Clones Audio full discrete linear power supply kit for Jeff Rowland Capri Series preamplifier

[CKKeung]

https://www.monoandstereo.com/2021/12/new-clones-jeff-roland-preamp-module.html

 

[nc42acc]

What was the most surprising to me was the “emptiness“ of the chassis. I am going to assume this is a op amp based preamp? With the revived thread about the Constellation Audio internal construction this gives me just as much pause. Sorry to comment on the power supply thread.

 

[CKKeung]

What was the most surprising to me was the “emptiness“ of the chassis. I am going to assume this is a op amp based preamp? With the revived thread about the Constellation Audio internal construction this gives me just as much pause. Sorry to comment on the power supply thread.

No problem.
I myself don't like that "empty-ness" too.


But at least the Clones Audio powersupply module kicks the switching psu away.

 

[nc42acc]

If nothing else the new power supply should give a boost to the sound quality of the little Capri. i wonder if this also works with the SC version?

 

[Scott Naylor]

With the innovations, improvements, and R&D budgets allotted to low voltage parts and power supplies driven by the computer industry, switching power supplies are capable of SOTA performance when cost is not the overriding design parameter. Is the Clone Audio LPS an actual performance improvement or does it just play into audiophiles knee-jerk reaction to SMPS?

*pictured is the Lejonklou Singularity MC phono preamplifier. SOTA performance using switch mode power supplies

 

[nc42acc]

With the innovations, improvements, and R&D budgets allotted to low voltage parts and power supplies driven by the computer industry, switching power supplies are capable of SOTA performance when cost is not the overriding design parameter. Is the Clone Audio LPS an actual performance improvement or does it just play into audiophiles knee-jerk reaction to SMPS?

Good point, a lot of knee jerk purchasing going on in high end audio. Maybe this is a sound quality improvement since I am sure Jeff put much of his budget into the beautiful CNC casework and maybe had little left over for a SOTA SMPS. Just a thought.

 

[CKKeung]

Good point, a lot of knee jerk purchasing going on in high end audio. Maybe this is a sound quality improvement since I am sure Jeff put much of his budget into the beautiful CNC casework and maybe had little left over for a SOTA SMPS. Just a thought.

Agree!

Look at the Capri's original switching psu carefully and you will know yhat it's made by MeanWell.
Not a proprietary hi-end one for sure.

 

[Scott Naylor]

Why would it need to be a “proprietary hi-end one” if it meets Rowland's design specs? Sure, MeanWell's volume of manufacturing means they can make one of those boards for $20US or so retail. Clones Audio asks $329 for theirs. Which one does the job better?

 

[CKKeung]

Why would it need to be a “proprietary hi-end one” if it meets Rowland's design specs? Sure, MeanWell's volume of manufacturing means they can make one of those boards for $20US or so retail. Clones Audio asks $329 for theirs. Which one does the job better?

Haha
It depends on what the "job" means.

 

[nc42acc]

This all falls into Subjective vs Objective. If the Clones sounds better then it was a subjective improvement. If ithe factory SMPS supplies all the needed voltages per spec then it was an Objective win and nothing needs to be changed. I guess more time is needed for JRDG Capri owners to make the change and give their subjective feedback on any improvements. Lots of “buy this” because it is better because I say so in this industry. I try and keep an open mind and ride the middle of the subjective/objective fence.

 

[CKKeung]

This all falls into Subjective vs Objective. If the Clones sounds better then it was a subjective improvement. If it supplies all the needed voltages per spec then it was an Objective win and nothing needs to be changed. I guess more time is needed for JRDG Capri owners to make the change and give their subjective feedback on any improvements. Lots of “buy this” because it is better because I say so in this industry. I try and keep an open mind and ride the middle of the subjective/objective fence.

This is a reasonable approach.
I have full confidence in Funjoe, the designer of Clones Audio.
Let's wait for feedbacks from Capri owners.