Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Power supply upgrade

By "the rest" do you mean G61R, G68, 861 v3 v4 v6?

Yes, as far as I can tell ALL the G series and 861 processors use SMPS. The only exceptions in the range I could see were the G02 and G07, which each have single, small toroidal transformer.

Nick

Hi all,

I just want to warn you against Mauimods /Aberdeen Components(actualy the same company)

I ordered and pre-payed a power supply upgrade for Meridian/tact processors.

I recived a faulty product, and returned it - since then it has been impossible to get a reply from the company, I have sent more than 30 emails over the last 3 months - and no reply.

Now I am working on a lawsuit to get a refund or a functioning product.


Stay away from them.

regards'

Dennis Kristjansen

Dennis thanks for the info.

Shame you didn't take notice of Brucemck2 at the start of this thread as he warned you similarly. Live and learn.

Peter, this is an English-language forum. Please would you post only in English (use an online translator if you need to). Thanks.

Dennis,

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with Mauimods. Some people sing their praises, but others never get what they pay for. Nick,

Didn't you try the Aberdeen power supply some time ago? I've been trawling the old threads, but I didn't really see any conclusive comments from you?

This has jolted my interest in better power supplies, and if Mauimods aren't trustworthy, maybe there's a good linear PSU alternative. I found lots of information here:
https://www.meridianunplugged.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=41609&page=1
https://www.meridianunplugged.com/u...bb=showflat&Number=120545&page=1
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=27713.0
http://uk.farnell.com/linear-technology/slt12-20404-12t/linear-power-supply-nw/dp/1690684
http://www.audiophonics.fr/amplificateurs-diy-alimentations-c-23_108.html
http://www.solahd.com/products/powersupplies/silverline.htm
http://uk.farnell.com/calex/32305b/psu-open-frame-5v-3a-12v-15v-1a/dp/4893890
http://www.Meridian-audio.info/public/technote_tn7a_-_800_series_psu_exchange1%5b3442%5d.pdf
http://www.calex.co.uk/downloads/datasheets/32000_h.pdf

It looks like all the G-series & 800-series units (and the HD621) run on +/-12V & +5V supplies, which are commonly available from many manufacturers. Switching supplies typically produce 100-200mV ripple and noise, while good linear supplies are down at 1-2mV. That's a 40dB improvement in power supply performance, and regulation is very good as well.

These are the improvements to the internal supplies, but I believe linear supplies cause much less RF emission down the power lines to other equipment. If I recall correctly, Martin Colloms measured 10dB more noise from the system when the 800 was switched on - and he thought that was good going. So even if a switching supply is adequately filtered internally, it probably degrades everything else that's hooked-up. One of the reasons why AV systems tend to sound worse than stereo systems IMHO.

So I think there's plenty of motivation for upgrading the PSU, not only in the player or controller, but potentially in the HD621 as well. This makes me wish I still had my G68D, so I could play with it, and compare with the 861V4. Linear supplies are inevitably bigger and hotter than switching supplies, but there's usually plenty of space in there. Just watch out for disreputable suppliers.

BR, Nick

I haven't worked in electronics for many years, but those figures are shockingly poor if correct, 0.2v ripple should be classed as un-regulated!

I've always found linear supplies to be better in audio applications, switch mode supplies having much more noise, albeit smaller for the same VA.

Steve.

Hi Nick
no - I have never tried them. Nearest I've been to PSU changes is my use of a PS Audio PPP and a modified SB3 (SB+) which has a PSU in a totally separate box.
My comment above merely references the 3rd reply in this thread which offered some warnings. Seems the experience found is not an exception for these people.

cheers

(come on England...just 2 wickets !!!!)

I upgrade to a G68 few months ago and once I opened the unit to upgrade the fuses for HiFi-Tunning I took a look at the psu to replace the caps but I just decided to upgrade the whole psu, to be sincere the new fuses are necesary especially to those ones who want to avoid the hassle, the G68 was more revealing, the bass is tight and you will start hearing sounds you never heard before.

I upgraded to a more powerfull psu with better load regulation and it brings the G68 to another level I also recommend to upgrade the internal power cord to obtein better results.

G Ferrari,

which type and brand dit you installed?
Can you describe the "another level" more in detail?
Can you please add your equipment in the signature,
its easier to follow your statements.

Robert

The best available psu I could find was a Bicker SNP-Z101 wich has higher efficiency, it is a bit tricky to fix it into the psu case from Meridian, the power cable inside the G68 I replaced it for Furutec and the fuses are from HiFi-Tunning Silver the total upgrade was around 160 euros. The G68 was very revealing and detail with more control along the wide frequency range, enhancing the micro details.

Rgds,

_________________________
Sonus Faber Cremona M, Cremona M Center, Auditor M, Meridian G68XXV,
Synergistics Research PowerCell 10SE, SR Acelerator, SR Apex

Mr. Ferrari - could you take a picture of your installation ? it sound very interesting.



Anyone has any comments on this product - lineat should be the best way ?

http://uk.farnell.com/calex/32305b/psu-open-frame-5v-3a-12v-15v-1a/dp/4893890