Shanti Dual Linear Ultra Low Noise PSU

Contents

Price: $159 (Dual rail)

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About

Our Shanti uses an R core transformer. In the output stage, we used a discrete design that, unlike an low-dropout (LDO) regulator, has a very fast transient time. The last component, we have a supercapacitor. In fact, you are listening to the supercap reservoir of electrons. It can supply 3A of power for a few milliseconds.

The noise of Shanti is 700nV (0.7uV) at full power (measured with Audio Precision )

Music and linear power supply have been always a good match. The main problems of LPS is extremely inflated pricing and no data.

Using a transformer will not automatically give you a better PSU. Worst is that most of manufacturers include no testing… no data that can help chose one. We mean to change that.

First, we started with the transformer. There are many types of transformers, some are worse than others (noise coupling, electromagnetic interference). We chose one of the best transformers for noise and emi, r-core.

The transformer has a dual output (galvanically isolated) 5.2V 3A and 5.2V at 1.2A so you can power multiple devices (RPI 4, 3 + DAC, Katana, BOSS, or other) and we used independent (of course since they are isolated) filtering on each rail. First a capacitance bank (massive) to reduce the 50/60Hz noise, then an active filter, followed by an LDO to keep voltage stable. Since LDOs have poor transient and impedance, we used a last active filter (with good transient) and then capacitors more than 15.000uF but most importantly, super capacitors on the output. Final power comes in fact from super caps… transients and impedance of the LPS is… very good.

At last, Shanti includes AC line filter and AC side is earthed to casing. A few words on what we achieved. Measuring noise (in real word scenario) we see about 80nV (0.08uV of noise from 0-20Khz) at the floor of our AP machine. This is comparable to batteries from our internal testing.

As explained, Shanti is not only shining because of the ultra-low differential noise and common mode noise, but because of incredible low impedance / deep reservoir of electrons at the output of the PSU.

Build & Specifications

  • Dual output (galvanically isolated) 5.2V 3A and 5.2V at 1.2A
  • Power multiple devices (RPI 4, 3 + DAC, Katana, BOSS, or other)
  • Independent filtering on each rail
  • Super capacitors on the output
  • Incredible low impedance / deep reservoir of electrons at the output of the PSU
  • Includes multiple adaptors

Overview

The Shanti is the most affordable linear power supply on this list. And you’ll get TWO outputs to boot. Sweet!

This is strictly a value-oriented power supply. At $80 a rail, it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking to step up from a wall wart SMPS. It doesn’t hold a candle to the performance of these other high-end power supplies – but isn’t expected to. It just does a little bit of everything. But is impressively quiet.

The Sound

I’ll go ahead and say it. For the money, the Shanti performs very well. Especially in detail, imaging, and soundstage width. It’s also surprisingly quiet and lightfooted. Although its ability to articulate is on the looser side (a little rougher). With acoustic and soft rock, it’s able to keep pace. But when the tracks get busy, the imaging does get smeared. Otherwise, it does well with precise focus.

During my listen, I kept thinking “It’s not bad for the money.” It has good brilliance, fun energy, and pretty resolving of lower-level details. If you’re willing to exchange a warmer sound for something with more hype and excitement, the Shanti is a good choice.

Tradeoff

Compared to the other much pricier power supplies on this list, it doesn’t do a great job with delineation, separation, or depth. It’s a more gentle and dimensionally flat sound and isn’t particularly snappy. It doesn’t have a ton of sparkle or detail either. But it isn’t harsh or overly smooth. It’s just a clean, cool-neutral, and “simple-sounding” power supply.

The Shanti isn’t the most textural or full-bodied. It doesn’t have a lot of solidity or smoothness. The midrange has a bit of grain but has plenty of inner resolution. So there is a bit of dissonance but it’s expected at this price point.

By far, the worst quality of this power supply is bass. Lower octaves were eviscerated. It comes off a bit “splatty” and fettered. You’re going to have to find bass elsewhere.

Who Should Buy the Shanti Dual Linear Ultra-Low Noise PSU?

If you’re on a budget, the Shanti is a great option and will sound better than your stock power supply. It doesn’t try to promote any special effects but instead offers a clean and non-fatiguing listening experience. It’s also very quiet. Not to mention, it comes with a ton of useful adapters.

But if you’re aiming for top-grade sound, I would save up and go for others on this list. Keep in mind, you’ll be paying at least triple for a single rail.

Pros

Cons

  • Good bang for buck. Especially for two outputs.

  • Good soundstage and imaging

  • Detailed and good midrange clarity

  • Suprisingly quiet background. Especiallyl for the price.

  • Articulation is a bit more lazy

  • A cooler tone

  • A rougher sound, especially when it gets busy

  • Bass is very light


Comparisons

vs. SBooster BOTW P&P ECO MkII

  • The Shanti is much cooler sounding
  • Shanti has more vibrance and air over the SBooster. Imagine more stringy guitars.
  • SBooster has better bass, tone, and delineation.
  • Shanti has better focus and dynamic energy. It’s technically better.
  • SBooster has a smoother midrange
  • Shanti is quieter
  • If you want a more organic sound, go with the SBooster. If you want more clarity, go with the Shanti.