Topic: RME DPS-2: uFilter vs Linear playback even if inaudible

[ShiZo]

I'm using the RME DPS-2 with an ADI-2/4 Pro SE and I'm curious about the objective differences between its two output modes: uFilter and Linear. I understand that any audible impact is likely negligible, but I’d still like to explore what changes occur electrically, and whether any of those could translate into effects even if inaudible.

Based on RME’s documentation:

uFilter mode activates additional capacitor filtering for enhanced ripple suppression and voltage stabilization.

Linear mode doesn't have this extra filter, which may affect power delivery.

Questions:

uFilter mode improve regulation but could Linear mode be beneficial in transient-heavy scenarios since there is no additional filtering?

Not seeking subjective impressions, just technical insight into the actual differences between these modes and how they might relate to DAC operation. Is it possible ufilter is more suited for measurements whereas linear would be better for playback for instance? Basically I'm curious which mode is best for what

 

[stefanovesa]

Not sure if some other forumer is using DPS-2 and can measure it. I'm using DPS-2 but with RME ADI-2 DAC FS. I've a question about the ground/float switch. Concerning the ground configuration, I was expecting that selecting float position, the power supply was behaving exactly as the power supply shipped with the DAC. Actually it is not so. I have an amplifier (Naim) that needs to be connected to a source with chassis and circuit ground both connected to mains ground. In fact, if I connect ADI-2 with the shipped power supply to the amplifier, the amplifier buzzes, if I connect ADI-2 plus DPS-2 in any ground configuration to the amplifier, it is fine, no buzz at all. Probably some else that I cannot understand is in place. I know that here there is also @MC_RME perhaps he can explain the ground differencies between the PSUs .

 

[MC_RME]

It's all in the manual of the DPS-2. You hear leakage current of the SMPS. The DPS-2 is a linear ps, and as such has less audible leakage current, even without grounding the DC side. Check the manual!

 

[stefanovesa]

It's all in the manual of the DPS-2. You hear leakage current of the SMPS. The DPS-2 is a linear ps, and as such has less audible leakage current, even without grounding the DC side. Check the manual!

Thanks Matias, I've missed the difference from SMPS and linear power supply