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Nikola – Linear Power Supply

 

Nikola - linear power supply

 

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.

 

After extended listening with the SOtM sMS-200 / Nikola, I felt that many of the sMS-200 owners will love this combination.

As far as power supplies still being sold, the Fidelizer Nikola2 power supply has the best tonality and timbre in the entire lineup. It has a fantastic amount of tonal variance, soul, and essence. It’s incredibly tactile, balanced in fullness, and articulates with just enough precision. Because of that, you’re able to hear subtle timbral and cues and resonances that are usually masked by other power supplies. This is consonant with what I hear in real life.

Nikola power supply is terrific. I knew I’d hear an improvement with a more robust power supply but this is quite impressive. Music sounds much more robust and propulsive, soundstage is considerably more open, more revealing of musical textures, more nuance and inner detail, the list goes on. Thanks again.

Paul Candy, 6moons

Ohhhhh, wow, this time the Nikola was a welcome and noticeable addition. The most obvious changes were in the lower midrange, imparting a welcome bit of warmth and emotional content. There were more musical interludes that occurred as beautiful.

 

 

 

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.

 

Nikola - Prototype

 

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 for Fidelizer Nikola

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 Nimitra Computer Audio Server and Nikola Linear Power Supply

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

 

Nikola and Nucleus

 

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:

  1. Ultra low-noise toroidal transformer – Very clean output from transformer with bridge rectifier and isolation
  2. Regulator tuned with 4 ultra-fast diodes – We chose the most optimal regulator optimized with best value capacitors and ultra-fast diode grade
  3. Highend audio grade components – Nikola products are built with highend quality so even entry level has best quality solder
  4. Aluminum chassis with large heatsink – Durable with highly efficient heat dissipation for stable regulation
  5. High quality cable tuning – Cable assembling and wiring are carefully chosen from leading industrial companies for optimal sound quality
  6. Stable and reliable – No hum, no significant heat dissipation with low energy lost from conversion with optimal transformer design
  7. 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.

  • Nikola Classic
    Only US $449

     

    Nikola Classic - linear power supply

     

    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

     

    Nikola Signature - linear power supply

     

    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.

Read all customers’ feedback

Hi guys.
I wanted to jump in here as a customer of Nimitra.

Firstly I have to say the product is top shelf. I have never heard my system sound so good and am thoroughly enjoying the benefits of this device. In fact I have sold a Sony HAPZ1ES player t…

Steve Andrews

Nikola power supply is terrific. I knew I’d hear an improvement with a more robust power supply but this is quite impressive. Music sounds much more robust and propulsive, soundstage is considerably more open, more revealing of musical textures, more…

Paul Candy, 6moons

Hi Keetakawee,

Nimitra+Etherstream are awesome!! I can’t describe it in detail due to poor English but it is totally upgrade. And the most important thing is they bring a pressure free listening experience to me. In my previous system, I usually feel…

I use 2 of your ‘Nikola’ power supplies and one of your Fidelizer network switches in my music systems and I’m running Fidelizer on 2 computers – each of your products has made listening to music so much more enjoyable. Many, many thanks – and keep g…

Gordon Chalmers

Nikola is a big help.

Terdsak

Hello Keetakawee,

The problem is solved. After all, I needed a 5.5/2.5mm plug. My wife noticed an improvement although she did not know that I ha med any changes.

Thank you again and best wishes,
Markus Wolfensberger

Markus Wolfensberger

Hoi Keetakawee,

I thought I will give you an update of my adventures with Nimira and Nikola. It runs very stable. Some times after a driver switch a DAC clock locking problem occurs but that is fixed by a restart or some more switching.
Roon runs ver…

Richard

Your N+N combo blows away the ROON Nucleus unit in providing PRAT. I noticed an immediacy and tempo of the music in each of my 3 zones that was not there with the Nucleus. Thank you.

JAK

John Kenyon

Keetakawee,

I have been using my Nimitra server and Nikola PSU for about a week now. Initial impression is that I do not appear to be missing anything with the sound.

The sound is similar to that which I get with my Linn Sondek turntable with good mu…

Geoff

Hey Keetakawee,

The nikolas arrived in perfect condition, and I’ve been using one of them every day ever since. LOVE the sound, a huge improvement over the other zeroxone LPS I was using, at roughly 1/4th the size.

