU mania :D)
Oh I missed the Boelsz link. Well in that case… same question applies, are they really selling that exact product for double the price…? The Boelsz version is listed heavier, is it a modded version or something like that?
We don’t know, except there are many clones / forgeries made of LHY products. Furthermore, there’s this thing called VAT, Import taxes and shipment costs, so it is not a like for like comparison price wise..
Wondering how the LHY 25 would compare to the LHY 50, then the 50 to the much pricier one here. in this control scenario. I’ve got an LHY 50 powering a Volumio Rivo to really great effect.
I recently purchased two LHY PSUs, a 24v for a NAD phono-preamp and a 12v for a Suca U8 preamp/tube buffer. I haven’t listened to the 24v one yet. The 12v one didn’t fix the flaws in the Suca U8 which messes up the soundstage in my system. I will sell the U8 but keep the LHY as I am sure I will find a use for it in the future.
Nice! Yeah… Keep it. You will always find a use for it.
I have found a use for the 12v LHY, I just ordered a Shanling CR60 CD transport that runs off 12v but does not include a power supply.
I also have a third LHY linear power supply – LPS-A8 for my Eversolo DMP-A8. It is a drop in replacement PSU board. The Eversolo has two PSU, a linear PSU for the analogue section and a switch-mode for the digital section. The LPS-A8 has two linear PSU. I have been using it for around six months and I believe it sounds better once it burnt in. Bass seems to have more weight and high frequencies are slightly smoother. The only downside is the LPS-A8 has a slight mechanical hum from one of it’s toroidal transformers. It isn’t coming through the speakers. I measured it at 3db right next to the unit so is inaudible from my listening position.
I have one of these 5V LPS powering a switch and yes, black electric tape is your friend. Its waaaay too bright!
Yeah it is. It should be dimmable.