The World's Best Audiophile Linear Power Supplies

JCAT Optimo 3 Duo

Price: $1,770 (Dual rail, single voltage each)

Build & Specification

Culmination of years of research and fine-tuning, OPTIMO 3 DUO, equipped with JCAT proprietary technologies, delivers astonishing sonic performance
Each unit is custom made for specific voltages to ensure absolute best sound quality
Features two independent galvanically isolated DC outputs. Each of the two JCAT proprietary Linear Voltage Regulator boards is capable of delivering up to 3A to load and powering two separate hi-fi devices without any loss in audio quality
Truly 100% linear design utilizing state-of-the-art linear voltage regulators guarantee extreme sonic and measured performance. The noise at OPTIMO 3 DUO’s output is below measuring range (< 2uV)
Bespoke massive low-induction 100VA power transformer with magnetic and electrical shielding, sealed with epoxy resin, was selected for absolute best sound and noiseless operation
JCAT proprietary ultra fast low noise rectifier
OPTIMO 3 DUO utilizes only supreme quality components, carefully selected for best sonic properties during long listening sessions
Chassis made of thick sheet of stainless steel ensures high rigidity and low mechanical resonance while anodized aluminum front adds elegance
Comes with two extremely high quality 1.2m PC-OCC 0.7mm² double shielded DC cables for lossless transmition of power
DC connectors can be customized to match customer’s device at no additional cost
OPTIMO 3 DUO features multiple protection mechanisms to guarantee safe and trouble-free operation for many years
Weight: 13.2 lbs
Dimensions: 31 x 19.5 9.5 cm

Overview

The JCAT Optimo 3 Duo took quite some hours to break in. Initially, it was a little cold and after keeping it on for one to two weeks, it took on a completely different sound: dark.

The Optimo isn't tonally variant. It's a "one color" sound but it's a nice dark one. I prefer this over neutral or cool. But understand neither sound natural or close to the more golden and soulful "brown." But if I had to choose, I would go for the darker fantasy. In my opinion, this is still more musical than something light gray and neutral.

The Sound

This is one of the darkest sounding power supplies in this lineup. Think moody, rich, creamy, dark chocolate. But what makes it interesting is that it's also very quiet with good focus. The Optimo 3 Duo has a wonderful balance of musicality, dynamics, and sparkle. Not to mention an ample amount of room-shaking bass and a large and deep soundstage.

As far as imaging, it delineates very well but the outlines aren't hyper-tight. Instead, there's a silky bloom to edges and transients. It's more elegant and "sticky" than it is razor-sharp and crisp. The jumbo'ed sound isn't the most natural but it's dynamically rigid. And with an optimistic spotlight, it actually makes lyrics more intelligible and easier to isolate the performers. Especially when recordings have many complex tracks. The sound is forward, meaty, and still very "musical" to my ears.

Percussions in particular have a lot of extrusion and force. And as a result more material presence and a pronounced gravity. Plenty of heavyweight drumming, all the clangy and bangy goodness of cymbals, and rumble from the bottom octaves. As far as bass, the Optimo 3 Duo has plenty of horsepower here.

Overall the Optimo 3 Duo power supply has fantastic midrange and low-end poise - with a splash of shine. It's tilted towards a darker and more tangible sound. Which offers a grounded and more palpable listening experience. Overall a very effortless power supply. In a way, it's a "safe sound" because it sugarcoats many of the bad digital harshnesses. You miss some of the HiFi bits - but it's a romantically alluring and harmonically rich sound. This power supply's tonal color is inked deeply and sounds heavier on its feet. You get the point.

Tradeoffs

The biggest drawback of the Optimo is that it's not particularly resolving or airy. But those elements aren't completely absent. Just not prioritized. The fibers and strings are more coalesced. Which makes for a more wholesome sound that should work well with rock, hip hop, and soul (what I typically listen to).

The broad strokes of darkness do get old at times. Every song encompasses that deep tonal color and there isn't a lot of variation. So at times, I'll miss some of those musical fibers.

Pros