Mini ARC6 DC4 Power Supply
Sean Jacobs
This is a slightly simplified version of Sean Jacob’s ultimate ARC6 DC4 PSU - it’s using the same ARC6 module and DC4 regulator module as the full-spec ARC6 DC4, but a smaller transformer is used to fit within the limitations of the compact casework, and some of the vibration-damping features have been removed. It retains the gold-plated Furutech IEC socket with separate DC4 power switch, grounding post, and Neotech ICC internal DC wiring (with the same option to upgrade to Mundorf silver-gold wire if desired), as well as a DC4-spec umbilical cable. Essentially, you are getting ARC6 DC4 electronics inside a DC3 case, at a lower price than the full ARC6 DC4.
The ARC6 module uses active rectification, over 198,000 µF of reservoir capacitance (five times that of the old RECAP module), and a high-current choke to eliminate any residual noise before it feeds into the regulator modules. It also offers upgrades to the DC wiring - the standard wire is 18 AWG Neotech OCC wire, with the option of Mundorf’s silver-gold hybrid wire in either 18 AWG or 15 AWG sizes. The 15 AWG option allows for lower supply impedance. The umbilical cables can be made to any desired length, though it is suggested that a shorter cable provides better performance.
Due to the custom manufacturing of each mains transformer to suit bespoke requirements, there is a lead time of typically 6–7 weeks for the transformer, plus 1–2 weeks for PSU construction once the transformer arrives. The Mini ARC6 DC4 case is the same size as the DC3 case, measuring 290 mm long, 230 mm wide, and 95 mm high (including feet). Note that the Mini ARC6 DC4 has one DC output - it is not possible to add extra outputs to this PSU.
SPECIFICATIONS
All-aluminium casework, 240 mm wide by 290 mm deep. Case height is approximately 95 mm including the feet.
Furutech gold-plated IEC inlet for mains AC supply. As with all ARC PSUs, an IEC cable is not supplied with the Mini ARC6 DC4. A rear-panel mains power switch is normally included but can be omitted if desired.
Custom-made audio-spec toroidal transformer with multiple shielding layers.
Full-spec ARC6 module with ARC6 choke, featuring active rectification, 198,000 µF of Mundorf reservoir capacitance, and an audiophile V-CAP filter capacitor.
The entire DC wiring loom is constructed using Neotech OCC wiring with PTFE insulation, carefully routed and bound to a very high standard. A neatly bound cable loom reduces noise caused by current loop areas, providing a sonic benefit in addition to improved presentation.
The DC4 regulator module also contains the new “CX” module, which acts to drastically reduce incoming DC noise from the reservoir capacitors by factors of up to approximately 1,000 at low currents. The module has an approximate current limit of 2 A, above which the noise-reduction factor approaches unity. For this reason, the DC4 regulator module includes a link that allows the CX module to be manually bypassed when the output is supplying more than 2 A of current. This link can be set at the time of manufacture to suit specific requirements and can also be changed by the user in the future (this involves removing the top cover and repositioning small link plugs).
DC4 regulator modules are capable of supplying up to 5 A of continuous current as standard, unlike the DC3 design, which required a separate boost module.
The DC4 regulator PCB, like the rectification and capacitor PCB, is gold-plated, and the circuit layout is fully optimised for performance, low noise, and low impedance. This is achieved in part through the use of components that allow shorter circuit paths with reduced parasitic inductance and capacitance.
The DC4 regulator design employs very high-grade components throughout. The regulator section uses a full complement of Vishay Z-foil “naked” resistors, while extremely low-noise resistors are used in the non-critical CX section and in one filter network of the regulator itself. Vishay bulk-film capacitors are used for all decoupling duties, alongside selected Audio Note KAISEI capacitors for the most critical regulator module positions. These capacitors are a relatively recent design from the same engineering team responsible for the legendary Black Gate capacitors. The CX module section uses Nichicon FG “Fine Gold” capacitors, as these were found to offer equivalent performance in this application.
The DC4 is supplied with output cables tailored to the client’s requirements where possible. DC4 cables are made from Neotech OCC wire with PTFE insulation, matching the internal wiring, and are fitted with Oyaide gold-plated DC connectors for applications requiring tube-type plugs with 2.1 mm or 2.5 mm inner holes. Other connector types can be fitted for alternative devices, subject to the availability of suitable components.