The power supply is the heart of your power amplifier. It must provide widely varying current outputs to the speaker load which is very reactive in nature, i.e. difficult to drive properly. Only the finest parts providing instantaneous output current over the whole audio band can hope to offer a truly faithful recreation of the amplifier input.
For Hafler DH-200/220 or XL-280 or custom project:
TP-200 - similar to picture at left*, is a 625 Watt toroid power transformer featuring two separate secondary windings of 312.5 Watts each. This transformer will fit into the Hafler DH-200/220 or XL-280. The original transformer was rated at about 480 Watts to be generous, so this is a considerable upgrade. Toroid transformers have very low impedance and noise characteristics. The AC magnetic field of the transformer is more powerful down the middle and weaker around the edges so this too helps in the reduction of transformer induced noise/hum.
The Sound: You will notice greater heft or air moving ability. The bass line will be more solid and palpable. There will be a "blacker", quieter background and instruments will seem to "pop out" of the more silent background with greater focus and clarity. Surprisingly dynamic range is not only wider at high power levels, but even a flute or violin solo seems more dynamic. You'll love it!
TP-200: $125/kit, necessary hardware is included, $195 installed - transformer appearance may vary
How to use it: TP-200 can replace the original transformer for a sonic boost appreciated even with efficient speakers. In addition, TP-200 will allow you to construct a potent dual-mono power supply, in concert with a PS-200 board, within the chassis of your Hafler DH-200/220 or XL-280 should you elect to do so.
Installer Notes: You will need to use a power drill to make the center hole for the transformer bolt (supplied). This will require a 1/4" hole. DH-200/220 requires that the fuse holders be moved away from the center of the amp, a tiny bit, if you are going to use the standard Hafler boards. Our PA-1 thru PA-3E front-end boards have the fuses on the PCB so that this is not an issue if you are installing or have previously installed these terrific circuit boards in your amp.
For Hafler DH-500, XL-600, or custom project:
TP-500 is a pair of 500 Watt toroid power transformers. These transformers will indeed fit when stacked on top of each other. The original transformer was rated at about 680 Watts to be generous, so this upgrade to 1000 Watts is significant. Not only that but you can easily fashion a dual-mono power supply with the PS-200 circuit.
For sound and technical description refer to TP-200 transformer above.
TP-500(pair of 500 Watt toroids) > $249/kit, necessary hardware is included, $299 installed. Transformer appearance may differ from illustration.
How to use it: TP-500 can be used with one pair of filter caps, either the stock ones or the LC-500 caps shown below. Both transformers are paralleled for this purpose. You can use two pair of LC-500 to make a potent, totally dual-mono power supply, connecting one pair to each power transformer.
Installer Notes: You will need to use a power drill to make the center hole for the transformer bolt (supplied). This will require a 1/4" hole.
For Hafler DH-200/220, XL-280 or custom project:
LC-200: a kit with two 27,000uF/80VDC caps shown here, installation hardware, some wiring and instructions for installation into the Hafler DH-200 and DH-220.
LC-200 Kit: $89, (2"dia.x 4.125" high with low post screw mount).
Two pair can be installed into these Hafler amps with a bit of finesse. Used with the TP-200 toroid power transformer with its twin secondary windings and another power rectifier you will have a kick-a dual-mono power supply, that's 108,000uF, that you might see in a very expensive power amp.
The Sound: Sure you would expect more "pop" in the bass and you get it. The real beauty is that the added reserve actually gives you greater stability of the sound stage. Instrumental textures and clarity hold up better at higher volumes. Then too, you'll know when you hear the LC-200 that even if these caps were the same value as the originals there would be a distinct sonic improvement. They're just plain better sounding caps. Combined with the TP-200 this is a smile inducing power supply upgrade.
Bright Idea: Two pair of LC-200 can be installed into these Hafler amps with a bit of finesse. Used with the TP-200 with its twin secondary windings and another power rectifier you will have a totally dual-mono power supply of 108,000uF. That sounds massive and somewhat expensive doesn't it! It's only $599 and you've seen far smaller power power supplies in $6,000 amplifiers haven't you! That puts a different light on it, don't you think.
Currently out of stock! Try our PS-200 boards
For Hafler DH-500 & XL-600, some Adcoms, etc:
LC-500: a kit of two 39,000uF/100VDC caps, shown here (soon), installation hardware, some wiring and instructions for installation into the Hafler DH-500 and XL-600. This is a serious hunk of energy storage.
LC-500 Kit: $149, pair of 39,000uF/100VDC filter caps(2.5" Dia. x 5.25" high, "low post" screw terminals) with required hardware.
The Sound: See LC-200 description above.
*Adcom GFA-555 series requires four filter capacitors, two LC-500 pairs.
#Requires some internal modification.
Bright Idea: Two pair of LC-500 can be installed into these Hafler amps with a bit of finesse. Used with the TP-500 with its twin stacked toroid power transformer configuration and another power rectifier you will have a totally dual-mono power supply of 156,000uF - $699 option. That sounds massive and expensive doesn't it! You've seen far smaller power power supplies in $10,000 amplifiers haven't you! That puts a different light on it, don't you think. See below!
Dual-Mono Power Supply Conversions: Interested in greater separation of individual instruments on the soundstage and greater ability to "hold together" in loud passages? Want a more effortless sound with new found stability and a "locked on" sound? Dual-Mono will provide these benefits and more! With the advent of our PS-200 power supply board these mods are no longer recommended except in special circumstances.
For DH-200/220, XL-280: $599 factory installed - these include four of the LC-200 filter caps and one dual-wound TP-200 toroid power transformers plus all extra hardware and installation!
For DH-500/XL-600: $749 factory installed - these include four of the LC-500 filter caps and twin toroid power transformers plus all extra hardware and installation!! To see a sample dual-mono installation in a Hafler DH-500 click here!
We install CARDAS Connectors and/or OFC RCA jacks into any amp whether stock or modified. See our "Connector" page for these hi-quality RCA jacks and binding posts!
Comment: We are often asked if these dual-mono mods are "worth it". "I mean I can buy a more expensive amp and maybe I should go that way", says the customer. Well, stop and think about it! In the case of the smaller amps you have 108,000 microfarads of capacitance and a dual-wound toroid power transformer with twin bridge rectifiers. Now consider the larger amps! You have 156,000 microfarads, twin bridge rectifiers and twin toroid power transformers. These are items that don't come cheap. You would expect to pay much more than your outlay if you buy a new amplifier with such a massive power supply, period! Suddenly it becomes a "no-brainer"!
