View Full Version : What's your Pi power?
Bourneendboy
19-07-2018, 13:54
What's your preference regarding SQ?
Standard PSU
If ipower
Allo low noise PSU
Battery
Anything else?
I'm back to a basic Pi and want to make sure I'm using the best PSU I can.
I will follow this thread with interest.
I power mine with a cheap wallwart, but I have been tempted to buy an ifi one ever since hearing the improvement that using a cheap battery pack made. A bit illogical perhaps, but I can't be arsed with rigging up a battery plus charger and would prefer a simple plug and play solution.
Also Allo supposedly have an audiophile 5v switching supply in the works, but it seems to have stalled, as no updates in a long while.
5v 20,000mah imuto battery. works very well with an inline switch
Cycleallday
19-07-2018, 15:35
I will follow this thread with interest.
I power mine with a cheap wallwart, but I have been tempted to buy an ifi one ever since hearing the improvement that using a cheap battery pack made. A bit illogical perhaps, but I can't be arsed with rigging up a battery plus charger and would prefer a simple plug and play solution.
Also Allo supposedly have an audiophile 5v switching supply in the works, but it seems to have stalled, as no updates in a long while.
A cheap and easy way try a battery is to use a power pack designed to recharge smart phones.
I Use a couple of large rugged ones bought from Maplins for fiver when they were closing but mainly to give me a portable option for playing. I also have a dedicated linear unit from Audiophonics as well as the Pi branded wall wart - I can’t hear any difference between any of them.
guyhayton
19-07-2018, 20:15
Haven't tried a battery... however, what I can honestly say is that for me I was sceptical about power until I eventually gave in and paid £49 for the ifi powersupply
https://www.amazon.co.uk/iFi-iPower-Noise-Power-Supply/dp/B01GNNXP0Y
OMG I couldn't believe the difference it made to sound quality, over the "official raspberry pi supply". Personally I consider the ifi an essential purchase - one of the best £ for sound purchases I have ever made
cyclopse
20-07-2018, 18:42
Paul Hynes linear supply with HRS Nimbus footers and HRS damping plates. Underneath is a Nordost Thor power distributor. I avoid the micro USB power input by soldering DC power directly onto GPIO pins. It’s also earthed to Entreq Silver Tellus.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1824/42628252605_2184097f21_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27WUWmv)006B0374-3986-4792-B191-6E78391EAF32 (https://flic.kr/p/27WUWmv) by Steve Paines (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138998450@N06/), on Flickr
Theadmans
25-07-2018, 19:08
Haven't tried a battery... however, what I can honestly say is that for me I was sceptical about power until I eventually gave in and paid £49 for the ifi powersupply
https://www.amazon.co.uk/iFi-iPower-Noise-Power-Supply/dp/B01GNNXP0Y
OMG I couldn't believe the difference it made to sound quality, over the "official raspberry pi supply". Personally I consider the ifi an essential purchase - one of the best £ for sound purchases I have ever made
I have one of those too powering my Pi. Previously I had an Anker battery which was OK but too much hassle. I then had a Chinese Linear Power Supply which kept drifting away from the 5v on the LED display (not a sound quality issue but annoyed me)....
....the Ifi is just fit and forget and sounds fine to me!
MasterTape
02-08-2018, 13:52
I mainly use an S-Booster LPSU but I recently bought a small Anker powerbank for general use that I sometimes pop in there to power the Pi.
The battery has an insight/noise floor edge but lacks some oomph compared to the S-Booster for some reason. I could live with either but generally use the S-Booster since it just sits there without hassle.
The Allo walwart that came with my DigiOne is a few steps behind either option for sure.
Simon_LDT
02-08-2018, 15:21
Paul Hynes linear supply with HRS Nimbus footers and HRS damping plates. Underneath is a Nordost Thor power distributor. I avoid the micro USB power input by soldering DC power directly onto GPIO pins.
That's looks damn cool!
