The LHY Sound
Contents
It is and always will be special to hear how a power supply has a certain sound signature. Very recently, we tested the Plixir BDC Elite MK2. That is a very nice power supply with a quiet, powerful, tight and rhythmic character. The LHY shows that you can approach it differently. What we want to say is that the accents are just a little different with this power supply.
Air, rhythm
Compared to the standard switchmode power supply, it is noticeable that the stereo image grows immediately; it grows both in width and depth. This is no doubt due to the deeper bass, which also reveals more detail. We also hear this effect with the Plixir. And that is not surprising: jitter has a huge influence there.
However, we also hear more air coming into the reproduction and feel that everything clicks together better rhythmically. That makes longer listening easier, because the brain has to work less to get everything “right”. Very pleasant.
Rest
Besides these immediately audible things, we also hear more calmness in general. And more fluidity in the reproduction. The Volumio “dances” a bit more, it seems.
Also, because of this calmness – which we can also explain as more ‘black’ between the notes – we hear more depth in the instruments. Texture, shall we say. Often this is the result of reduction in noise; the noise drops, the details come out better…. That, in turn, indirectly creates more engagement. And we’re all looking for that, aren’t we?
Overall
The LHY leaves a good impression. We hear a clear jump in calmness, insight and musicality. In short: mission accomplished!
For those who are wondering what the difference is with the – much more expensive – Plixir: yes… that is still a step. The Plixir is even a bit tighter in terms of timing, and especially in the low end it shows a bit more (if we connect both to the Volumio itself). And it should; you are paying for that too!
However, this LHY is an excellent step up from a standard, switchmode adapter. So those who want to explore the world of better power supplies: pick up this LHY!
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.