I’m hoping for some technical insight rather than troubleshooting or criticism. I’m trying to understand an interaction I observed with my DirectStream PowerPlant P20. [I admit I asked AI to help me draft this post - English being my second language]
What happened
On two separate occasions, the P20 behaved very differently from what I would normally expect:
After connecting my new system, I noticed the P20’s heatsinks were extremely hot (far hotter than I’ve ever seen under normal use).
It blew the fuse of my Aurender NH10 network hub upon switch-on
Shortly thereafter, the P20 shut itself down into protection
I assumed bad cables, which I replaced. Also, before continuing to use the P20, I’ve tested it on a Meaco dehumidifier for at least 24 hours - it performed perfectly, drawing about 300 watts.
The second time the P20 shut down before becoming more than mildly warm, after about 30 minutes. Same equipment, NH10’s fuse again blew.
In both cases, % draw was below 30%
The components connected at the time: Aurender AP20 integrated amplifier / DAC / Preamp / streamer and the Aurender NH10 network switch
After reset, the unit tests normally again. I’ve reset the P20, and it is again now working flawlessly with my Meaco dehumidifier connected.
So I am not assuming a faulty P20.
What I’m trying to understand: My question is about load characteristics, not raw power capacity.
From reading here, it seems that:
“Load %” tracks current more than watts.
Certain loads may present awkward current waveforms (charging behaviour / power‑factor effects), even when real power is modest.
So my genuine question is:
Is it possible for certain complex audio components (for example multi‑rail, toroidal‑based designs) to cause a regenerator to run unusually hot or enter protection, even though total power draw is well within spec?
If this is simply a known interaction between regeneration and certain load types, that’s a perfectly acceptable answer — I’d just like to understand the mechanism.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to shed light on this. This is asked in the spirit of understanding, not complaint.
I have had that problem too. It seems for my set up to be some interaction with the M1200 amps plugged into the high current section using the 20 amp power cord. Seems like some oscillation occurs and the improvement needle goes all the way to the.e left and if unnoticed the fuse or protection breaker activates. It always was the 15 amp breaker that tripped. My solution was to plug the amps into the wall.
Thank you Babs. On my side, I had the P20 fed from a Victron Quattro inverter, which I always assumed was kind of a dirty power supply. But here in SA I’d feel naked without it; cables are often stolen (e.g.) then power is interrupted and/or when it comes back it’s with a surge. So the P20 was meant to do some cleanup after the Victron.
I’ve made my peace that I’ll probably have to part with the P20 and am getting a passive device. However, would like to know more about what is/was happening.
Me too. Would like to know this strange behavior. I currently use it only for my Stellar Gold preamp. Working well with that particular kit. Hopefully we aren’t the only ones with this problem.
Hoping PSA will be able to clarify. Of course, I could email technical directly, but my subjective feeling is that this matter deserves public closure.
Here’s my problem: I’ve made my peace having to part with the P20. And yes, since I’ve tested it on a Meaco dehumidifier I feel reasonably sure it’s fine. However, speaking for myself only now, I cannot (morally) market it with confidence unless I know for sure why it played up. And I’d be highly disappointed in any person or institution that may possibly be able to do so without very clearly pointing out any caveats that they’re aware of.
I do not have any expertise to give, but did wonder if the Aurender NH10 has been tested connected directly to power instead of the P20. You have tested the P20 drawing 300w and found it to be okay - perhaps you need to test each unit that was connected to the P20 to rule out flaws in every part of the equipment chain. I’ve had units blow fuses due to internal flaws as well as external power issues. Hope you get this resolved.
Tom, the Aurender AP20 as well as the NH10 is working flawlessly fed straight from our local utility (which I can’t chance indefinitely), a Victron Quattro-with-Lithium-fed wall plug, with a PS Audio Power Base in between as well as with a Transparent Powerwave X. The minute it’s plugged into the P20, the NH10’s fuse goes immediately. With only the AP20 connected the P20 then apparently goes into protection mode. The first time scalding hot by the time I discovered it (probably two hours or so after switch-on); and the second time within half an hour and with its heatsinks slightly warmer than expected from a half-hour doing almost nothing.
In both above instances I’ve tested the P20 exhaustively afterwards using a Meaco dehumidifier drawing approximately 22%- and 300-watts max.
“Getting this resolved” to me only means an acceptable explanation allowing me to sell the P20 with a clear conscience.