A DAC and its connected input signal components require ultra-low noise power for best sound. This cannot be overstated. For DACs with a direct DC input, the factory provided (external brick) switch-mode supply should be swapped to use one with a better regulation/filtering design. For best performance, consider battery power based on LiFePO₄ (LFP) technology for the lowest electrochemical discharge noise. Look for systems with a good BMS (battery management system) and avoid buck-type voltage regulators or integrated digital logic modules.
RF•STOP™ DC Power Filter ensures even the best power supplies are properly RF noise filtered. Power supplies with upgraded fuses or improved wiring offer only a nominal level of additional RF filtering. RF•STOP uses a two-stage design with inductors of highly permeable core material for excellent attenuation of common-mode and normal-mode noise up to the critical RF frequency of 500MHz. RF•STOP has a DC rating of 3V to 30V at 4A (Standard single filter Performance) or 1A (Extreme Performance with 3x or 6x filters in series).
RF•STOP also helps with noise isolation between components that are powered by the same DC power supply (via a splitter cable). Installing RF•STOP DC Filter between the power supply and component prevents transfer of RF noise between components. Use 2.1mm or 2.5mm connections for input and output and a well shielded DC power cable such as Gotham GAC-4/1 11301 UltraPro Star Quad available from Ghent Audio. For maximum isolation from EMF induced noise via cable antenna effects, locate RF•STOP DC Filter close to the component and use an ultra-short DC power cable (0.3 meter or 12 inches is ideal).
