With the Fidelizer Aura, you’re getting a power supply designed for audio applications—one that, according to its makers, is even “medical grade.”
Let’s start with the hard facts. The new Fidelizer Aura is a switching power supply. The input voltage can be switched between 115V and 230V, while the output provides 12V, 5A / 5V, 10A. Included in the package are a 1.8-meter power cord and a 1.5-meter DC low-voltage cable. The manufacturer chose a switching power supply because, according to them, reliable transformers for linear designs are difficult to source, some designs rely on rectification with a single diode, and high-quality capacitors are expensive and necessary.
However, we should note that a good “regular” transformer will last virtually forever under normal use. Single-diode rectification is extremely rare and only found in extreme low-cost applications. And yes, capacitors aren’t the cheapest components—but in high-end audio, is cost really a major factor?
Linear vs. Switching Power Supplies
Each approach has its own pros and cons. The advantage of a linear power supply is its relatively simple design and ease of repair. Plus, there’s no need to worry about high-frequency noise generated by the power supply itself. However, at higher power levels, linear designs tend to be more expensive.
Switching power supplies, on the other hand, can deliver significantly more power with ease. However, they also come with a drawback: the high switching frequency introduces considerable HF noise, which needs to be properly filtered—something that adds extra cost. Additionally, switching power supplies are far more complex to repair compared to their linear counterparts.
“Medical Grade” Claim
In short, with the Fidelizer Aura, the manufacturer has clearly opted for the advantages of a switching power supply: higher power output in a relatively compact housing. According to Fidelizer, the Aura was designed with the lowest possible ripple, minimal leakage current, and the use of audiophile-grade components.
The company also markets the Aura as “medical grade.” However, we’d like to add a small caveat here. Medical power supplies must meet extremely stringent requirements regarding multiple layers of isolation, for instance, to prevent patients undergoing tests from accidentally getting a shocking new hairstyle.
All things considered, we have no doubt that the Fidelizer Aura is a solid audio power supply. But its marketing could have done without certain claims—it would still be an interesting power supply regardless. And at just $219, with both 12V and 5V versions available, it remains an affordable option.