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Mac Mini Power Supply

I recently built a linear power supply for my Mac Mini. The difference in sound quality was one of the single largest performance upgrades I've made to my system in years.

I was wondering if anyone else has had any experience with their mac mini PSU upgrades and what your experiences are. It's one of those upgrades I wish I had made months ago.

I've always been a big believer in the source being the most important component in the system. Followed by the power supply being one of the most important parts within the component. At least in this case, it appears that was correct.
mintzar
4est
507 posts
 
If I may ask, what type of PS did you build? I've debated on buying or building one, and am debating on how far one needs to take it.
don_c55
823 posts
 
I am surprised a linear power supply made any difference at all!
glory's avatar
glory
1,373 posts
 
Min,

Can you build me one?

What difference did you hear?
mintzar OP
65 posts
 
I heard a bigger difference in my system than upgrading an amplifier.

I built a linear PSU based on the LM338 regulator. I used Nichicon Muse caps and built a power supply that could probably be used for a decent solid state amplifier. WAY overkill -- if there is such a thing when it comes to PSUs.

I have always found switchmode supplies to be VERY noisy and mechanical sounding. Switching to a nice linear power supply for the mini was like night and day, I couldn't be happier.

I can build more, sure. Send me an email and I'll figure out what it cost me to build it and give you a price.

I'm not a tweaker in the sense that I don't like making changes to my system that are debatable. I like tangible changes that anyone walking into the room would hear. I would go as far to say as anyone using a computer for audio NEEDS a linear power supply to get the most out of their system, given the price-performance ratio of the upgrade it's a no brainer.
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