Best regards,
-Eric Pai

Eric Pai

We are pleased to report that the audio performance of the Nimitra2 has surpassed our expectations and has elevated our listening experience to another level. The staging and imaging has become extremely precise and has increased in length depth and …

Tiny Kambaran

Hi. I have been playing around with the NimitraS so far when I got time. It sounds really great! I am currently just using it with the dragonfly red and HD600 headphones until I get the kii three setup.

Christoff Basson

My tech fixed the power supply by putting it inside your 12V chassis.

And he said you did a good job on it.  Normally he is not so complimentary to other people’s work but he said yours is a good job.

Jazz Producer

Nimitra/Nikola is a clear winner in my system; this innovative system represents a step change in performance. Compared with my ‘tuned’ laptop audio-PC, Nimitra/Nikola is clearly the better music machine. Higher level of detail, transparency and tona…

Kjell Nedrebo

Hi Keetakawee,

Thank you for the fast shipping and I have received both Nikolas. I am still allowing them to settle in but the quality of your work and first impression is outstanding. You are doing some great quality work.

Shovik

Shovik

Beautiful couple in both sound and body. Sound improve in all three range. For update, the improvement of Nimitra upgrade version from Nimitra original version now is more than 50%!

Nattachai Srisawat

Hey Keetakawee, I just want to thank you for the most beautiful sounding linear power supply I’ve ever heard through my system. The Nikola 2 is the most natural and tonally accurate linear power supply I’ve ever had the pleasure to listen to. It best…

Jonathan Kim

I am enjoying the Nikola. Definitely sounding better as time goes by. It brings definiteness to the sound. I notice a bit more space and distance between everything. I perceive more darkness on the low end and extension. High end is smoother and more…

Bernie

Just got the PSU…In system for one hour. Fantastic, huge improvement, much more air and cleaner mid and bass !

My friend in Geneva, Jean-Jacques Bieri is also enthusiastic.

Thank you !
Andre

P.S. Looking seriously at your Nimitra.

Andre

Hello Keetakawee,

I’ve now had the opportunity to listen to the Nimitra for several days and must say I’m very, very impressed. I tried it first as a direct replacement for my Mac Mini using it as a Roon Core with a Sonore microRendu as my endpoi…

David Whistance

Installed today and found big improvements in sound quality. It’s significant upgrade despite having HDPlex which is also linear power supply too.

Kawit Rojan

Hi Keetakawee,

Thank you for sending me the new EthernetStream2 and Nikola2..You have achieved something very special here! I use an Aurender W20 to serve all digital audio and it allows me to stream Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify. I always use data stored…

Simon Bailey

Keetakawee,

That is a great job just what I was asking for top support. Oh and by the way this streamer puts my Auralic Aries streamer to shame great sound.

nay9275

Hi Keetakawee,

Yesterday the package arrived and in the late afternoon i connected the switch and the power supply to the system. With your products I have heard more beautiful sound with both Tidal and Qobuz. First of all, the total absence of any h…

Hi – Another satisfied customer 🙂

For the last year I owned the Fidelizer EtherStream with its included power supply. It’s been a very worthwhile upgrade from the wired connection directly from router to my streamer/dac. After listening to it with …

arrived before noon today…a day early! no problems with immediately enhanced audio in all the subtle ways one hopes…wider soundstage…quieter and crisper at top and bottom with solo instruments sitting in their own spaces! streaming improved in simila…

I take this opportunity to congratulate you, after several months of listening pleasure, for the very high sonic quality I achieve with my server. This is really excellent, on par with, or even better than servers on the market regarded as the best o…

J.B.

Powering Nimitra and the exaSound e38 DAC with the customized Nikola power supply indeed sounds GREAT!
I’m in complete agreement with Steve Plaskin’s assessment of the Nikola / exaSound DAC combination; it is transformative! Nikola transported the so…

Mike Covher

Hi Keetakawee,

Thanks so much for all your trouble! Everything seems to be working well now. I did unplug the USB lead to the DAC, so I could compare the Aurender and the Nimitra, as you had it playing stably..

