FiiO PL50 Low Noise Regulated Power Supply

The FiiO PL50 is a low-noise regulated linear power supply that replaces the switch-mode adapter of FiiO desktop products. A well-designed power supply is the foundation of good sound, and FiiO says the PL50 brings a lower noise floor, more refined dynamics and transients, and a more accurate, warmer bass. It outputs 12V or 15V at up to 3A, to suit a range of FiiO devices, from a custom 50VA toroidal transformer in an aluminium-magnesium case.

Why a linear supply sounds better

Linear supplies give a stable, high-quality voltage with less ripple and lower noise. Their noise is mainly low and fixed in frequency, which the ear is relatively insensitive to and which can be filtered out accurately. A switch-mode supply’s noise is higher in frequency and can radiate into the analogue circuits of your audio equipment, directly affecting the sound, and even indirectly affect the digital circuits. FiiO’s comparison at rated output shows the difference in ripple between a general power adapter and the PL50.

A custom audiophile-grade transformer

The custom 50VA toroidal transformer uses high-quality Nippon Steel iron and high-purity oxygen-free copper wire for higher efficiency, precision and stability and more energy. Toroidal windings have no fixed bending angle, which gives a more uniform magnetic field and less magnetic flux leakage.

Quality parts and a carefully designed circuit

A Shindengen 25A 600V flat bridge rectifier, a TI voltage regulator, and Nippon Chemi-Con and Rubycon capacitors were chosen for high, reliable performance. The circuit runs from EMI filtering through the transformer, bridge rectifier, regulation with voltage sampling and several stages of filtering to a protection stage, with voltage switching, fine-tuning and a display. The EMI filter at the AC input removes interference from other equipment on the same mains circuit, for cleaner, more stable power.

Metal construction and safety certification

Like FiiO’s other products, the PL50 has an aluminium-magnesium alloy case that feels refined and shields the internals from external noise and interference. A 3-digit display on the front shows the output voltage. It is designed and built to strict safety standards and carries various international safety certifications.

Good to know

• Set the output to the voltage your device needs before connecting it. FiiO recommends the PL50 as an external supply for the R9 (15V), for example.
• The older and newer versions have exactly the same functions and configuration; only the appearance differs.
• For a 75W supply with a fully discrete regulator, see the FiiO DARKSIDE PRO.
• In the box: PL50, UK mains cable, DC output cable and manual.