Audio enthusiasts are constantly seeking incremental improvements that can elevate their listening experience. One such enhancement is the power supply, a component frequently overlooked but crucial in determining the performance of audio equipment. The Teddy Pardo Audio MiniTeddy Special Edition (MTSE) 12V/2A linear power supply promises to deliver just that. Designed to replace the standard switching power supplies that typically accompany audio gear, this linear power supply aims to provide cleaner, more stable power, with the promise of noticeable sonic improvements.
In this review, I will be testing the impact of the MTSE on the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE, a high-end DAC and headphone amplifier known for its exceptional performance by swapping out its stock power adapter.
The MiniTeddy Special Edition is a single-outlet power supply in a compact-sized, all-aluminum chassis. The MTSE 12V/2A is designed to replace the stock power adapter of the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE DAC/headphone amp, as well as for many other compatible DACs, streamers and phono stages.
At its core lies the “Teddinator” the company’s most advanced voltage regulation architecture to date. Entirely discrete and meticulously engineered, the Teddinator eschews integrated circuits in favor of ultra–low-noise JFET transistors, delivering a purity of signal that the company claims is unattainable with conventional designs. Each Teddinator is calibrated and tested individually during the product assembly process. Teddy Pardo says the regulator is the culmination of years of obsessive refinement, guided by the foundational principles espoused by luminaries like Walt Jung and Nelson Pass.
Apart from the new Teddinator regulator board, the MiniTeddy SE received a new layout, with special attention to several critical features:
- Two-stage active noise-filtering.
- Low impedance ground connections (star-ground configuration).
- Low impedance output stage.
- Noise shielding in the sensitive regulator stage.
- Oversized transformer, with 50-90VA rating, depending on product.
- Main capacitors: Rubicon (Japan), total capacitance: 18,800uF.
- Electrolytic capacitors: Panasonic (Japan).
- Tantalum capacitors: Vishay (Israel).
- Film capacitors: Panasonic (Japan).
- All resistors are metal film 1%. Resistors in sensitive locations are 0.1%.
First Impressions
Upon connecting the MTSE to the RME DAC I immediately noticed the absence of the high-frequency noise, often called “hash,” compared to the stock switching power supply. I found that the linear design of the MTSE achieved impressive new levels of low noise, low output impedance and fast response time, With the MTSE in place, the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE played with enhanced transparency on all the tracks I played. The background noise floor also dropped, allowing finer details in the music to emerge more clearly. Instruments that previously blended into the mix now stood out with greater definition, contributing to a more immersive listening experience.
The soundstage expanded, with a more pronounced sense of space and depth. Stereo imaging became more precise, with instruments and vocals occupying distinct positions within the sound field. This improvement was particularly noticeable in complex tracks where spatial cues are crucial for accurate reproduction.
An added bonus was how the bass response tightened, with greater control and articulation. Low-end frequencies became more defined, avoiding the muddiness that can occur with less stable power sources. This led to a more balanced overall sound, with each frequency range contributing harmoniously to the mix.
The MiniTeddy also enhanced the dynamic range, allowing for more expressive contrasts between quiet and loud passages. Transient responses become sharper, with quicker attacks and decays, adding to the overall realism of the audio playback.
Listening Impressions
Listening to a variety of genres, the improvements brought about by the MTSE could be consistently heard. Classical compositions benefitted from the increased clarity and spatial accuracy, while electronic music gained a more defined low end and tighter rhythm. Even genres like jazz and rock, which rely heavily on dynamic interplay, showcased enhanced energy and engagement.
While the differences are not dramatic, for audiophiles accustomed to the nuances of high-end audio equipment, the MTSE improves the overall listening experience without altering the inherent character of the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE.
Patricia Barber’s “Company” (from Verse) is considered an imaging benchmark. Barber’s voice takes center stage, and with the MTSE, it floats palpably in space—solid, textured, and utterly convincing. Background hiss disappears, allowing subtle vocal intonations and string harmonics to surface with clarity.
Radiohead’s “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” (from In Rainbows) tests the rhythmic layering and midrange complexity of any DAC. The MiniTeddy brought better articulation to the overlapping guitars and sharper definition to Thom Yorke’s falsetto. Percussive transients struck with greater snap, giving the song a more urgent and emotional delivery.
Large-scale orchestral work thrives on separation and dynamic contrast and Rachmaninoff – Symphonic Dances, 3rd Movement (Minnesota Orchestra) is an ideal test track. With the MTSE, individual instrument sections especially woodwinds and strings stood apart in a way that was less congested and more alive. The crescendos felt less compressed, the ambiance of the hall more perceptible.
MiniTeddy SE: Product Specifications
Dimensions (HxWxD, cm): 6x18x14
Weight: 2Kg
Input AC voltage: 100v, 110v or 230v (depending on shipping country).
Transformer rating – 50-90 VA, depending on product type.
Output DC voltage: 3.2v — 72v, depending on specific models.
Output noise: less than 1uV when loaded.
Output impedance: less than 0.1 Ohm.
Environmental operation conditions: -25 to +105 degrees.
Expected service life: at least 15 years without any service required.
Software tracklist:
- Patricia Barber’s “Company” (from Verse, on Qobuz)
- Radiohead’s “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” (from In Rainbows, on Tidal)
- Rachmaninoff – Symphonic Dances, 3rd Movement (Minnesota Orchestra, on Qobuz)
Hardware checklist:
- Revival Audio Atalante 3 speakers
- Revival Audio Stand 3 stands
- Kinki Studios EX-M1+ integrated amplifier with Burson V7 Vivid single op-amps
- RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE DAC
- WiiM Ultra streamer
- Anticables Level 4.2 FLEX speaker cables
- Supra Cables Excalibur USB cable
- Mogami Platinum XLR cables
- Synergistic PowerCell 8SX power conditioner
- Synergistic Foundation SX 12 power cable
- Synergistic Foundation SX 10 power cable
MiniTeddy SE Power Supply
$450 – $535The Teddy Pardo MiniTeddy Special Edition isn’t just another upgrade, it works like a signal purification system that elevates everything downstream. I found the MTSE to act like a masterful recording engineer, cleaning the windows of your music to let the light in. What it does is nuanced: more space, deeper blacks, more defined transients, and an overall ease to the sound that encourages long listening sessions. For the detail-obsessed audiophile who believes in synergy and subtle improvements stacking into major ones, this linear power supply delivers tangible gains. It’s not a night-and-day transformation—but that’s not the point. The MiniTeddy brings you closer to the artist’s intention. It’s the sort of component that doesn’t draw attention to itself but allows your music to speak with greater eloquence. The Mini Teddy SE is highly recommended for discerning listeners who already own high-performing DACs like the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE, streamers or phono stages and are looking to squeeze out a level of performance that remains hidden on components that lack the best power supplies.
Pros
- Enhanced audio clarity and detail
- Superior noise reduction
- Compact and efficient design
- Excellent build quality
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Overall performance impact will vary depending on the specific DAC, streamer or phono amp used
- Limited local support
