@rq1111 - I’m assuming your Keces P8 LPS footer height is about 0.5in (12.7mm). In my situation, I increased my Farad Super 3 feet height from 5mm to 32mm so there would be a lot more air flow under the power supply. In your case, an Isoacoustic mini puck or Bronze puck would add another 0.9 to 1.2in height (23mm to 31mm) would assess thermal. In addition, I assume your ambient is between 70F and 75F.
I never liked the 5mm semi spherical footer for the Farad Super3 power supply.
Thanks for the clear explanation! Cardri. I have put 3 spare footers under P8 to give a better air flow as you have mention yesterday night. This morning, I touch the P8 , it is still about the same warm touch. I didn’t measure the temperature.
If most people can leave it on for 24hrs then I might be more reassure. I am worry as it is warmer than my other components.
If the heat concerns you, why not just turn on the unit when you are using it. Leave it off when you’re not. It has a switch on the back and I don’t believe it will affect the sound what so ever by using it.
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If it’s a linear psu, with variable voltage output selection then it will get hot / warm. This is normal. They are very inefficient in their nature as current must flow to get the correct step down voltage. Unlike switch mode psu that you may be used to.
I just compared plugging the Sbooster to the P12 and plugging it directly to the wall on a dedicated circuit. I have 4 dedicated circuits. Two is unused. Sbooster recommends plugging into the wall because power conditioners has more filters in it and it might be overdone if you add the Sbooster to it and it may sound less dynamic and duller together. You may want to experiment and try it in the wall and see what you like better. I do not believe the P12 has any filters so it does sound better than the wall. The highs are cleaner with more air and the sound is not as dull when I plug it into the P12. Not a big difference but certainly noticeable.
@rq1111 - yeah - seemed your feet were high enough, was worth a try…
Thanks! Cardri. So far, I feel much better with the bottom of P8 lifted with the footers as more air flow for the bottom.
Here I also like to wish Happy New Year to everyone here!
@rq1111 - Happy New Year to you too and everyone on forum.
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FYI.,
I have just added a Small Green Computer / Sonore 7 volt power supply to the Matrix X SPDIF2
Besides the lower noise floor and subsequent additional transparency, there is more rhythm to the music.
(SOTM 200 NEO, Melco, AQ Vodka HDMI, AQ Diamond USB, Matrix Sabre DAC)
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I went that route too one on Ultrarendu and a separate feeding the matrix. A huge jump over just the USB Powered Matrix.
Is this the one you guys are talking about? Thanks!
Yes that is the unit I use.
Thanks - I know I could benefit with a quality LPS, and this one looks to be less than half the price of the Uptone LPS 1.2, (which seems to be recommended by a lot of people here) Decisions, decisions…
I liked it enough to buy two. I got tired of waiting for a HD Plex. So bought another of these and have a couple of 12V LPS high currents coming for the i5 and modem router. Jay at audio bacon says LPS through out system adds. So far my experience.
Most folks are are referring the the Uptone LPS 1.2 which costs about $400. Some use the Small Green Computer one though… not sure how they compare, would be interested to hear input on that.
I use two SGC Linear Power supplies, 7v and 5v. Haven’t compared them to other PSUs. However, I have not experienced any problems. Basically, I plugged them in 6 months ago and have forgotten that they are there. As to operation, I turn them on and off daily as opposed to leaving them on permanently.
I believe the SGC’s no questions asked on returns may apply to these units. So ask before buying.
Chas
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Hi folks. Happy New Year to all of you.
I am quite new owner of Matrix X-SPDIF 2 and I have to share my experience, because I own just another audio setup not mentioned here before (I’ve read whole thread, nice reading though). My decent little audio setup is:
Torus TOT Max & Isotek Aquarius Power conditioners > Aurender N100H streamer > Siltech Classic Anniversary USB cable > Matrix X-SPDIF 2 (+ iFi iPower 5V) > Audioquest Carbon AES/EBU cable > Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 amplifier > Siltech Classic Anniversary 330L speaker cables > Diapason Adamantes III 25th speakers (+ speaker stands designed and made by me).
I was quite satisfied with previous setup without DDC. My Aurender streamer has only USB output, which was connected directly into usb input on Lyngdorf amp. But I’ve read on Lyngdorf forum, that Lyngdorf AES/EBU input is best one on this amp, noticeable better than USB one. So I’ve bought X-SPDIF 2 to test this statement for myself… To cut a long story short: IT IS! And X-SPDIF 2 is fantastic upgrade and considering, that it is cheaper than USB cable I am using, it is exceptionally cost effective upgrade as well. Right now I am thinking of better AES/EBU cable. Audioquest Carbon is nice, but I’m afraid it is not in par with other mentioned cables in my setup.
Anyway, it sounds fantastic now. Bass is better defined, sound is more open, soundstage is better too. And it is just second day after I’ve plugged this cute little device in, so maybe after further burn in it will be even better. One of the best upgrades I have had lately (second best is Isoacoustic Gaia/Orea isolation feet under speakers and streamer). I was not able to quit listening today!
P.S. Interestingly, I was not able to hear any difference between X-SPDIF 2 with and without iFi Power Supply. Aurender has already very clean and low noise USB output, so maybe that is causing no audible difference.
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I also did not hear much difference with the iFi 5v power supply with the Matrix, but with the Sbooster, a very substantial improvement. Adding in the Ultra filter and SR Orange fuse to the Sbooster, all I can say is WOW, WOW, and WOW!!!
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Visually, your setup is absolutely beautiful! Glad to know it sounds so good for you, I wouldn’t want the aesthetics to change.
Chas
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