The new generation UltraCap LPS-1.2: USER IMPRESSIONS and QUESTIONS thread

[Franatic]

A few days ago I added the LPS1-2 to a PPA V4 usb card on the audio pc of my 2 pc streamer. It replaced a Teradak + iFi DC iPurifier setup I had feeding it. This supply combo already sounded good but I wanted to play around and add the LPS-1.2 to different points in my system ( love the selectable versatility).

 

Result: I'm very impressed with the improvement. As others have stated, the bass end is most impacted, more focused and controlled. However, the improvement affects all aspects of the sound profile. More texture, more detail and improved imaging. Just seems to get higher definition from the PPA V4 card. Great job Uptone.

 

It makes me wonder how much improvement I'd get from changing from the PPA v4 usb card to the JCAT Femto usb card.

 

On a side note, I did not like the result of adding the USBPC A>B adapter. I thought it blurred the sound a bit and took it out. Both the custom Forza usb A>B adapter I have and the Pachanko RUR link sounded better.

[Franatic]

13 minutes ago, pl_svn said:

 

@Superdad... bought this one (actually a three pack ) on Amazon.it

 

just... what kind of "plug" do I need? wires are so thin I can't make them stick 

+1........they just pop right out

[Franatic]

1 hour ago, lumos said:

I went with the Ghent Audio connections that John S recommended on this site. 

Please post which Ghent Audio cables John recommends.

[Franatic]

Thanks, just ordered a couple.

[Franatic]

It looks like a well made cable at a great price. I'm sure its an upgrade over the stock cable.

[Franatic]

Superdad, sorry if similar question has already been asked .........

I am interested in Singxer's new SU-6. It's normal operation current draw is well below the 1.2A threshold. However, at turn on it charges a 7.5f supercap which draws from 1.2A to 2A per the manufacturer. If the LPS-1.2 could continue working and limit current draw to its max level while the supercap is charging it could work well with this DDC. Does the LPS-1.2 have this continue working/current limiting capability, or does it just shut down?

[Franatic]

Thanks, SD. I have the Su-1 with an LPS-1.2 on it and it is a superb combo. There would be no reason to upgrade to the SU-6 if I couldn't use the LPS-1.2 with it.

 

I think there will be more supercap units coming to market. These are a problem for the LPS-1.2. It would be nice if there was some circuit or means for it to handle them and their short charging time high current draws.

 

I will contact Leter@Singxer and see if I can get any info on charging time for the SU-6 supercap circuit.

[Franatic]

Interesting........but couldn't you just parallel the outputs of 2 LPS-1.2s?

 

Plus, the problem for me is this becomes a +$1,000 upgrade of the SU-1. Even if I could just use my LPS-1.2 by itself, I'm not sure of buying the SU-6.

 

I've decided to wait on some reviews of the Singxer SU-6 and see if it is a significant upgrade. The SU-1/LPS-1.2 is pretty damn good.

[Franatic]

On 11/22/2018 at 7:17 PM, Superdad said:

 

Good question!  The truth is that without trying the new Singxer SU-6 and UltraCap LPS-1.2 together there is no way to know for sure if the combo will work.  [Of course there are a great many people (including myself) using an LPS-1.2 to power their SU-1 DDC units.]

 

The 1.1~1.19A current limit (every unit is certified to perform to at least 1.1A, some make it to almost 1.2A) is a pretty firm limit.  I would need to check with @JohnSwenson with regards to how short a current draw burst over that limit would need to be to avoid tripping an LPS-1.2 into its over-current mode (wherein it turns off its output, flashes red 5 times, then turns on output with one green flash to check if load is still too high, if it is then it flashes red 5 times again and so on).

 

SD, I received two emails from Leter@singxer about the SU-6 charging needs:

1) "  if LPS-1.2 can continuous work in its maximum current mode,it can work well with SU-6.

   SU-6's actual current is about 1.2A-2A small current need more time to charging suppercaps"

When I asked for more elaboration on charging he replied:

2) " power up  need 30s,and the charging is about 2 minutes.Fully charged about 15 min."

 

From this description of the powerup/charging needs of the SU-6, I don't believe my single LPS-1.2 can do the job. However, it sounds like once the supercap circuit is charged the LPS-1.2 could do the job.

The extra cost of another supply precludes my purchase of the SU-6. I doubt the upgrade would be worth the cost. I wish I could figure out how to use a cheap power supply to charge the cap circuit.

[Franatic]

Thanks SD. Yes, I agree we won't really know until someone tries it. I can wait a bit and hope someone does. 

 

I first thought the input was 5 volts but now I see the input connector says 7.5>9 volts. Anyway here is the web page.......no reviews I can find yet. Google translate does a good job translating. Perhaps Leter can just reply to me in Chinese and I can translate via google........he may be more understandable that way.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=581802405856&abtest=5&rn=a2f3317be68fde9cc616520b7ca45cdb&sid=9a3d34eb1fdf4d8584650bbfdad7f6fb

 

 

[Franatic]

Last September I sent 2 LPS-1.2 units in for repair and was told parts are no longer available. However I was disappointed in that I have received no feedback on how to move forward and Uptone still has my units. This will remove Uptone from future business from me. They were a great product while they worked but I expected much longer than a 3 year lifespan for the kind of money I spent.

[Franatic]

45 minutes ago, Superdad said:

Hi Fran:

We really do feel terrible about this! 

I recall your situation and know that over the course of some months in early 2018 you purchased four UltraCap LPS-1.2 units. Hopefully two of your 4 are still working well.

I would be happy to extend a discount offer to you on any UpTone product--present or forthcoming--just contact me via e-mail.  But I certainly understand if your experience has left a bad taste and reluctance to do further business with us.  Again, my deepest apologies about this unfortunate situation.

Wishing you good health and great music,

--Alex C.

Sadly a 3rd one died a few months ago. Since I had no reason to hope it could be repaired I just tossed it aside. I have it if you want to look at it. I had the 4th in reserve as I never used it for an upgrade I had planned. I used that one last year and it is still working along with 2 TeraDak linear supplies I had. So I have managed to keep my system going through this. I'm sure can understand why I am not happy with your company.

I do see the bad situation you are in since you designed your supply with a proprietary part that you can no longer get. Not interested in spending any more money even with a discount.