The Farad Sound
Contents
So what does a Farad Super10 power supply sound like? That question is not so easy to answer. First, let’s explain that it very much depends on where you put the power supply.
On the AudioPC? Nope!!!
We initially used the Farad alongside the Pura Dodo on the Alpha AudioPC. That turned out to make absolutely no difference…. no difference at all. And that makes sense, since there is just a limit to what kind of gain you can get in such an environment. With the Jcat, the Pura Dodo is the max we noticed.
Volumio Primo… YES!
Now, of course, we have the Volumio Primo. A streamer with analog outputs…. And the Primo works on 5 volts. An ideal device for testing we find out, because – bizarre but true – the Volumio Primo continues to show differences… even with high-end power supplies.
We set up the Farad Super10, Pura Dodo, Plixir Statement and the Sbooster BOTW (MK1) and sat down for a closer look.
Character
It is no longer crazy for us to hear that each power supply has its own character. Moving from standard switch mode to the Sbooster BOTW, we hear a significant step in calmness, midbass body and space. A no-brainer for those looking to upgrade without going broke.
Then when we go to the Pura Dodo, we hear another significant step in resolution, calmness and, most importantly, speed and space. The Dodo is really a very nimble, clean power supply. And with two outputs very practical.
Then to the Plixir Statement. We hear a shift in midrange and focus. The focus of the Plixir is very precise. It goes a little less into the depth, but brings more width. And a little more emphasis on the midrange.
The Farad brings a lot of calmness. The midrange is clearly a bit more layed back than the Dodo and Plixir. Also, the Farad makes the stereo image a bit larger in all directions.
In the mid/low we hear a bit more “meat on the bones”, so to say… Body. In terms of resolution, there is not really a substantial difference compared to the Dodo or Plixir. Detailing is fairly similar, although the Dodo and Plixir seem to bring the textures of the guitar a bit easier on our own recordings of John van der Veer; it’s highlighted a bit more….
In the end, the Farad brings the most calmness to the reproduction and the most “completeness” in sound. And let’s face it: it should with a 3000 Euro price tag.
Which one should you choose?
That is very difficult to say, because the prices are substantially different. The number of outputs also differs. The Farad has one, as does the Sbooster. The Pura and Plixir offer two. It is up to you what you are looking for in a power supply. And what you find practical.
A factor in this is where you will use this power supply. On the AudioPC we hear absolutely no difference. Then it is a shame to spend so much money. On the Primo – which really is a wonder box – we hear clear differences. And that could be the same with other streamers, of course.
My latest experience with the super 10 and the bigger soundstage, is that the soundstage between the loudspeakers is logically bigger as well. There’s a bit overlap in the centre. So to get the textures of the guitar right in comparison with the super 3 is that the loudspeakers should have a bit more space in the middle. It my case it only took a few centimeters, but it highlights and focus details much better than.