Can't say I've heard a real difference between power supplies myself, although I don't like the idea of the cheapo switching unit which comes as standard. I've used a HDPLEX (which I still use for my phono stage and headphone amp) and currently a LongDog Audio sold by MCRU. I'm happy with this so won't be messing with others, although one day I might try the above method by removing the need for the USB power connection.
smallangryboy
04-01-2019, 09:46
I'm currently using the official Pi supply. Does anyone know of someone in the UK building a 5V linear supply that could supply both Pi and DAC hat? I've seen a lot of Chinese supplies and the odd German one I just wondered if there are any home grown?
mightymonoped
04-01-2019, 09:53
5v 20,000mah imuto battery. works very well with an inline switch
+1
The Black Adder
04-01-2019, 13:12
Paul Hynes and Nick Gorham are the most well known and are highly praised.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
+1
I'm probably going to buy a battery for my Pi (tired of waiting for the long anticipated 5v SMPS from Allo).
Do you just leave it plugged in and turn it off/on at the plug socket as necessary?
mightymonoped
04-01-2019, 14:06
I'm probably going to buy a battery for my Pi (tired of waiting for the long anticipated 5v SMPS from Allo).
Do you just leave it plugged in and turn it off/on at the plug socket as necessary?
I have two Inline switches, one for power to the battery, the other to the RPi. I switch the power to the battery off when using the RPi and on when charging the battery (the RPi is Switched off when charging the battery).
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190104/9261761295d1ab3307f0ea2a19a5a6e9.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
you can buy different configurations of the inline switches on ebay
I have two Inline switches, one for power to the battery, the other to the RPi. I switch the power to the battery off when using the RPi and on when charging the battery (the RPi is Switched off when charging the battery).
Where do you buy these inline switches please?
And why the need for one between powerbank and Pi - any reason not to have it connected while charging?
you can buy different configurations of the inline switches on ebay
Are you fucking psychic?! :)
it just saves plugging in and unplugging all the time. you also dont want the battery charging when in use as it corrupts the supply... and yes i'm psychic:eyebrows:
mightymonoped
04-01-2019, 14:30
it just saves plugging in and unplugging all the time. you also dont want the battery charging when in use as it corrupts the supply... and yes i'm psychic:eyebrows:
What he said! :-)
Bourneendboy
06-01-2019, 09:21
I'm currently using the official Pi supply. Does anyone know of someone in the UK building a 5V linear supply that could supply both Pi and DAC hat? I've seen a lot of Chinese supplies and the odd German one I just wondered if there are any home grown?
I've tried my Ifi Ipower with a splitter cable and it works fine, but not convinced it was better than powering through the USB C connect on the Allo Boss.
Try speaking to Nick at Long dog Audio and see what he can offer:)
smallangryboy
06-01-2019, 09:59
Try speaking to Nick at Long dog Audio and see what he can offer:)
Cheers, I’ll check it out!
The Black Adder
06-01-2019, 10:01
I've tried my Ifi Ipower with a splitter cable and it works fine, but not convinced it was better than powering through the USB C connect on the Allo Boss.
Try speaking to Nick at Long dog Audio and see what he can offer:)Yup... Nick will make you one.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
Separate supplies to the RPi and Boss are the way to go in my opinion. I don't think I would spend more on the psu than on the DAC itself though.
smallangryboy
06-01-2019, 11:43
Ive heard some good word of mouth recommendations about the supplies from ReelAudio (https://www.reelaudio.co.uk/psudiscussion.shtml) anyone else used them? Agree about the costs though, it's easy to spiral out and spend more on DIY than an off the shelf product.
sq225917
06-01-2019, 14:45
http://www.ldovr.com/product-p/mpower.htm
smallangryboy
06-01-2019, 15:55
http://www.ldovr.com/product-p/mpower.htm
Is this what the Allo isolator does?
Sherwood
06-01-2019, 16:21
I have the Audiophonics LPS. Excellent unit with 2 5volt us b outputs.
Is this what the Allo isolator does?
No, the Isolator is not a power supply. It isolates the supply to the Pi from that to the DAC, and hence stops the transmission of noise, leading potentially to improved sound.
Bourneendboy
11-01-2019, 12:56
I'm currently using a Pi/Boss v1.2 with an Ifi Ipower connected to the USB C connector on the Boss which then feeds the Pi.
I'm contemplating pulling the trigger on a Longdog Audio Linear PSU, but have some reservations on whether this is likely to be a worthwhile and cost effective improvement on the Ifi.
