Frequently asked questions and answers

(PSM series) What is the difference between Bx/Mx/Fx?

The PSM series is basically divided into different model numbers according to the total smoothing capacitance of the capacitors.

• B (Basic) Models with reduced smoothing capacitance, which can be used in a wide range of switching/transformer/linear applications from 5 V to 24 V.
• M (Medium) Models with a medium smoothing capacity, but can be used with switching AC adaptors of 12 V or more or transformers/linear power supplies of 5 V or more.
• F (Full-Spec) Models with capacitors up to the upper limit of the PSM board for maximum smoothing capacity, but excluding switching AC adaptors and usable with transformers/linear power supplies from 5 V to 24 V.

(PSM series) Why can't I use all switching AC adaptors under 12V at Mx and all switching AC adaptors at Fx?

Components called thyristors are often used in the protection circuits of switching AC adaptors, but these components have a smoothing capacity limit, and as the smoothing capacity increases, the protection circuit will work and current will not flow, so they cannot be used.

However, Fx can also operate in DC-DC converter circuits that do not use thyristors.
This is a compatibility issue and cannot be handled individually.

(PSM series) Does the capacitance of the capacitors make a difference?

Basically, the higher capacity of the Nichicon UKA makes a greater contribution to reducing noise in the high frequencies and smoothing the power supply of the transformer/linear power supply.
Between PSM01-M and PSM01-F, the F type makes a difference in terms of clarity in the high frequency range.
The same applies to PSM02-Mx and PSM02-Fx.

(PSM01) It is expensive compared to Susie/Tank. Can it be cheaper?

We are very sorry, but please understand that it is difficult to reduce the price.

The PSM01 is equivalent to the Susie+Tank at Bx and better than the Susie+Tank at Mx and Fx.
Normal mode/common mode filters are used as noise cleaners, and BRi-Audio combines normal mode/common mode/high frequency-oriented capacitors in a single package to provide extensive noise reduction from 100 KHz to 1 GHz with the Murata EMIFIL, but at more than ten times the cost.
In addition, the capacitors that reduce noise in the audible range and act as a smoothing circuit for voltage waves in transformers/linear power supplies use Nichicon's current top-of-the-range UKA for audio, which is also almost 100 times more expensive than ordinary products, and films are also used in pro audio applications. The film is also made from German WIMA products, which are used for professional audio.
The cost is higher because we use components that do not compromise performance, from the circuit board to the DC jack, DC plug and cable.
As this is a private hobby distribution, there is no cost reduction due to bulk purchasing, and shipping costs are also incurred when procuring parts.

Basically, the cost of parts procurement (and shipping costs when procuring parts), consumables such as iron tip and silver solder for the equipment, and shipping costs are included in the calculation, and we are at the very edge of the line where it does not become negative to make and deliver one unit.

(PSM01-x2N) seems to be limited, can I buy it?

It is distributed as direct trade only and is available for purchase.
Please contact us for more information.

(PSM02 series) What is the difference between xN/xP/xF?

The PSM02 solid polymer capacitors are of different types.
All solid polymer capacitors have high resolution (granularity) excellent noise reduction performance, excessive response and smoothing performance.

• xN Nichicon PLG 16V 470uF x 8 units 
  Limited to 16V, but with enhanced volume across the entire range.
  Suitable for DDC, transports and stand-alone DACs.
• xP Panasonic OS-CON SEPF 25V 330uF x 8 units
  A pioneer in solid polymer capacitors. The granularity is very high and each individual sound is expressed accurately, but the disadvantage is that it takes 1000 hours to age.
  Suitable for audio interfaces and THX headphone amplifiers.
• xF Nichicon FPCAP RNL 25V 560uF x 8 units
  Boasts the lowest ESR value among the solid polymer capacitors used in the PSM02 series, and has a well-balanced sound quality with a moderate volume.
  As the granularity increases, the high frequencies can sometimes feel like they sting the ear, but this unit does not.

(PSM02 series) Are there any plans to exhibit and distribute the product?

The PSM02 series is for direct distribution only.
The Nichicon UKA used in PSM02 costs 700 yen per unit and solid polymer capacitors are also used in large numbers at 200-500 yen each, so one unit is very expensive.
As it is a hobby distribution, there is no cost reduction by purchasing in large quantities, and it costs a lot to make one, and if it is not available for a few months at the exhibition, we will not have the budget for other development and exhibition distribution.
Please understand that we are sorry for your inconvenience.

(PSM/LPS series) Why use multiple small capacitors? Wouldn't it be cheaper to group them in small numbers with large capacitance?

A single large capacitor is certainly less expensive than multiple capacitors in BRi-Audio products, but it does affect sound quality.
Engineers may have experienced that using a single large capacitor tends to impair over-responsiveness and slow down the start of the sound.
Switching power supplies have good over-responsiveness due to their switching speed, but switching noise cannot be eliminated.
The concept is to combine the best of switching and linear power supplies without cheating in the high-resolution range, and it goes against the concept if the excessive responsiveness is impaired.

As an exception, there are UKAs with increased capacity in one PSM02 or LPS01, but this was adopted because, in combination with the WIMA MKP2, the high frequency characteristics were good and the high frequency range was even clearer (less noise) than with the conventional 4700uF+MKS2.
However, in order to secure the smoothing capacity of the low-power linear power supply, the number of wires has been increased by one compared to the PSM01.

Sound quality cannot be sacrificed to reduce costs, so even though the cost is high, the combination of Nichicon audio KA, small-capacity solid polymer capacitors and WIMA MKP2 ensure sound quality.