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Post by jazzva on Jul 15, 2024 23:45:50 GMT
Hi there
I use an Intel NUC8i5BEH to run a Roon Optimized Core Kit. It currently uses its default switched-mode power supply.
I am exploring some audio-grade power supply alternatives that could potentially lead to better sonic results.
Is there anyone who can share their first-hand experience with this?
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Post by stevew on Jul 16, 2024 8:16:00 GMT
Do it. Definitely a step forward. Might be a marginal gain but a gain nevertheless.
I was fortunate to buy (via pink fish), a Mac mini that had an UpTone Audio Mac mini DC-Conversion / Linear Fan Controller Kit (MMK) and PLEX Linear power supply which has 12v and 19v outputs (12v used for Mac Mini).
My old nuc died in 2021.. or at least the Ethernet section did, and after working round it using Ethernet adapters I bit the bullet and bought a new NUC8i5BEH Barebone and recycled the ssd and other board.
So the Mac mini got put in the kitchen using a 12 volt switching power and I changed the HD Plex linear to 19v to run the nuc.
Not night and day but a better sense of definition in the soundstage/ instrument placement… all that kind of malarkey.
The HD Plex unit is built like a tank but unfortunately seems to have been discontinued. However, it looks to me that the latest models from them can be used for up to 4 outlets with various voltages.
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Post by brucew268 on Jul 16, 2024 9:43:31 GMT
Your NUC8i5BEH has a TDP of 28W which should mean that it does not need more than 1.5A @19vdc. If I understand correctly Roon tends to be more on the power hungry side than some other software, so don't know how close to that it will run. Your model NUC should run on 12-19V but would need 2.5-3A at 12V and likely to be noisier than a 19V one. On my NUC with a TDP of 15W, a power supply based on the Studer900 design is great value for money, very quiet, but only handles 1.5A so might be close to its upper limit with your NUC and Roon. Would have to try it to know, but they are cheap on Ebay and AliExpress. Generally, you should overspec the requirements when using a linear power supply. Otherwise expect to pay good money for the quality of power supply that will show you proper HiFi improvements. Think £700-1200. Noise floor, low level contrast, dynamics are all areas you should see affected by a proper quiet power supply. But note that setting the CPU frequency and the precise PSU input voltage have to be experimented with to get the best out of your NUC. See also audioaddictsforum.com/threads/recent/3277.
...Oh, if it is running Roon as server and not as the front end, the power requirements for the NUC may not be near as high, but those who know Roon well are better equipped to answer that.
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Post by jazzva on Jul 16, 2024 18:16:51 GMT
Thanks to both of you for super useful pointers and food for thought. I'm using the NUC to run Roon Optimized Core Kit as a server only, so it's mainly to store my relatively modest local library on SSD and to serve up Qobuz streams via RAAT. I've been eying ifi-audio.com/products/ipower-elite/ as one of the options. I am unsure whether to go with the 12V or 15V variant. |
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,262
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Post by Bigman80 on Jul 16, 2024 18:47:05 GMT
Thanks to both of you for super useful pointers and food for thought. I'm using the NUC to run Roon Optimized Core Kit as a server only, so it's mainly to store my relatively modest local library on SSD and to serve up Qobuz streams via RAAT. I've been eying ifi-audio.com/products/ipower-elite/ as one of the options. I am unsure whether to go with the 12V or 15V variant. Ifnots suitable for your requirements, it's a free hit as you can return it if you're unhappy. £300 isn't bad money either. |
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Post by brucew268 on Jul 17, 2024 8:51:52 GMT
I am unsure whether to go with the 12V or 15V variant. My working theory is that more amps used, the noisier the PSU. Therefore, if a range of voltages is allowed, I choose the higher voltage so that fewer amps are used even though the same watts are required. (Watts = Volts * Amps) |
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Post by misterc on Jul 17, 2024 10:21:14 GMT
Would also suggest impedance pathways are also more critical on larger current draws, with CPU' these days using 1.8Vdc and lower the current requirement is higher, so board layout/power connectors etc are quite important here imho
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Post by brucew268 on Jul 17, 2024 13:58:31 GMT
Would also suggest impedance pathways are also more critical on larger current draws, with CPU' these days using 1.8Vdc and lower the current requirement is higher, so board layout/power connectors etc are quite important here imho Tony, did you mean 18vdc and lower vs 1.8vdc? Otherwise I'm struggling to understand how 1.8vdc ever comes into play?
Does that mean a CPU that can handle 12-19V has more of a PSU impedance pathway issue if feeding it 15V vs 19V?
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Post by misterc on Jul 17, 2024 14:13:23 GMT
Bruce,
1.8Vdc is the cpu voltage requirement for many processors now, the lower the voltage they take the higher the current they require.
Volts are the 'push' if you like the current is the load (lol)
I am exprimenting with higher current capability psu's with a lower volatge threshold, although with a different reactive element in the power distribution network, early days, but promising!
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Post by brucew268 on Jul 18, 2024 12:52:57 GMT
BTW, my limited experience has been that if a NUC is acting only as a server and is separated from the front end by more than a single switch, the results of its linear power supply are rather more subtle than otherwise. YMMV.
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Post by jazzva on Jul 18, 2024 13:25:27 GMT
BTW, my limited experience has been that if a NUC is acting only as a server and is separated from the front end by more than a single switch, the results of its linear power supply are rather more subtle than otherwise. YMMV. That is most likely true. If anything, the default SMPS that comes with it is likely pushing noise back to the power line where other components are feeding from, which is not ideal. |
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