Gruesome
Active Member
tough crowd ;-)
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Can someone comment on the build quality of this LPS - Thanks!!!!
- Thread starter fatoldgit
- Start date
If it is a board accepting an ATX pinout, can look for a $20-40 DC-DC atx "picopsu" or "pico psu" on Aliexpress (or amazon if you can't wait) and pair it with any reliable laptop or meanwell or triad wallwart PSU that has the correct spec for it. 60-90W Laptop bricks from companies like lenovo or dell are practically free on ebay or you might even have many laying around at home already.
restorer-john
Grand Contributor
Nah, just a typical ASR crowd that doesn't read the thread title or the OP's specific queries. Happens all the time and it's funny to watch.
solderdude
Grand Contributor
Build quality seems fine to me.
It would be difficult to know if real or immitation parts are used if one cares for that.
Such may affect longevity.
It would be difficult to know if real or immitation parts are used if one cares for that.
Such may affect longevity.
Yeah, it's really terrible how people try to actually solve somebodies problem instead of answering a question blindly
restorer-john
Grand Contributor
Yeah, it's really terrible how people try to actually solve somebodies problem instead of answering a question blindly
Somebody's (not somebodies- that's plural) problem, was not even remotely a problem. He had nothing whatsoever needing to 'solve'. Don't you get that? Useless, superfluous and unrelated 'advice' is not advice, it's a waste of time.
Typical with ASR members. They just miss the entire point completely.
restorer-john
Grand Contributor
Agreed.
At last, another member who listened to the OP, answered his questions and left his own agendas and BS at the door.
Yeah, let's see you handle some Dutch
I blame Grammarly, it thinks it's just fine Of course he has something to solve, which becomes quite clear later on:
If there is nothing to solve, there is nothing to ask.
I beg to differ.Typical with ASR members. They just miss the entire point completely.
So how many linear power supplies do you have for your PCs?
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notsodeadlizard
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So, it's by Chinese "Sengterbelle" cooperative.Looking to power my low end PC with this (it pulls 22w max).. any general thoughts on quality?
Link to item with detailed photos is here:
Finished 50VA HIFI Ultra-low Noise 2 Ways Linear Power Supply DC12V@3A Home PSU | eBay
(Made of Swiss SCHURTER fuse, made of silver solder. Use all aluminum chassis. we also can provide 5.5 2.1mm or other size) NOTE: The AC input cable is not included by default.www.ebay.com
Top view (taken from website) is as below:
View attachment 284577
Thanks,
Peter
:
It's very hard to tell something from the photo except, perhaps, the obvious - this is a very ordinary linear power supply based on some very common voltage stabilizer.
It is very likely that there is only one stabilizer in it (or I don't see the second one), which means "two ways" is not entirely clear (except that the stabilizer is two-channel, this occurs in nature, but the likelihood of this is minimal because you can clearly see that the stabilizer is three-pin only).
The PCB itself for this power supply is produced by some other cooperative altogether, because it can be found in different power sources of different cooperatives, for example:
50VA HIFI Ultra-low Noise Linear Power Supply DC5V 9V 12V 15V 18V 24V LPS PSU | eBay
Output DC cable plug type: default 5.5 2.5mm (Polarity: Internal + / outside - ). 2 × Oxygen-free copper output DC cable. Use all aluminum chassis. (The default DC plug size is 5.5 2.5mm. we also can provide 5.5 2.1mm or other size).
www.ebay.com
I will say this - I would not buy this for almost $ 100. For me, buying this is humiliating.
Simply because for this money I will do incomparably better for myself, something really 2-ways with ultra low noise.
Then the personal choice comes...
Veri
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Guilty as charged. I assumed things which I shouldn't have done.
Crikey, not sure if I want to wade back in here after the weekend! Well I think there are a few points worth mentioning so here goes nothing:
True but I fail to see the relevance of the country of manufacture, the linear one op linked is also from China? He also did make quite clear that keeping the cost of said supply down was a high priority due to shipping and imports etc.
