Review sample supplied by Network Acoustics
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US $2.795
EU €2.945
The Network Acoustics origin is a hybrid DC power supply, designed specifically to power digital devices used to stream music. Initially conceived specifically to address the problem of electronic noise emitted by home routers, it was quickly discovered to have an equally profound impact when used with any device in the streaming playback chain that requires outboard DC power, including routers, switches, optical converters, DDCs, streamers, clocks, and DACs.
As Network Acoustics states, digital devices require fast, dynamic, noise-free power. In their listening tests, Switched Mode technology surpassed linear and battery options in preserving dynamics and timing, which is crucial for making streaming sound realistic. I wholeheartedly agree with that finding. Nevertheless, switch-mode power supplies also have a somewhat bad reputation for polluting the rest of the system with noise. Network Acoustics mitigated the impact of high-frequency switching noise by implementing an advanced four-stage filtering process from the AC input to the DC output, achieving ultra-low-noise power delivery.
The origin is housed in a precision-engineered, black anodized shielded aluminium enclosure. It employs solid-core high-purity silver/copper alloy wiring and Mundorf Mcap Supreme EVO Silver/Gold Capacitors in the output stage. The integrated Earthing Post is mechanically connected to the aluminium enclosure and wired directly to the earth of the IEC connector, and therefore to the ‘mains’ earth.
The origin is available in 12V/3A and 5V/3.5A versions, and is supplied as standard with a Network Acoustics Reference 1.00 Meter DC Power Cable terminated with either a 2.1mm or 2.5mm DC barrel connector.
DC Barrel Connector
The two most commonly used DC Barrel Connector sizes are 2.1 mm and 2.5 mm. These values denote the plug’s internal diameter, which must mate precisely with its male chassis counterpart. Note that these two sizes have the same outer diameter but are not interchangeable. A 2.1 plug won’t fit a 2.5 chassis connector, while a 2.5 plug does fit a 2.1 chassis connector, but will provide an unreliable connection. This is why it is essential to always check the required diameters when mating aftermarket accessories to DC-powered devices.
To help get you started, Network Acoustics also provides a set of Barrel Adapters. Naturally, you can also order multiple power cables to accommodate other devices.
Network Acoustics is also happy to make custom cables with bespoke terminations according to custom requirements.
Next: Review Context and Listening
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