I can’t get JRemote to register, but th…

Simon Bailey

Hello Keetakawee,

Thank you for all the help! The German keyboard is working, and also AnyDesk. After my first few days of listening to familiar recordings I can safely say that the Nimitra sounds truly wonderful. The difference to my previous PC wit…

Dr. Beat

As far as power supplies still being sold, the Fidelizer Nikola2 power supply has the best tonality and timbre in the entire lineup. It has a fantastic amount of tonal variance, soul, and essence. It’s incredibly tactile, balanced in fullness, and …

Hello,

Just to let you know that the dCS Rossini system (transport + DAC + clock) is up and running and even though the whole thing is not burnt in yet, notably the cables, I am very pleased.

I have a story for you: My retailer, was telling me that t…

Philippe Plumecocq

Keetakawe,

The PSU is operating perfectly. I have the Nimitra setup using Roon server with the microRendu connected to my PS Audio DAC. I’ve already noticed more delicate sound with deeper and quieter background. Low end if firmer and more pronounc…

James Daras

Hi Keetakawee,

I don’t want to postpone anymore to tell that your Nikola signature provides phenomenal improvement for my audio system. What was perfect before it was connected into the system became much more better. Nikola Signature has stolen a lo…

So with the opportunity to add and tune Nimitra/EtherStream/Nikola units over time I ended up with a complete Fidelizer system, benefiting from hardware and software upgrades as Keetakawee gained experience and further optimized designs, and the incr…

Kjell Nedrebo (Nimitra2 / Nikola2 / EtherStream+)

Hi Keetakawee,

Just to let you know, the Nikola LPS arrived today. Have been listening to it for a while and I love it! Perhaps it needs some burn in time, but my first impression is that the sound stage is wider, the keyboard on one track was much n…

Tak Ashida

Thank you! The Nimitra is improving as it breaks in. It sounds amazing! I love it.

Mike Chavez

Hi Keetakawee. Hope you are well. The power supplies arrived safely yesterday and are in the system powering my server and cable modem. Digital streaming has improved again with additional noise being removed. Thanks

Ralph Sorrentino

Ralph Sorrentino

Many, many thanks!

I am listening to the Kazoo JPLAYSTREAMING on HUGO through HIFIMANN 1000v2 headphones and the sound is truly magical!

I am sure I will still need some handholding later on but for now everything is quite wonderful.

You are obviousl…

Colin Campbell

I’m very happy with the Nikola Power Supply Unit which I bought at Elite Audio in Europe… It is truely amazing what it does while ‘only’ delivering 12 Volt… To be honest: as a scientist I never believed very much in power supplies but appar…

Hein

Thank you very much. The voice is very good, surpassing the description. It’s comfortable to listen to and easy to understand because it’s not stressful. I don’t dare to touch the sound at all this hour.

Wattana Boonyen

Thanks, It is sounding good out of the box so nice to know it will get even better. I feel like I’m hearing what my dac can really do for the first time!

Regards
Derek

Derek Suggate

I really like all the features of Nimitra. It is a perfect adaptation of a computer just for music and streaming. No other clutter. I am thinking I will explore Roon eventually since it is already supported.

Best regards
Mike

Michael Neely

I received the Nimitra today. Thank you very much! I extracted a test CD. Although the Nimitra needs some burning-in, the result is already impressive. I have never heard such clarity and delicateness in the extracted music (I am almost listening to …

Thank you so much. The display is now working fine and the music has never sounded better. Great support.

Craig Wilson

Hi Keetakawee,
I just want to thank you in regard to the Nickola 2 LPS and its pairing with the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport. Simply put, an outstanding combo.

Improvement is noted across all sonic parameters. Most notably, tone/timbre/3 -dimensiona…

Charles Wasson

 

 

Ordering Nikola

 

Nikola - Order

 

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.

 



Product

DC Output Voltage

DC connector termination



 

Distributors

 

You can order Nikola and receive local support from the following online shops below.

 

 

If you have any questions about Nikola, please mail to support@fidelizer-audio.com. If you haven’t received any reply on email after 2 business days, message might be sent to spam/junk box. Please contact us through other means like Facebook / Twitter / Skype.