MCRU step 2 PSU any good?

[Michielius]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of upgrading the PSU of my 1210. I already have externalized the stock PSU (see http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?42603-My-go-at-externalizing-the-PSU-using-an-SPDT-switch). This had proved to be a very worthwhile tweak, but I'm wondering about the following things:

A: Will a proper external DC PSU with an upgraded regulator inside the deck be a significant improvement over the externalized stock PSU?

B: What do you think of the Technics SL1200/1210 Linear Power Supply STEP2 by mains-cables-r-us (see http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/power-supplies/380-technics-sl1200-1210-linear-power-supply.html)? To me it seems good value for money PSU (£285) and it has an extra regulator in a smaler casing which can be placed inside the deck. Do any of you have experience with this PSU?

C: How does the MCRU compare to the Paul Hynes SR3-21 (£270) with extra regulator module? Seems he has 3 types of regulators available, TDR21 (£160), S1709v4LN (£036) and Z1705LN (also £036)?

D: One more important thing: does it have a power switch? In my book, one should not have to pull the plug in order to cut the power from any electrical device.

Looking forward to your advice! Thanks!

[CageyH]

The PSU is designed and built by Nick Gorham, aka Lurcher here on AoS.
Nick knows his stuff. I can't answer any of your questions, as I went directly from the standard PSU to the LDA PSU you are looking at. I am a very happy customer, and have no hesitation in recommending this product.

Edited to add I can answer question D - no it does not have a power switch..

[The Black Adder]

If Nick made it, it will be good... simples. Buy with confidence.

[lurcher]

I can probably fit a mains switch on the back if needed.

[Ali Tait]

If Nick made it, it will be good... simples. Buy with confidence.

+1.

[Michielius]

Thanks for al the input guys! Much appreciated!


I can probably fit a mains switch on the back if needed.

Sound like a nice option! I'll surely keep that in mind, Nick. Would adding a switch also require adding a snubber network? With my DIY externalized PSU, I experienced some problems with popping speakers when I just added a normal switch instead of using a SPDT switch with the snubber network on the stock PCB (see the thread on my externalized PSU).

Still wondering about the sound improvement the MCRU PSU (or Paul Hynes for that matter) would make compared to just externalizing the stock PSU. Anyone?

[lurcher]

Thanks for al the input guys! Much appreciated!



Sound like a nice option! I'll surely keep that in mind, Nick. Would adding a switch also require adding a snubber network? With my DIY externalized PSU, I experienced some problems with popping speakers when I just added a normal switch instead of using a SPDT switch with the snubber network on the stock PCB (see the thread on my externalized PSU).

Still wondering about the sound improvement the MCRU PSU (or Paul Hynes for that matter) would make compared to just externalizing the stock PSU. Anyone?

If you remind me I will add one if your system notices such things.

[Michielius]

I gave it some thought this weekend, read some more reviews and decided to go for the LDA/MCRU step 2 PSU. PM sent, Nick :)

[Michielius]

So, last week I received the LDA/MCRU PSU and first impressions after a 40 hour burn-in are very good. These are my findings so far:

- Overall much smoother sound. Like a bunch of distortion has disappeared.
- Tighter and better controlled bass
- Better dynamics, especially micro-dynamics are much improved
- Better detail and resolution
- Improved soundstage: more width and depth but I especially notice an improved height

And this is compared to my externalized stock PSU! The differences compared to the stock PSU still sitting inside the deck must be really big, since just putting the stock PSU in an external casing already proved to be a big improvement.

Nick has indeed made a beautiful PSU here, very neatly built and also looking quite smart. I also found service to be outstanding. At my request he built it with power switch and snubber. When I installed it at first, the rpm, pitch and PSU leds didn't turn off when the PSU was turned off. So I contacted Nick and upon his advice I removed the snubber cap (he offered to do it, but I did it myself since I'm able to do a little soldering). This turned out to be the solution, and furthermore without the snubber cap there where no popping speakers when turning the PSU on or off. To me this says something about how well this PSU is designed, since my system is quite sensitive to these problems (I guess due to inferior wiring in my 1950s apartment).

Handling by Dave from MCRU was also very smooth. I also bought a Achromat from him, which I'll be adding later when I'm more familiar with the changes the PSU has made.

All in all I'm a very happy costumer and I wholeheartedly recommend this PSU to anyone still using the stock PSU, whether it's inside or outside the deck!

[lurcher]

Ta. Happy to help

[Ants]

NicK, how much or what are the difference(s) are there between the various levels of technics SL1210 external PSU you make for MCRU?