I don't know if this is the case (I'm not saying it is or it isn't, I genuinely don't know). But I would imagine the quality of manufacture and components used is likely to have a large impact (possibly the largest) on any potential longevity. The issue here for me is you are using personal anecdotal evidence and perhaps not comparing apples to apples, 'low cost SMPS' vs presumably more expensive Linear ones. As the previously linked Meanwell etc supplies were less than (some significantly less than) $20 it would probably be better to compare to a Meanwell or whichever brand costing a similar amount, $88 is the price of the supply op linked I believe.
I can't comment on the build quality looking at the picture and I'm sure you are 10000x more knowledgeable than myself and many others in this respect. However I do have to question whether people think it is wise to potentially recommend/check a power supply from some relatively unknown manufacturer (plugging 'SENGTERBELLE' into google gave me a grand total of 5 results) by simply having someone look over a photo of the PCB? Surely most would agree it is better to purchase from a well known and tested manufacturer (even if you absolutely wanted to stick with a LPS)? You even mention you'd want to be checking the losses/temps as one cannot know from the photo.
Again a pretty broad but ultimately anecdotal claim.
Perhaps we can find some common ground here, overall I absolutely agree the PSU is not somewhere you want to cheap out on for a PC. It is an area where you should spend money, not save.
If I'm going to criticise John for using anecdotal evidence then it's only fair I do the same here for responding with it haha, would be interesting to see some long term controlled tests or research though (perhaps there is plenty out there and I am simply ignorant). Definitely agree with the spending some money on it part, which we all seem to, to be fair.
That's great, I hope it performs well and you are happy with it. I will admit it does look smart.
That's a fair point but you did also post a link to some very expensive supply from 'Small Green Computer' as an example of 'a quality unit from an established manufacturer' where most people here would say they fall firmly into the snake oil category so it was understandable for people to be concerned.
To an extent but the thing is you never know the level of someone's knowledge or understanding until you engage with them. Some people that post here and ask questions are nothing short of experts, others are completely clueless. If things aren't immediately clear I don't think there is anything wrong with asking clarifying questions or making some most likely assumptions. I feel like it is a better approach to probe and make sure rather than just assume someone knows everything and exactly what they are asking with no concern about if the response will lead to them either wasting money, something not working/making no difference or worst case damaging equipment or themselves.
Nothing wrong with correcting a non native speaker for a (very subtle) mistake to let them know. However doing so as a method of scoring points in a petty spat is pretty poor taste imo.
As per the rest, that's in your opinion. I think the questions asked were relevant and advice given was useful, again it falls back in part to not knowing how knowledgeable or experienced the OP is. My opinion is it is always better to err on the side of caution and give too much info rather than not enough. Obviously we can disagree on this!
I have faith readers will be able to discern that for themselves!
As a small but perhaps important aside do we really need to talk to each other like this? It just comes across as kind of pathetic and childish often to me. A lot of communication is not only what you say but also how you say it, I'm doubtful conversation would devolve like this if people were all sat face to face with one another? It's possible to disagree without being snarky etc. With that being said I'll hold my hand up and say I could and should have been more sympathetic with my first reply to the thread so apologies for that.
True but I fail to see the relevance of the country of manufacture, the linear one op linked is also from China? He also did make quite clear that keeping the cost of said supply down was a high priority due to shipping and imports etc.
I don't know if this is the case (I'm not saying it is or it isn't, I genuinely don't know). But I would imagine the quality of manufacture and components used is likely to have a large impact (possibly the largest) on any potential longevity. The issue here for me is you are using personal anecdotal evidence and perhaps not comparing apples to apples, 'low cost SMPS' vs presumably more expensive Linear ones. As the previously linked Meanwell etc supplies were less than (some significantly less than) $20 it would probably be better to compare to a Meanwell or whichever brand costing a similar amount, $88 is the price of the supply op linked I believe.
