External Power Supply
Whether the product uses or offers a power supply outside its main enclosure.
An outboard supply can be a separate chassis or an external adapter. It may be required, supplied as standard or offered as an optional upgrade; those arrangements should remain distinguishable.
External Power Supply — MC Head Amp
On a Phono Head Amp, an external adapter or separate supply powers the active circuitry that boosts the cartridge signal. It is distinct from the following MM stage’s own power supply.
Check what is supplied and what the head amp requires to operate. An optional outboard upgrade differs from a mandatory external adapter, while a battery-powered head amp need not have an external supply at all.
Compare the complete power arrangement with available space and sockets. Use the specified voltage, polarity and connection requirements rather than assuming adapters are interchangeable. Supply location alone does not establish the head amp’s noise performance or cartridge-matching ability.
External Power Supply — Optical Equalizer
On a Phono Optical Equalizer, an outboard supply powers the equalizer through a separate enclosure or adapter. This is different from a phono cable that separates the optical cartridge’s LED supply from its signal connection.
Read whether the external unit is included, required or optional. A multi-box equalizer may need every supplied power component to operate, while another model may work from its internal supply until an upgrade is added.
Compare the complete installation and specified power connections. An external supply alone does not establish support for a particular optical cartridge, a power-separated cable or lower noise. Those features require their own stated compatibility and specifications.
External Power Supply — Phono Preamp
On a Phono Preamp, an outboard supply places some power-supply hardware outside the enclosure carrying the phono circuitry. It changes the space, cabling and mains connections needed for the system.
Read whether the supply is included, required separately or optional. A product that normally uses an internal supply may still offer an external upgrade. Battery operation alone does not establish an outboard supply.
Compare the complete package and installation needs, including the specified connecting lead. An external box does not by itself guarantee lower noise or better sound, and a physically fitting DC connector does not establish electrical compatibility with another supply.