The FiiO PL50 review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links.
The price of the FiiO PL50 is $150 and you can buy it from FiiO.eu
Why do I need a good quality power supply?
There is a wide range of audio devices that rely on an external power adapter, typically a generic switching power supply (SMPS) of average quality. While these devices usually have an internal rectifying and regulation circuit, it is preferable to begin with a clean and noise-free mains supply that can be more effectively filtered out by the internal filtering stage.
An external audio power adapter can be either an SMPS or a linear power supply (LPS), each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Both types can be suitable for audio use, as long as they are of the highest quality and specifically designed for audio applications. However, this review does not aim to compare LPS and SMPS or determine which one is better for audio use. Instead, it focuses on the benefits of using a high-quality external power supply, such as an LPS like the FiiO PL50, compared to the low-quality SMPS that often comes bundled with most audio devices.
A well-designed LPS offers a stable voltage output with minimal ripple and lower noise. Moreover, this lower noise is fixed at a frequency range where human ears are less sensitive. In contrast, the noise produced by a switching power supply is at a higher frequency and can easily interfere with the analog portion of the audio circuits, significantly impacting sound quality. This interference can even indirectly affect the digital portion of the audio circuit, further degrading sound quality. Since the noise generated by an LPS is already fixed at a lower frequency, it can be more effectively filtered out by the audio device itself.
A linear power supply offers faster response to load fluctuations, enhanced immunity to EMI and RFI, and superior isolation from mains noise. Moreover, it exhibits lower output impedance. Conversely, a poor quality SMPS is highly vulnerable to both EMI and RFI, necessitating effective shielding, which is lacking in a generic SMPS.
Furthermore, a low quality SMPS generates high frequency noise that contaminates the AC mains and affects the entire audio chain. It also exhibits higher ripple voltage and slower transient response.
The FiiO PL50
The FiiO PL50 is a top-notch, quiet, and well-regulated Linear Power Supply that offers support for both 12V and 15V outputs. It boasts a maximum current of 3A for the former and 2A for the latter, ensuring optimal performance. This power supply is meticulously crafted to effectively tackle all the aforementioned concerns. Moreover, the PL50 comes with an AC end filter circuit, effectively eliminating any interference caused by other audio devices sharing the same AC outlet.
The FiiO PL50 is equipped with a custom 50VA audiophile-grade toroidal transformer, which is housed inside the unit. This transformer is constructed using high-quality Nippon steel iron core and high purity, oxygen-free copper wires. These components contribute to the amplifier’s high efficiency, precise voltage control, stable voltage output, and increased energy output.
Every part of the circuit in the FiiO PL50 has been carefully selected to ensure top-notch performance. The amplifier incorporates Shindengen bridge rectifiers, TI voltage regulators, and Nippon Chemi-Con and Rubycon capacitors. These high-quality components further enhance the overall performance and reliability of the amplifier.
The PL50 boasts an advanced circuit design that has been optimized to deliver reliable operation. It incorporates EMI filtering, transformer rectification, voltage regulation, and multi-stage filtering. This comprehensive design ensures optimal performance and minimizes any potential interference or distortion.
Furthermore, the FiiO PL50 has obtained various safety certifications and is approved for use within the European Union. This certification guarantees that the amplifier meets the necessary safety standards and regulations, providing peace of mind to users within the EU.
Design and interface
The PL50 is a sleek, rectangular device featuring a compact digital display on the front that indicates the output voltage. At the back, there is a switch that allows you to choose between 12V or 15V DC, and the DC output is conveniently provided through a top-notch GX16-2 socket, known for its aviation-grade quality. With its minimalist industrial design, the PL50 boasts a sturdy chassis crafted from an aluminum-magnesium alloy, effectively safeguarding the internal components from external noise and interference.