I can't comment on the build quality looking at the picture and I'm sure you are 10000x more knowledgeable than myself and many others in this respect. However I do have to question whether people think it is wise to potentially recommend/check a power supply from some relatively unknown manufacturer (plugging 'SENGTERBELLE' into google gave me a grand total of 5 results) by simply having someone look over a photo of the PCB? Surely most would agree it is better to purchase from a well known and tested manufacturer (even if you absolutely wanted to stick with a LPS)? You even mention you'd want to be checking the losses/temps as one cannot know from the photo.
Again a pretty broad but ultimately anecdotal claim.
Perhaps we can find some common ground here, overall I absolutely agree the PSU is not somewhere you want to cheap out on for a PC. It is an area where you should spend money, not save.
If I'm going to criticise John for using anecdotal evidence then it's only fair I do the same here for responding with it haha, would be interesting to see some long term controlled tests or research though (perhaps there is plenty out there and I am simply ignorant). Definitely agree with the spending some money on it part, which we all seem to, to be fair.
That's great, I hope it performs well and you are happy with it. I will admit it does look smart.
That's a fair point but you did also post a link to some very expensive supply from 'Small Green Computer' as an example of 'a quality unit from an established manufacturer' where most people here would say they fall firmly into the snake oil category so it was understandable for people to be concerned.
To an extent but the thing is you never know the level of someone's knowledge or understanding until you engage with them. Some people that post here and ask questions are nothing short of experts, others are completely clueless. If things aren't immediately clear I don't think there is anything wrong with asking clarifying questions or making some most likely assumptions. I feel like it is a better approach to probe and make sure rather than just assume someone knows everything and exactly what they are asking with no concern about if the response will lead to them either wasting money, something not working/making no difference or worst case damaging equipment or themselves.
Somebody's (not somebodies- that's plural) problem, was not even remotely a problem. He had nothing whatsoever needing to 'solve'. Don't you get that? Useless, superfluous and unrelated 'advice' is not advice, it's a waste of time.
Typical with ASR members. They just miss the entire point completely.
Nothing wrong with correcting a non native speaker for a (very subtle) mistake to let them know. However doing so as a method of scoring points in a petty spat is pretty poor taste imo.
As per the rest, that's in your opinion. I think the questions asked were relevant and advice given was useful, again it falls back in part to not knowing how knowledgeable or experienced the OP is. My opinion is it is always better to err on the side of caution and give too much info rather than not enough. Obviously we can disagree on this!
I have faith readers will be able to discern that for themselves!
As a small but perhaps important aside do we really need to talk to each other like this? It just comes across as kind of pathetic and childish often to me. A lot of communication is not only what you say but also how you say it, I'm doubtful conversation would devolve like this if people were all sat face to face with one another? It's possible to disagree without being snarky etc. With that being said I'll hold my hand up and say I could and should have been more sympathetic with my first reply to the thread so apologies for that.
OP
fatoldgit
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@TK750
"That's a fair point but you did also post a link to some very expensive supply from 'Small Green Computer' as an example of 'a quality unit from an established manufacturer' where most people here would say they fall firmly into the snake oil category so it was understandable for people to be concerned."
I only pointed that one out as an example how people down my end of the world get the short end of the stick when it comes to buying stuff (either locally via a vendor or self activated).
I was not saying the said power supply was the bees knees, just an example of what SOME might consider 'a quality unit from an established manufacturer'.
But my more specific point was that if the thing I wanted was $10 but of similar dimensions, I would still be charged $US 312 for shipping. Shipping is always a rort.
Overall, I have been very amused by this thread.. what started out as a simple request that someone like @restorer-john might have some insight on spiraled into a catchall for various unrelated view points.
In the end, I got what I wanted (not from the thread!!!)... a well made LPS at a good price that may or may not provide a benefit (it wont be negative, at worst neutral)
Lock this thread... PLEASE!!!
Peter
"That's a fair point but you did also post a link to some very expensive supply from 'Small Green Computer' as an example of 'a quality unit from an established manufacturer' where most people here would say they fall firmly into the snake oil category so it was understandable for people to be concerned."