Anyone in a similar situation who has gone this route?
sq225917
11-01-2019, 14:15
Is this what the Allo isolator does?
Yes, except the Allo isn't 'as' configurable as the Mezzanine, there's more user selectable options and the ability to output much more current from the Mezzanine. At a cost of course... I'd imagine performance is broadly similar.
Hip Priest
11-01-2019, 14:40
Ive heard some good word of mouth recommendations about the supplies from ReelAudio (https://www.reelaudio.co.uk/psudiscussion.shtml) anyone else used them? Agree about the costs though, it's easy to spiral out and spend more on DIY than an off the shelf product.
I have one of Pauls PSU's powering my Pi setup. Spendy - at least compared to the Chinese stuff on eBay - but wort it IMO for a hand-made device made locally by a highly experienced engineer, and thoroughly nice bloke too :) It has switchable grounding options, and variable output too, so has 'future-proofing' flexibility.
I'm currently using a Pi/Boss v1.2 with an Ifi Ipower connected to the USB C connector on the Boss which then feeds the Pi.
I'm contemplating pulling the trigger on a Longdog Audio Linear PSU, but have some reservations on whether this is likely to be a worthwhile and cost effective improvement on the Ifi.
Anyone in a similar situation who has gone this route?
As coincidence would have it I have just replaced my ipower with a LDA LPS today.
Initial impressions are that it is much quieter than the Ipower which in turn was quieter than the stock wall plug.
Definitively,worth the money in my book....
those ipower things worth it then? ive stopped using a battery as ive got in on all time so went back to the smps
those ipower things worth it then? ive stopped using a battery as ive got in on all time so went back to the smpsI'm sure there's a review going about that coolers the iFi PSU to much costlier linear ones and the iFi comes out pretty good.
It might have been on Hans Beekhuyzens YouTube channel but I can't remember.
those ipower things worth it then? ive stopped using a battery as ive got in on all time so went back to the smps
Good value and definitely better than the SMPS with a more detailed sound but not as good as the LDA LPS...
smallangryboy
11-01-2019, 21:25
I have one of Pauls PSU's powering my Pi setup. Spendy - at least compared to the Chinese stuff on eBay - but wort it IMO for a hand-made device made locally by a highly experienced engineer, and thoroughly nice bloke too :) It has switchable grounding options, and variable output too, so has 'future-proofing' flexibility.
Thanks for the reply. I bought a cheap Chinese linear supply as a proof of concept compared to the standard wall plug and was very impressed for the money. I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable having it on 24/7 but that's probably an unwarranted concern. I've spoken to Paul and ordered a supply but I'm waiting for the enclosure before hooking everything up.
I use offcial RPi power supply with one, the other one hooked up to my main stereo is powered by a simple linear psu. I think I prefer the linear to the official smps. Still need to separate rpi and dac supplies.
Read this thread with great interest as I use Raspberry pi units for many of my players often with a Touch screen and Digi Hat . Really not wanting to spends hundreds as a soulutin so came across this and wondered if anyone else had used one .
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hi-Fi-25W-USB-DC-5V-9V-12V-15V-18V-24V-Adjustable-Regulated-Linear-Power-Supply/263981467973?hash=item3d76858945:g:wLgAAOSwFxJbvCM 2:rk:30:pf:0
Bourneendboy
23-01-2019, 22:30
I took delivery of a Longdog Audio PSU today. Just sat down for a proper listen now.
Read this thread with great interest as I use Raspberry pi units for many of my players often with a Touch screen and Digi Hat . Really not wanting to spends hundreds as a soulutin so came across this and wondered if anyone else had used one .
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hi-Fi-25W-USB-DC-5V-9V-12V-15V-18V-24V-Adjustable-Regulated-Linear-Power-Supply/263981467973?hash=item3d76858945:g:wLgAAOSwFxJbvCM 2:rk:30:pf:0Doesn't say the current
Been using one of these for the past few weeks, very pleased.
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/hifi-power-supply/audiophonics-lpsu25-linear-regulated-low-noise-power-supply-usb-220v-to-5v-2a-25va-p-11364.html
sq225917
24-01-2019, 17:18
Grant read the listing it states current at all voltages.