The build quality and finish of the PL50 are truly exceptional. Additionally, it comes with a mains cable and a high-quality DC output cable equipped with a 5.5×2.1mm barrel plug, ensuring compatibility with various devices such as the FiiO K5 PRO/(ESS), K7, M17, Q7, R7, and many others from different brands.
Listening impressions
I have extensively utilized and examined the PL50 in conjunction with the K5 Pro ESS, K7, Q7, and M17 from FiiO for a considerable period of time exceeding a couple of months. Throughout my testing, the majority of my listening sessions were conducted with the Focal Clear Mg, HIFIMAN Arya Stealth, and Sennheiser HD660S2 headphones, all of which were equipped with pure silver cables crafted by Lavricables.
Incorporating a top-notch external linear power supply into the audio chain does not possess any mystical qualities; rather, it is grounded in scientific principles. By utilizing a clean and noise-free power source, the resulting sound becomes clearer, with reduced distortion and audible noise. This can be likened to the distinction between using fresh spring water instead of tap water to brew a cup of coffee. Any coffee enthusiast would instantaneously discern the disparity in taste.
While this review is purely subjective and lacks scientific validation, it is not arduous to conduct a web search and uncover numerous measurements that assess the noise levels and performance of power supplies under real audio loads, allowing for a comparison against generic SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply).
Please keep in mind that the PL50 will not alter the sound of your audio device in any way. It will not change the frequency response or any other sound characteristics. The purpose of a linear power supply is not to make these kinds of changes.
It is important to note that the improvements brought by the PL50 are minor and not drastic. The better the rest of your audio chain is, the more noticeable these improvements will be.
Adding the PL50 to your audio chain is like the perfect finishing touch. One of the first things you will notice is the completely black and noise-free background. This enhances the sense of tranquility and greatly aids in detail retrieval. You will be able to pick up on the finest nuances, especially when listening to complex music passages.
Furthermore, there is an improvement in overall clarity and transparency. This becomes evident when comparing the PL50 to a standard wall wart adapter. The layering of the sound becomes more precise, and the ambience information is effortlessly brought out. The soundstage also gains in width and space, similar to the experience of listening to following recording.
The PL50 enhances transients speed and adds greater impact to the sound with faster attack, using the same musical example that requires sudden and well-contrasted dynamic swings. Additionally, there is an improvement in the timbre texture, resulting in a more natural and smoother sound, particularly in the higher frequencies.
Not only for your DAC
One other field where a 12V audio grade power supply can be utilized is to supply power to your Ethernet router. Audiophiles who have experimented with upgrading their router’s power supply to a higher quality one with reduced noise are well aware of the positive impact it has on the audio quality of digital signals. Personally, I made the switch from a generic wall wart to an iFi iPower 12V power adapter a few years ago and have never regretted it. Furthermore, when using the PL50 for the same purpose, I noticed an even quieter background while listening to music from high resolution streaming services, which sounded slightly less digital and harsh.
In the end
In my opinion, the incremental sonic improvements mentioned above are definitely worth it. Adding an external audio-grade power adapter wherever necessary is a justified investment. It is important to note that these improvements are not limited to the FiiO PL50 alone.
However, what truly sets the FiiO PL50 apart from its competitors is its remarkably low price. Despite its proficient design and high-quality construction, this power supply is available at a fraction of the cost compared to other “audiophile” brands. With dual output rails (12V and 15V) and a maximum current of 3A, the FiiO PL50 offers exceptional value for money.
Considering that some similarly specced power supplies from renowned brands in the audiophile industry cost well over 1K-USD, the FiiO PL50 is an absolute steal. It brings noticeable improvements to your audio setup at a price lower than that of a medium-grade audio cable.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2023.
+ Subtle but audible audio improvements + Low ripple, low noise, stable voltage output + Noise and EMI filter at the AC input end + High quality parts and excellent build quality + External noise and EMI shielding + Dual output rails (12V and 15V) with 3A of maximum current + Voltage display at the front panel + Value - Nothing of note
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