Designed with Esoteric CD transport for highend quality linear power supply.
While developing Nimitra Computer Audio Server, we also developed our own linear power supply aiming for affordable highend audio performance. The name “Nikola” is from the famous Nikola Tesla who invented affordable power distribution line that revolutionized the world until this day.
Thoroughly designed and tested for all products
We designed and built a few prototypes with many revisions through years with various devices including other servers, D/A devices, and even turntables. We tried many ideas and here’s our reasons why we refused to implement these popular designs:
Balanced DC power supply
Most devices accept single phase DC input so it’s not possible to make balanced DC output. We tried building balanced AC power conditioner with full wave transformer but it didn’t work well as we hoped with increased noise from another phase. It should only be used with balanced DC power supply output only.
So, we decided to use bridge rectifier with isolation transformer and the result is very satisfying. Diode won’t work twice harder as before, DC current is even cleaner with matching design for non-balanced DC power output.
Two-stage voltage regulation topology
When we tried to to make early prototyping PSUs having cleaner sound, we also tried two-stage voltage regulation topology (not cheap transformer coil). It produced cleaner sound with smooth presentation but dynamics wasn’t as solid as before and worsened transient attack.
We also found side effects from two-stage voltage regulation with more heat dissipation from lost energy during each stage. We decided to build transformer with specific voltage output for the best results with purist design approach.
Choke-filtered linear power supply
We also tried choke-filtered design too since some of preamps we like use this design. With very clean sound and precise imaging using choke-filtered, there’s also side effects of choke-filtered making the sound losing sweet touches and full body dynamics on lower frequencies so we shot this down.
Power capacitor bank
We could vaguely guess from our experience in the past but we decided to try this too. You won’t get current shortage with this design but since we never has issue with current load, we decided to drop it like before.
The reason why we dropped this design is mainly about sonic performance. Focus became blurred and timing got a lot slower with strong sound signature from capacitor. No matter what capacitor brands and values we tried, it does harm more than good in our case.
We also considered other design implementations like shunt regulator design but it tends to be very hot easily so we didn’t try it with over 3A cases. It’s important to make sure the product will be safe and reliable for years to come.
Tested with highend CD/SACD transports
We tested Nikola and early prototypes in many highend systems as computer audio server’s power supply. We compared with highend CD/SACD transports such as Esoteric/dCS/Emm Labs to make sure we didn’t miss important information from reference sources.
Before launching Nikola, we have many Esoteric and dCS owners who are satisfied with our prototypes. During development, some customers who thought $300 power supply being too expensive ended up buying one of the very expensive prototype unit instead.
Awards
AudioStream’s Greatest Bits Award, 2017 for Fidelizer Nikola
AudioStream’s Greatest Bits is our version of Recommended Components. This list is culled from every piece of gear that we’ve reviewed each year and represents those components that stand apart in their ability to deliver a musically satisfying experience.
Positive Feedback Writers’ Choice Award 2017 for Fidelizer Nikola Linear Power Supply
Although others did not hear a difference with the accessory Nikola linear power supply I and my wife found the Nikola to add a bit of emotional content, in particular I believe the lower midrange is a bit sweeter, perhaps more relaxed when playing HQPlayer transcoded files. My wife literally cried hearing Eva Cassidy singing Fields of Gold.
Tuned with highend audio standards
Before designing Nikola PSU, we built a few prototypes with best possible sound quality. We use the best parts for highend audio performance. In highend audio, the most important part is to make timbre and PRaT done right to make music both enjoyable and believable.
It also needs to be affordable too. So, we revised the design using the same principles as Nimitra to make affordable ones without losing its principles. As many audiophiles prefer power supply around $500 budget, we set the bar for Nikola products at $449 / 899 USD.
As a result, the finished hardware design has the following features:
- Ultra low-noise toroidal transformer – Very clean output from transformer with bridge rectifier and isolation
- Regulator tuned with 4 ultra-fast diodes – We chose the most optimal regulator optimized with best value capacitors and ultra-fast diode grade
- Highend audio grade components – Nikola products are built with highend quality so even entry level has best quality solder
- Aluminum chassis with large heatsink – Durable with highly efficient heat dissipation for stable regulation
- High quality cable tuning – Cable assembling and wiring are carefully chosen from leading industrial companies for optimal sound quality
- Stable and reliable – No hum, no significant heat dissipation with low energy lost from conversion with optimal transformer design
- Optimized output voltage – We build fixed output with the most optimal transformer configuration for almost no energy loss and heat dissipation
This is the best we can build for this price range and it’s our policies to only build products worthy of being used in highend audio systems.
Nikola Classic / Nikola2
After launching Nimitra product, we started developing an improved linear power supply to match with Nimitra. After few months of adjustments, we brought a prototype to Munich Show and listen to visitor’s feedback there.
After Nikola reaches its maturity in Signature version, original design was revised with over 2 years of experience with clients using Nikola to deliver better performance and synergy as Nikola Classic. It has even more affordable price at $449 and many local listeners prefers Classic over original Nikola.
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Nikola Classic
Only US $449
Nikola Classic has comprehensive design and testing after years with Nikola Signature. It’s perfect pair with Nimitra and EtherStream for affordable price and compact size.
Nikola Classic’s features:
-Same circuitry design as original Nikola
-Regulator tuned for high synergy musical performance
-Compact 1.5mm Aluminum chassis for small space
-Audiophile grade capacitors used in some flagship products
-16 AWG teflon insulated copper internal wiring -
Nikola2
Only US $899
Nikola2 is the second generation of Signature series for highend linear power supply with uncompromised design and quality to bring full potentials of devices used in highend audio.
Nikola2’s features:
-Regulator tuned for uncolored high fidelity audio performance
-Robust 2.5mm Aluminum chassis with better vibration control
-Highend grade capacitors providing richer sound
-Input capacitor is changed to dual capacitor circuit design
-Diode is upgraded with higher output current for high load device
-Furutech FI-03 Gold IEC inlet improving details and resolution
-14 AWG made in USA pure copper internal wiring
Nikola can also be built with 2 outputs on request. We also offer custom product solutions to customer with special requirements so feel free to ask us about custom Nikola builds.
Specifications
Wattage: 45W (70W for Nikola2 12-19V)
AC input voltage: Switchable 115/230V (configured according to shipping location)
AC input type: 2-pole+earth, rated 15A/250V with ceramic fuse
DC output terminal: 2-pole AC-DC power connector
DC output power limit: 3.7-5A@12V / 4A@5V / 2.8A@7V / 2.2A@9V / 3-4.6A@15V / 2.36-3.68A@19V
Bundles: 2.0m US Power Cable / 1.8m DC power cable
Dimension: 152 x 130 x 44 mm for Nikola Classic / 150 x 241 x 60 mm for Nikola2
Weight: 2.5kg
What customers say about Nikola
To show how our customers satisfied with Nikola linear power supply product, we’d like to share customers’ experience with Nikola. Feel free to read testimonials before before giving Nikola a free trial with 30-day money back guarantee.
Ordering Nikola
Starting US $449
The MSRP price for Nikola Classic is $449 USD and Nikola2 is $899 USD with 30-day money back guarantee and one year product’s warranty. You can order Nikola with the following options below for most suitable uses with your products.
Purchasing Nikola with Nimitra, EtherStream, or AirStream 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.
Distributors
You can order Nikola and receive local support from the following online shops below.