Watts equals amps x volts, easy to work out.
Theadmans
24-01-2019, 18:14
Read this thread with great interest as I use Raspberry pi units for many of my players often with a Touch screen and Digi Hat . Really not wanting to spends hundreds as a soulutin so came across this and wondered if anyone else had used one .
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hi-Fi-25W-USB-DC-5V-9V-12V-15V-18V-24V-Adjustable-Regulated-Linear-Power-Supply/263981467973?hash=item3d76858945:g:wLgAAOSwFxJbvCM 2:rk:30:pf:0
....Notice the listing says it has a noisy fan (perhaps not really ideal next to your Hi-Fi then).
In pigeon English it says if the fan bothers you - you can remove it - but then it might get very hot (sounds a bit dodgy to me).
richie60
01-02-2019, 14:20
Been using one of these for the past few weeks, very pleased.
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/hifi-power-supply/audiophonics-lpsu25-linear-regulated-low-noise-power-supply-usb-220v-to-5v-2a-25va-p-11364.html
Any problems using this on 240v? Looks like it's only rated for 220v looking at the transformer.
Bourneendboy
01-02-2019, 14:24
Any problems using this on 240v? Looks like it's only rated for 220v looking at the transformer.
I think we are on 220v in the UK now:)
no we aint... meant to be 230v nominal but most places it will be closer to 240v since we got ne tx fitted recently im usually 237/239v
Any problems using this on 240v? Looks like it's only rated for 220v looking at the transformer.
Running fine, to be honest did not take much notice of the stated voltage.
According to this link, it's within the tolerance.
https://www.leadsdirect.co.uk/knowledge-base/what-is-the-difference-between-uk-voltage-and-european-voltage/
gary checked his recently and was nearing 250v average, so unless you check over a period you wont know
Sherwood
01-02-2019, 15:53
My mains voltage is pretty stable around 247v
What are the chances that something like this: DC-DC Converter Step Down Module 12V to 5V 3A 15W USB Output Power Adapter https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G8PZS84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_S1xwCbD3D5NYE would work to power the Pi from a car battery?
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Pepperamip
05-02-2019, 14:10
What are the chances that something like this: DC-DC Converter Step Down Module 12V to 5V 3A 15W USB Output Power Adapter https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G8PZS84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_S1xwCbD3D5NYE would work to power the Pi from a car battery?
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Nick I do exactly this from a Leisure battery. Voltage stays constant with very little variation (tested with a meter)
Nick I do exactly this from a Leisure battery. Voltage stays constant with very little variation (tested with a meter)That's good news! I already have my headphone rig battery powered, I love to have the pi powered off the same one. Not sure if that's drawing too much power though?
Might need a second battery?
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Pepperamip
05-02-2019, 15:35
All it will do is drain the battery quicker. Unless your pi has a lot plugged into it in which case the buck converter might cause power issues. Out of interest what is the Ah of your battery?
All it will do is drain the battery quicker. Unless your pi has a lot plugged into it in which case the buck converter might cause power issues. Out of interest what is the Ah of your battery?Only thing that'll be plugged into it is a HDMI to a display (has its own power) and an optical to my DAC (has its own power). Fingers crossed I can get it to work.
Honestly, I'm not sure, I bought the battery used from a scrappy for £20 lol
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Pepperamip
06-02-2019, 07:57
You should be fine then. Only have to solder 2 in and 2 out wires. Bare in mind the pot to set the voltage can take a number of turns before it starts to move but it will in the end, best to use a meter here.
You may have to butcher a micro usb lead as i did and if you do leave enough wire at the supply end to test for the two 5v feed wires (I think there are 4 or 5 wires in usb cable) and make a note of their colours.
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You should be fine then. Only have to solder 2 in and 2 out wires. Bare in mind the pot to set the voltage can take a number of turns before it starts to move but it will in the end, best to use a meter here.
You may have to butcher a micro usb lead as i did and if you do leave enough wire at the supply end to test for the two 5v feed wires (I think there are 4 or 5 wires in usb cable) and make a note of their colours.
Sent from my SM-G930F using TapatalkThat sounds a little over my head in theory, I don't understand much about electricity. Had to get Tony to walk me through battery powering the headphone rig step by step lol
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