Medical grade power supply for audiophiles

After launching StreamHub streaming router, we finally developed suitable power supply upgrade called “Aura” which is medical grade power supply. The goal of Aura is to enable possibility of completed network improvement solution under $500 USD with StreamHub + Aura.

Why medical grade power supply?

We spent years designing affordable solutions improve cost efficiency for streaming upgrade. Fidelizer Nikola Classic linear power supply is the most affordable linear power supply we can design that can meet our expectations. Here’s some requirements for good linear power supply design:

1. Reliable transformer – We need transformer that meets our standards and good transformer that won’t break after years doesn’t come cheap
2. All rounder regulator and design – Some affordable designs may work on limited current or voltage range. Good designs to cover all cost more
3. Quality multiple diodes – Some products use one diode, and it’s not really linear. Nikola designs use 4 quality diodes to keep current linear
4. Optimal capacitors – Some capacitors cost several times more, but they also bring sound design improvement as intended

If you want to build linear power supply that ticks all the checkboxes, adding good quality chassis, wiring, connectors, and operation cost makes it very challenging for us to build even more affordable than Nikola Classic linear power supply as commercial design.

So we tested more affordable power supply solutions and found a few of our friends and clients preferred Mean Well switching adapter. The idea about building quality switching power supply solutions sparked our interests from a few test results.

With wide selection of switching power supply design in different fields having such high demand, we can take advantage of massive volume in demand and medical grade quality to fit better price/performance and quality to the next level.

What makes Aura a good medical grade power supply?

Although the key ideas of switching power supply in high-end audio is still a black box territory for most audiophiles, we can still hear how some good DACs and amplifiers with switching power supply sound. For general idea, we can break down into few key aspects as below from datasheet analysis.

1. Low ripple measurements – Good switching power supply has 1% ripple but some medical grade can get lower than 1%
2. Low leakage current – Medical grade power supply will have lower leakage current and that also benefits hifi system too
3. Better parts quality – Medical grade specs use parts with higher standards which can improve audio performance also

We checked datasheets from various manufacturers looking for lowest possible ripple with low leakage current and suitable parts quality for audiophiles. We tested a few prototypes and finalized the design from both objective and subjective data.

After bringing finished product to test at friend’s store, the first impression was they keep saying “It sounds really good!” and ask to buy it immediately while setting up new store. It felt like the aura of good sound is showing up right there. So we decided to give this product name “Aura”.

Built with scalable and upgradable in mind

Before finalizing the design of Aura, we built the prototypes with best possible sound quality using the same standards as we build Nikola linear power supply first. Then, we picked good value DC cables so we can offer 2 outputs allowing Aura to power both units with many combinations such as.

1. ISP router + StreamHub/AirStream router – This is original design plan for StreamHub to also power ISP routers which are mostly 12V
2. EtherStream network switch + StreamHub/AirStream router – This will provide completed upgrade on both wired/wireless devices
3. Nimitra streamer + audiophile router/network switch – This will be very effective upgrade for Nimitra users until Nikola linear power supply
4. Media player + streaming DAC – You can also power other devices such as media player, DAC, NAS, etc. that accepts 12V input also
5. 5V version is also available – Since some people asked about 5V version for optical devices, DAC, and router/switch, you can order 5V version too

Aura has become very versatile product and highly scalable that can fit into your system easily with these qualities:

1. Medical grade power supply – Very clean and transparent upgrade from bundled switching adapter with medical grade standards
2. Nikola Classic’s level of build quality – From chassis, internal wiring, connectors and soldering quality, Aura can deliver with Nikola’s standards
3. Mean Well’s reputation – Many audiophiles worldwide trust Mean Well as the most reliable switching power supply
4. 2 outputs with high current – You can power up to two devices with 5A current which is more than enough for most applications
5. 18 gauge DC cable – We use good quality 18 gauge DC cable which is the same gauge specs used in Nikola and sound wonderful

As a result, Aura can deliver stunning performance, closer to Nikola Classic at fraction of price that can work well in high-end audio systems. And if you have extra budget to expand in future, you can also upgrade power cable and DC cable at your convenient too.

Specifications

Wattage: 60W
AC input voltage: Universal 115/230V
AC input type: 2-pole+earth, rated 3.15A/250V with ceramic fuse
DC pinout configuration: 5.5mm x 2.5mm (positive center)
DC output power limit: 5A@12V / 10A@5V
Bundles: 1.8m US Power Cable / 2 x 1.5m DC power cable (5.5mm x 2.5mm to 5.5mm x 2.5mm)
Dimension: 96 x 140 x 45.5 mm
Weight: 1kg

Ordering Aura

Starting US $219

The MSRP price for Aura is $219 USD with 30-day money back guarantee and one year product’s warranty. You can order Aura with the following options below for most suitable uses with your products.

Purchasing Aura with EtherStream, AirStream, StreamHub will save shipping free of products in bundles. Order should arrive in 2-4 weeks after date of purchase with FedEx Express for reliable delivery in 2-7 days worldwide to make sure product will arrive safely and fast.