Why Power Matters

When I first started building music servers and testing DACs, I didn’t pay much attention to power supplies. Most devices came with a cheap wall-wart, and I assumed that was “good enough.” Over time, though, I started noticing subtle  noise through USB – but audible differences in background noise, USB stability, when upgrading to better power sources.

A power supply won’t magically transform your system. But if you’re using a Raspberry Pi, a budget DAC (advertisement link), or a network streamer with a low-cost switching PSU, there’s a good chance you’re leaving sound quality on the table. Especially if your setup is revealing enough to notice noise floor issues or timing inconsistencies.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through why power supplies matter, when an upgrade makes sense, and which models I actually recommend based on personal testing and user feedback.

What Makes a Good Power Supply?

Not all power supplies are created equal. In fact, the cheap switching adapters that come with most streamers and DACs are built to a price—usually under a dollar in manufacturing cost. They’re noisy, often poorly regulated, and can introduce high-frequency interference directly into your audio chain. Especially DAC circuits are sensitive to high.frequency noise.

A better PSU offers three main improvements:

• Voltage Stability: Clean, constant voltage prevents dropouts and reduces jitter, especially important for DACs and digital interfaces.
• Low Ripple & Noise: This refers to the small fluctuations and spikes in output, often in the MHz range, that can affect sensitive audio circuitry.
• Isolation & Build Quality: Well-designed PSUs prevent electrical noise from your power grid—or other components—from bleeding into your streamer or DAC.

There are two main types of PSUs:

• Switching Power Supplies (SMPS): Compact and efficient, but often noisy unless specifically designed for audio (e.g. iFi iPower2 (advertisement link)).
• Linear Power Supplies (LPS): Bigger, heavier, and more expensive—but also quieter and more stable, especially when well implemented.

If you’re running a music server or streamer that’s sensitive to timing (like a Pi or USB DAC), it absolutely makes sense to look beyond the bundled adapter.

Best Use Cases for PSU Upgrades

Upgrading your power supply only makes sense if the device it powers actually benefits from it. In my experience, some components react very clearly to cleaner power—others barely at all. Here’s where a PSU swap can make a real-world difference:

• Raspberry Pi Music Server: The Pi is extremely sensitive to voltage fluctuations. A poor PSU can cause USB dropouts, undervoltage warnings, and subtle jitter. If you’re using it with a USB DAC or HAT DAC, a quality PSU is a must. I recommend the iFi iPower2 (advertisement link) or a decent linear PSU if your budget allows.
• USB DACs with External Power: Some DACs (like Topping models) use an external 5V supply. Replacing the included adapter with a low-noise PSU can lower the noise floor and improve channel separation. If your DAC is USB-powered only, power supply quality on the host device (like a Pi) becomes even more important.
• Streamers & Reclocker Devices: Devices like the Allo DigiOne, Allo USBridge, or WiiM Mini often benefit from better power. Even midrange streamers often use generic wall adapters, which are far from ideal.
• USB Hubs / Reclocker Boards: If your setup includes a powered USB hub or a DDC (Digital to Digital Converter), these can introduce noise back into the system if poorly powered. A clean 5V PSU here can stabilize the signal path, especially in complex chains.

As always, don’t expect night-and-day transformations. But in systems that are already clean, resolving, and well-configured, a power supply upgrade can provide that last bit of finesse and stability—without touching the signal chain.

Top PSU Recommendations (Under $100 / Under $200)

Here are some of the best power supplies I’ve personally tested or can recommend based on real-world feedback. These are ideal upgrades for Raspberry Pi setups, USB-powered DACs, and streamers under $1000.

• iFi iPower2 (advertisement link) (5V / 9V / 12V): This is my go-to affordable upgrade for most devices. It’s a switching PSU, but with active noise cancellation, decent current capacity, and very low ripple. Works great for Raspberry Pi, Topping DACs, and reclockers. Available on Amazon and often under $80.
• Allo Shanti (advertisement link) (Dual Output LPS): A serious linear power supply with two isolated 5V outputs. Built specifically for Raspberry Pi and Allo devices, but also works well with DACs. Big, heavy, and well-regulated. Best sourced via Allo or Audiophonics.fr.
• LHY / LDOVR Linear PSUs (China): These are surprisingly well-built and available in multiple voltage ratings. Not as well known in the West, but excellent value. Great for DIY setups or more advanced streamers. Available on Amazon and Aliexpress.
• SBooster BOTW (advertisement link) P&P ECO: A higher-end choice for those who want the best possible regulated linear power. Great build quality, used by many audiophiles. More expensive, but worth it if your DAC costs 500€+.
• Topping P50 (advertisement link) / P30 PSU: These are made to match specific Topping DACs like the D90 or E70 series. If you’re using a Topping DAC with external DC input, this is the natural pairing. Compact, linear, and clean.

Most of these are available directly on Amazon.com (advertisement link) or via regional audiophile retailers (in Europe I recommend AudioPhonics.fr). I’ve linked to the most relevant options in my DAC Buyers Guide and Streamer Guide as well.

Do They Really Improve Sound?

The improvements you’ll get from a better power supply aren’t dramatic. If your system is poorly set up or your speakers are budget-level, you probably won’t notice anything. But once you eliminate bigger bottlenecks—like bad USB cables, noisy PCs, or cheap DACs—a clean power supply can help your setup reach its full potential.

The most common benefits I’ve observed:

• Lower background noise: Especially with USB DACs or Pi-based setups, a better PSU can reduce hiss, hum, or harshness—especially at high gain levels.
• Improved timing stability: This matters most for USB audio and SPDIF reclockers, where cleaner power can reduce jitter or dropouts.
• Fewer crashes or glitches: A Raspberry Pi or streamer powered by a poor supply may freeze, stutter, or underperform. Clean power = stable performance.

That said, don’t expect a dramatic tonal shift or an upgrade equivalent to a better DAC or speakers. This is a tweak—refinement, not transformation.