2nd Generation Supercapacitor Power Supply Technology: DAM1 Technology Reveal Part 3

DAM1 is a pure decoder devoid of any analog volume preamplification or headphone amplifier functions. The integrated high-performance power processing solution fully supports low-voltage inputs under 5V, thus yielding a high-current XLR output of 4V RMS. This design grants DAM1 an expansive and unprecedented realm of power utilization possibilities, making it an embodiment of the concept of Dream Decoding with its <5V low voltage input feature.

It's important to clarify that if the output level of DAM1 is elevated or if any form of electronic analog amplification or amplifier function is present, the significance of DAM1's low-voltage input diminishes. This is because the internal switch within DAM1 boosts and stabilizes the voltage. In such scenarios, it's advisable to directly employ the positive and negative high-voltage power supply from the transformer. For instance, in the case of MR2, the internal system elevates the 3.8V battery output to +-10V before supplying it to the decoding amplifier circuit. Similarly, when used alongside a desktop computer, it's preferable to directly utilize the positive and negative voltage power supply from the transformer. Given that DAM1's function is unadulterated, with voltage output capable of reaching the standard 4V RMS, the voltage input can be maintained below 5V.

This very aspect allows for the realization of the supercapacitor power supply, which comes with distinct advantages and drawbacks. The supercapacitor power supply boasts an exceptional capacity akin to that of electrolytic capacitors, combined with an incredibly potent current output. Its impressively low internal resistance, approximately 2 milliohms, renders it exceptionally clean. Its discharge frequency spans an extremely wide range, with the discharge internal resistance even outperforming that of conventional wires—an "ideal" power supply in many respects. Measured discharge currents can reach several hundred amperes, and the discharge duration is notably extensive. Remarkably, even without a full charge, DAM1 can play approximately one song when connected to this power supply. The capacity of the supercapacitor power supply easily overshadows that of any electrolytic capacitor, rendering it truly remarkable.

Following the resounding success of supercapacitor technology in the D300REF, we have further refined and enhanced its implementation. Charging power has been amplified by 50%, and the output internal resistance has been reduced by a minimum of 30%! The LPX/PA1 reference model incorporates the second iteration of the supercapacitor power supply, endowing it with advantages that conventional power supplies simply cannot match. These benefits manifest as potent dynamics, exceptional transparency, and an unparalleled fusion of density and details. This sets it distinctly apart from linear regulated power supplies like LP1. The appellation "dream decoding" for DAM1 finds one of its foundations in this second version of the supercapacitor power supply.

However, it's imperative to clarify that supercapacitors exhibit a notable drawback – their susceptibility to heat. They are prone to leakage when exposed to temperatures exceeding 60 degrees Celsius or voltages surpassing 2.6V. Additionally, the ideal operational voltage for supercapacitors is preferably at or below 2.5V. Excessive series connections can result in elevated internal resistance, undermining the benefits of high-current discharge and ultra-low internal resistance characteristic of supercapacitors. Furthermore, supercapacitors demand a stringent environment concerning vibration and surroundings. Their charging requisites are exceedingly rigorous, involving instantaneous charging currents that can peak in the hundreds of amperes, maintained over several minutes. The typical line power supply scheme is inadequate for charging supercapacitors; only a high-power discharge scheme akin to that of a power amplifier suffices. This accelerated charging process generates significant heat over a brief period and emits substantial radiation.

Given these constraints, supercapacitors necessitate an isolated environment and preferably require shielding. Optimizing short-term heat dissipation also proves beneficial. Thus, if co-locating with electrical devices, the rear end should generate minimal heat and ideally, the entire unit should be fully shielded. This contributes to the pivotal decision to not integrate DAM1 and LPX together.

DAM1 earns its title as a reference due to its utilization of the LPX/PA1 reference power supply. Particularly when paired with high-end DC cables and power cables, the sound quality ascends to unprecedented heights. Even though LP1 serves as a 3A 40uv-class high-end luxury linear regulated power supply equipped with top-tier audio components, it still falls short of propelling the DAM1 main unit to a genuine reference level. This insight serves as a hidden aspect that DAM1 prefers not to divulge.

Lastly, a crucial reminder is that the second iteration of the supercapacitor power supply, as referenced by LPX and PA1, requires a dedicated burn-in process. Official burn-in devices are available for LPX and PA1 reference models. Without proper burn-in, the sound quality of LPX and PA1 reference systems will be significantly compromised. Similarly, the connection between DAM1 and these units will also be adversely affected. Hence, users acquiring the aforementioned supercapacitor products must also acquire a burn-in device to ensure optimal performance. Typically, qualitative improvements will become apparent after a period of 3 days and 3 nights, gradually stabilizing over the course of 15 days.