Does my Netgear DG834G router uses a linear power supply?
Posted by: hugo5282 on 25 September 2013
Not really good at these things at all, could anyone help me as I was wondering if my old Netgear router already uses a linear power supply rather than a SMPS? Struggling to post a pic, but basically it says AC-DC Adapter Input AC240V ~ 50Hz 100mA Output DC 12V - 1A
Reading here that linear is better than SMPS. Can anyone help?
Simple answer is No. It's an SMPS - as are most routers.
Simple answer is No. It's an SMPS - as are most routers.
And if it's doing it's job why the worry? SMPS v. Linear PSUs is an issue with regard to audio equipment.
Adding a linear ps to the UnitiServe makes a big difference, but it is most unlikely to benefit a router. Just keep the latter away from the mains circuit that supplies the stereo.
Thank you.
I replaced the existing netgear power supply with a regulated power supply, merely to test if there is a difference in sound quality, and there is about a 10% difference in my view. Too early to say better or worse but in some areas such as control and lower end it was clearly better. It's an interesting exercise for me there should be no difference.
I would point out that SMPS on the same ring main as Naim audio equipment can sometimes affect the audio if the SMPS is not particularly well designed/filtered. Wall warts are usually notorious.
If the Netgear broadband router had an overly noisy PSU then it's broadband performance would be impacted. Now unfortunately in my professional role I have been aware of such an issue with certain Netgear SMPS, and our solution has been to replace with an alternate vendor on a wholesale basis.
Now in your case, if the sync speed didn't vary between the bundled SMPS and new PSU this might not have been issue with you (but is worth checking) , the SMPS can still put noise on the mains whilst providing an acceptably clean DC out.
I had a similar issue with a Netgear SMPS for a netwrork switch. In the end I got rid of the switch, replaced it with another vendor and put the new switch's SMPS ion a different ring to my Naim. No issues at all then.
Simon
Similar experience here Hugo. I replaced the standard power pack on my Netgear switch with a linear power supply and experienced an obvious difference with SQ, for the better in my view.
I also have a linear power supply on my UnitiServe (same type as HH I believe) and agree with HH that the difference is significant.
Out of the two, adding the PSU to US brings the greatest improvement.
My streamer/amp is on a dedicated mains circuit downstairs. The UnitiServe/switch are on the original house circuit upstairs.
Gav
Hi gav111, may I ask what linear power supply that you are using? Great to hear from someone who've actually tried and heard.
Hugo, send me an email, the address is in my profile.