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.

(PSM02/LPS01/LPS02) What information is not available on PSM02-FR/MR LPS01(RR7)LPS02(RR7)?

This is positioned as a further higher grade for users of the PSM and LPS series and will not be marked on the website in the future.

It uses the FPCAP RR7, which is more difficult to obtain than the RNL equivalent.

Like the PSM02-xN, it is available up to 16V, but by using a lower ESR (7mΩ) than the RNL, it combines the balance of the PSM02-xF with more resolution than the PSM02-xP.
The same selection is available for LPS01 and LPS02, but limited to 15V.
There are no plans to include product information on the website here either in the future.

If you want the RR7 version when you contact us, please state so.
We will respond.

(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.

(LPS02 series) What are LPS-Dual, LPS-Differential and LPS-Digital?

The following boards are currently released or under consideration for prototype production

• LPS Ver. 3 board 
  Based on the LPS board, with two parallel linear regulators and the use of many surface mount components, the board size has been condensed to the existing LPS board + 1 cm (10 cm x 10 cm), for a maximum of 7 A (maximum 10 A with 2u copper foil board) LPS02 series main board.
• LPS-Digital 
  Linear power supply as digital power supply below 5V or USB power supply) up to 3A (Linear Technology) with low noise LDO linear regulator specification 
  Using board mounted transformer, board size 16cm x 7cm 
• LPS-Differential 
  ±19V (max. up to ±20V) both power supplies (differential power supply) max. 1.5A 
  Low noise LDO linear regulator specification from Analog Devices (Linear Technology) (also uses LM317/337 as post regulator above 15V) 
  Transformer mounted separately, board size 16 cm x 10.3 16 cm x 10.3 cm

Both are developed on the basis of the LPS01 and feature a linear regulator + 3-stage filter configuration and an inrush current suppression circuit with relays.

Of the various boards, the LPS Ver.3 and LPS-Digital boards have completed verification and are in release status, while the initial LPS-Differential foil board has been completed and is in the process of budgeting for a prototype.

Combining these will result in the following linear power supply developments.

• BRi-LPS02EX(LE) 
  Basic model of the LPS02 series with 160VA transformer and LPS Ver.3 board 
  Higher model of the LPS01 with output of up to 7A up to 15V and 5A up to 24V
• BRi-LPS02EX-D(LE) Former LPS-Dual (LPS Ver.3 board and LPS-Digital, linear power supply capable of outputting two power supplies of 5-24 V and 5 V)
• BRi-LPS02EX-PN(LE) former LPS-Differential External power supply for converting existing devices with built-in switching power supply to linear power supply, subject to modification. 
• BRi -LPS02EX-PND(LE) Former LPS-Differential full spec 
  (Power supply unit for audio equipment including DACs and audio amplifiers using LPS-Differential and LPS-Digital)

The prototype is currently under development, and the case, etc. will be changed to a Takachi HY case and made larger, so the price of the case including case processing costs will also increase, and is expected to exceed 100,000 JPY.

The BRi-LPS02EX(LE) and BRi-LPS02EX-D(LE) are described in the announcement and 
others are under prototype design. Please wait for further information or contact us.