Hypsos

Reviewer: Srajan Ebaen
Financial interests: click here
Main system: Sources: Retina 5K 27" iMac (4GHz quad-core with Turbo, 32GB RAM, 3TB FusionDrive, OSX Yosemite. iTunes 14.4), PureMusic 3.02, Audirvana 3, Qobuz, Tidal, Denafrips Terminator+ clock-synced to Soundaware D300Ref SD transport/USB reclocker; Preamp: Vinnie Rossi L2 Signature with WE VT52/300B or Elrog 50/300B; Power amps: LinnenberG Liszt monos; Headamps: Questyle CMA-800r monos; Phones: HifiMan Susvara; Loudspeakers: Audio Physic Codex; Cube Audio Nenuphar; Aurai Audio M1 [on loan]; Cables: Complete loom of Allnic Audio ZL; Power delivery: Vibex Granada/Alhambra on all source components, Vibex One 11R on amps, LessLoss C-MARC Entropic cords between wall and conditioners; Equipment rack: Artesanía Audio Exoteryc double-wide 3-tier with optional glass shelves, Exoteryc Krion and glass amp stands; Sundry accessories: Acoustic System resonators, LessLoss Firewall for loudspeakers, Furutech NCF Signal Boosters; Room: 4 x 6m with high gabled beam ceiling opening into 4 x 8m kitchen and 5 x 8m living room so no wall behind the listening chairs
2nd system: Source: Soundaware D100Pro SD transport; DAC/pre: Denafrips Terminator or COS Engineering D1; Amplifier: Bakoon AMP-13R or Crayon CFA-1.2; Loudspeakers: Acelec Model 1 w. Franck Tchang magnesium super tweeters, sound|kaos Vox 3awf, Zu Submission subwoofer; Power delivery: Furutech GTO 2D NCF; Equipment rack: Hifistay Mythology Transform X-Frame [on extended loan];  Sundry accessories: Audioquest Fog Lifters; Furutech NFC Clear Lines; Room: ~4x6m
Desktop system: Source: HP Z230 work station Win7/64; USB bridge: Audiobyte Hydra X+; Headamp: Kinki Studio Vision THR-1; Phones: Audeze LCD-XC on Forza Audio Lab cable; Powered speakers: Fram Audio Midi 120
Upstairs headfi system: Source: Soundaware A280 SD transport; Integrated amplifiers: Schiit Jotunheim R or Bakoon AMP-13R; Phones: Raal-Requisite SR1a, Audeze LCD-2, Final Sonorous X & D8000, HifiMan HE-1000
2-channel video system: Source: Oppo BDP-105; DAC: Kinki Studio; Preamp: Wyred4Sound STP-SE II; Power amp: Pass Labs XA-30.8; Loudspeakers: German Physiks HRS-120; Room: ~6x4m
Review component retail: €995

Ferrum's Hypsos [€995] is an upgraded power supply capable of outputting precisely calibrated 5-30VDC with up to 6A of current. The display allows output voltage adjustments while a feedback sensor in its 4-pole umbilical cable ensures stable operating parameters for the connected device. That could be a DAC, phonostage, reclocker, preamp or active speaker with a DC input. Hypsos comes with power umbilicals terminating in 2.5 and 2.1mm plugs for the most commonly used DC inlets. Other terminations by request. The internal hybrid power supply is voltage sensing to accept from 100-240 VAC wall power. Supplied mains cable comes in US/EU/UK options.

That's what our news announcement had said a few days prior to this email: "I'd like to present new brand Ferrum made by HEM, the company which makes most the Mytek products. Their first unit is an external power supply. Just have a look. They really want you guys to review it." That was a PR firm I'd previously dealt with on Mytek assignments. It so happens that the Polish Fram Audio Midi 150 active monitors on my desk run 24V/5A switching brick power, ratings well beyond what most external power supplies in the aftermarket handle. That includes the posh €1'500 Optimo 3 Duo from JCat which tops out at 12VDC for each of two devices.

Singular Hypsos meanwhile maxes out at 30V/6A. That was squarely inside Fram's frame. Which meant I was in it. Framed. Smile. Passport mug or royal family portrait?

As a DSP-controlled active speaker, upgrading Midi 150's external SMPS promised rather global influence over DAC + DSP + class D power stages. Whatever Hypsos could do would translate more fully than leashing to just a small phonostage or USB reclocker. So, a best-case scenario for a universal power supply to bust my switching brick's fetters. Hey, there's an Fe logo. I needed the right word. Nothing to lose but the chains of my lesser PSU?