solderdude
Grand Contributor
Back to the PS thing, why do manufacturers (and users) care about the quality of AC at all, at the very last mile, if we have as part of a linear PSU the transformer itself, then all the basic AC filtering circuits (mentioned before by someone), then after rectification the big buffer caps.., making nearly all of our devices baby-proof ? Especially when I think about modern, 'audio-grade', superb quality, well designed switching supplies (which don't induce that much noise nowadays than simpler designs in the old times).. e.g. looking at an ICE, Hypex module, would the quality of the sound be affected by an extra filtering device like the PS Harvester at all ? I don't think so. I would scratch my head more thinking about smps vs linear in terms of peak reserve (current) and power factor, but I'd never come to the idea of a simple extra filter which doesn't make the top of the sine wave text-book perfect anyway. (Not sure if I'd need textbook-perfect sine wave in front of an SMPS but that's a different topic, the waveform provided by the utility itself is just okay I think).
In the case of linear power supplies that are underdimensioned one can expect DC ripples (double the mains frequency) leaking through rugulators or power output stages near max output power.
This one can design for and is easily tested even with simple test gear. The bigger issue is designing for no influence of common mode and leakage currents making it into the audio path (Superdud's pet pieve). This isn't as easy and straightforward and requires insight in the path these possible currents will take. One can design for this but serious question if all 'audio designers' have enough knowledge on this part. Even more so users incorrectly using devices (without them knowing).
These common mode and leakage currents can differ substantially between power supplies, loacal circumstances (differing from those in the design stage) etc. So changing power supplies may well be beneficial. Common mode filtering and proper grounding or isolating as well.
Some designs with a poor PSRR (Power supply rejection ratio) may well be more 'quiet' at its output when substantial peaks are present on the mains. These are rare and isolated incidents and some counter measures may help.
The PS audio thingy does nothing about common mode and leakage so could, maybe, in some rare conditions help reduce audible nasties.
Paul seems like a nice guy. He actually also explains things well.. right up to the point where he says... weeelllllll. From that point switch of the video. Most what comes out of his mouth is nonsense to please the subjective minded folks so they buy PS audio stuff. In the end it is his advertising channel disguised as 'honest advice' channel.