I only pointed that one out as an example how people down my end of the world get the short end of the stick when it comes to buying stuff (either locally via a vendor or self activated).
I was not saying the said power supply was the bees knees, just an example of what SOME might consider 'a quality unit from an established manufacturer'.
But my more specific point was that if the thing I wanted was $10 but of similar dimensions, I would still be charged $US 312 for shipping. Shipping is always a rort.
Overall, I have been very amused by this thread.. what started out as a simple request that someone like @restorer-john might have some insight on spiraled into a catchall for various unrelated view points.
In the end, I got what I wanted (not from the thread!!!)... a well made LPS at a good price that may or may not provide a benefit (it wont be negative, at worst neutral)
Lock this thread... PLEASE!!!
Peter
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Schlippwhip68
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Late to this thread but I ordered this one. It arrived a few days ago. I am using the 12v 3a 230v version for my Router here in the UK. Compared to the cheap switching power supply that Virgin supplies and an after market Amazon alternative the LPS does give assistance to the sound quality when streaming, a notable improvement. More refined sound, smoother, less harsh digital edge in the music. Considering the price then around £100 seems to be the average for this quality but that said it did not beat the iFi Power X power supply. The iFi was better, cleaner with better separation in the music but the iFi Power X 12v 2.0a is not powerful enough for my Router so I could not keep it there, the Virgin Hub 3 is 12v 2.5a hence ordering the the above Sengterbelle 12v 3a version. The R Core was recommended over the Toroidal version. I plan on modding the case with a small 5v usb 40mm silent fan soon to sit on the vent with 15mm either side free for circulation. I think its a decent power supply and is far better for audio than the Virgin and Amazon power supply I have here. I also noticed that with this R core that the boxy tones, nasal sound in the vocals vanished compared to the other power supply's. I am using a new DenonPMA900HNE and JBL A170 speakers.
The build quality is very good in my novice opinion, they don't hide anything in their listing and show you everything that is inside the unit so at least that conveys a degree of confidence in the functionality of the product, it all looks legit. It certainly sounds legit in use but cannot comment on longevity of the unit quite yet but these have been on sale for a while and there does not seems to be any complaints so far. I use an MCRU Asylum mk1 shielded power cable for best results with the LPS and have also ordered an upgraded 2 pin/ 2.5mm 0.5m shielded cord using solid silver to connect to the Router which theoretically should be a further improvement over the standard supplied cords which to be fair are already pretty good. I will update when the cord arrives from China, should be within 10 days.
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No router will draw over 2A @ 12V, unless this is a PoE router and you are using it to power other decives like cameras etc. Most routers will probably draw 1/10 of that.
If you are looking for an ultra low noise PSU, this is one of the best PSUs I have found (with much better, discrete voltage regulator):
If you are looking for an ultra low noise PSU, this is one of the best PSUs I have found (with much better, discrete voltage regulator):
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Schlippwhip68
Addicted to Fun and Learning
I will keep it ear marked. I don’t know what the Virgin Hub 3 draws but just didn’t fancy risking my iFi Power X or an any other damage at this point. I have looked into it but info is scarce at the moment and I don’t have any instruments to prove anything or anyone’s suggestion. Thanks.
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The router can not affect sound, regardless of its power supply. Ethernet and IP are non-synchronous protocols with error correction.
Schlippwhip68
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Wrong again ASR, just plain wrong again. You are getting a strong reputation online for just being plain wrong.
I have 3 different power supply’s sat directly in front of me and can hear a difference between each one. Which I would prefer in a blind test is another story but there are clear differences in sound quality between all three.
The one I prefer the most is the iFi Power X, then the LPS from Sengterbelle and lastly the Amazon switching supply.
You could put a sheet of paper in front of me with mathematical differences between all three but subjectively it would not make any difference to my choice, I won’t be sitting down and listening to stats.
Have a great now!
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How do you listen to a power supply?
Keith
Keith
Schlippwhip68
Addicted to Fun and Learning
…via the the piece in the chain that the power supply is powering and the overall outcome at the end of the line. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!
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