Regulation Type
Regulation type describes how a power supply controls its output voltage as input conditions or connected load change.
A series regulator controls current in the supply path; a shunt regulator diverts current alongside the load. An unregulated supply relies on its conversion and filtering without a voltage regulator. 'Regulated' alone does not identify the circuit type.
Regulation Type — Power Supply
Regulation helps maintain the voltage delivered to an audio component within the supply's operating limits. Its implementation can affect heat, current capacity and response to load changes. The regulation category does not by itself establish how much noise reaches the equipment.
Compare output tolerance, available current, ripple and noise under comparable loads. A linear-versus-switching description concerns supply topology and is not the same classification. Filtering capacitors alone do not establish regulation, and an unspecified regulated output should not be assumed to use a particular regulator. Check the required voltage and polarity independently of the regulation method.