Overview

The FiiO PL50 is a regulated linear power supply with switchable 12V and 15V DC output at up to 3A, built to replace the switching adapter on a DAC, headphone amp or other audio gear. It's for listeners who want a quieter, more stable power source for a desktop system, especially FiiO devices that accept an external DC supply.

Inside is a custom 50VA toroidal transformer made with Nippon Steel iron and high-purity oxygen-free copper windings, a Shindengen 25A/600V bridge rectifier, a Texas Instruments voltage regulator and Nippon Chemi-Con and Rubycon capacitors. The circuit adds EMI filtering on the AC side and multi-stage filtering after regulation, for rated ripple under 20mV. FiiO notes that a linear supply's low, fixed-frequency noise is easier to filter than the higher-frequency noise of a switching adapter, which can reach a device's analog circuits.

Output is available from both a GX16 2-pin aviation socket and a 5.5 x 2.1mm DC jack, and a 3-digit display shows the output at a glance. The aluminum-magnesium alloy case adds shielding against outside interference, and the PL50 carries international safety certifications. It measures about 190 x 114 x 62mm and weighs about 1.72kg.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

Check your device's DC input before you order: it needs to accept 12V or 15V, draw no more than 3A, and use a plug that matches the PL50's 5.5 x 2.1mm output or its cable. Among FiiO's desktop units, the K11 R2R, K13 R2R and K15 list 12V DC inputs, while the K19 lists a 15V/3A DC input. Set the PL50 to the right voltage before connecting anything, and double-check it if you move it between devices.

More Info

Why the FiiO PL50 Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• The Desktop DAC Owner: Wants to replace a switching adapter.
• The FiiO System Builder: Has a 12V or 15V FiiO desktop unit.
• The Noise-Conscious Listener: Wants a quieter power source.

How It Compares

The PL50 sits below FiiO's Darkside Pro, which also offers switchable 12V/15V at 3A. The Darkside Pro steps up to a 75W toroidal transformer and a fully discrete NMOS regulator, while the PL50 uses a 50VA transformer and a Texas Instruments regulator chip.