OPTIMO S ATX

THE DEFINITIVE SOLUTION TO COMPUTER-BASED HI-FI SYSTEMS’ MOST NOTABLE WEAKNESS.

THE MISSING PIECE OF COMPUTER-BASED HIGH-END SYSTEMS

The weakest element of almost every PC-based Hi-Fi system – low-quality, general-purpose power supply unit – can finally be a thing of the past, thanks to our new audiophile dedicated solution.

Introducing the world’s 1st truly 100% linear ATX power supply designed and fine-tuned for extreme audio playback performance –  the OPTIMO S ATX.

Finally, Hi-Fi enthusiasts worldwide can make their music servers truly complete with audiophile-grade, 100% linear power supply units.

THE WORLD’S 1st TRULY 100% LINEAR ATX POWER SUPPLY

JCAT has a history of releasing products that push the limits of what’s possible in computer-based audio playback.

The lack of a true audiophile power source dedicated to computer-based audio pushed us to develop our own solution.

At last, thanks to the OPTIMO S ATX, Hi-Fi aficionados can remove the last weak link from their systems and benefit from the world’s 1st no-compromise, truly 100% linear audiophile-dedicated power source in their music servers.

THE END OF SUBPAR POWER SOURCES FOR COMPUTER HI-FI

No more settling for switching or fake-linear PSUs made for general purpose. No more settling for questionable non-audio producers or DYI solutions without safety certifications. No more paying for “linear” power supply units just to discover they’re not really linear as advertised.

Our OPTIMO S ATX is 100% linear and delivers perfect, sonically-tuned power for your computer-based streamer/server. Now, you can make your computer-based system truly audiophile-grade!

DESIGNED AND FINE-TUNED SOLELY FOR HI-FI AUDIO PLAYBACK

Two years in the making, the OPTIMO S ATX was designed and tuned with ONLY the highest quality audio playback in mind.

More than 500 hours of listening tests and comparisons in several high-end audio systems went into ensuring that the OPTIMO S ATX will deliver unrestrained dynamics, outstanding density, resolution, saturation, and clarity.

A Hi-Fi music server equipped with the OPTIMO S ATX gains analog-like characteristics and achieves complete musical harmony.

HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY IN A MARKET FULL OF FAKES

The OPTIMO S ATX is the only available 100% truly linear ATX power supply unit on the market.

Some brands offer “linear” ATX power sources, but switching and linear regulators combined do not mean that a PSU is “linear.” It’s “linear” if it’s 100% linear, not some% linear.

This is why we’ve brought the OPTIMO S ATX to life – to finally put an end to subpar, dishonest solutions available on the market.

DESIGN APPROACH

MAXIMUM SOUND QUALITY

Our ultimate goal was to make the best-sounding power supply unit – smooth, with natural tone and exceptional dynamics, which bring ease and enjoyment to played music.

ENGINEERED FOR TOP PERFORMANCE

Our goal, apart from the best sound possible, was achieving top performance from engineering POV – we aimed for as low noise and output impedance as possible.

GREAT WORKING CONDITIONS

The case design and component layout have been optimized to dissipate heat. The airflow has been designed so that the PSU, despite the lack of forced ventilation, does not overheat and operates at a reasonable temperature.

READY FOR EVERY CONFIGURATION

OPTIMO S ATX can output 500W (450W), which is more than enough to power almost any high-performance PC / music server on the market. Because of the no-compromise design, the OPTIMO S ATX can easily handle a maximum load of 23A per rail while retaining rock-solid stability and top-measured performance.

BUILT TO LAST

25kg of top-quality components will let you experience music without interruptions and harm to you and your equipment for years to come. Protected against: short-circuiting, overloads, overheating, output voltage jumps, and power grid interferences.

PERFECTLY COMPATIBILE

Meets rigorous ATX 2.2 norms, so it can be used with any computer motherboard equipped with an ATX connector. There are audiophile-quality cables included for powering the PC motherboard, CPU, drives, and expansion cards (e.g., JCAT USB & NET Cards).

USING ONLY TOP-QUALITY COMPONENTS

LINEAR REGULATORS

We use the highest quality integrated linear regulators with the best performance. The regulators operate in an open-loop controlled voltage pattern based on a precision current source integrated into the circuit.

This solution provides the best noise performance and regulation quality because it does not rely on external components, regulator output voltage, and is very temperature stable.

CAPACITORS

Eleven high-end low impedance capacitors per rail (of a total 110mF (110.000 uF) ensure the outstanding dynamic performance of OPTIMO S ATX. We chose the highest quality, 105°C capacitors for trouble-free operation in years to come. We provide a significant margin by design, so even with some capacitance lost over time, there will be no effect on OPTIMO S ATX performance. The graph below illustrating our measurements shows a superb response for a step change of load.

TRANSFORMER

We use custom-designed transformers made exclusively for OPTIMO S ATX. The magnetically and electrically shielded transformers operate with reduced induction in an entirely linear core magnetization characteristic. They are mechanically decoupled from the device housing with high-quality vibration isolators used in medical devices.

LUXURIOUS CONNECTIONS

All connections feature industry’s best gold plated pins and power is delivered via extremely high quality silver plated copper cables at maximum cross section possible for ATX connectors (18AWG). AC power inlet comes from renowned Japanese manufacturer. All of that to make sure that power is delivered at the highest possible quality. 

SPECIFICATION

• 100% linear, audiophile power source unit dedicated for Hi-Fi systems
• Extremely low noise <25uV RMS
• Passively cooled
• Compatible with 95W TDP processors (Intel’s design guide). Max power on CPU rail is 276W
• 450W, 23A @ EVERY MAIN RAIL
• Protections against: short-circuiting, overloads, overheating, output voltage jumps, and power grid interferences.
• Cable power drop compensation.
• 27kg of weight
• Dimensions: 43x13x50cm
• ATX 2.2 compatible.
• Included cables: 1.5m shielded silver plated copper (18AWG) for motherboard, CPU, HDD  (2xLP4 molex + 2xSATA). Original connectors from MOLEX with gold-plated pins.
• 115V and 230V versions are available.

‘If you have a good system, which you presumably have, otherwise you would not spend that much on a PSU, the Optimo S atx will lift it to another level, a level which you may have dreamed of, but never thought it would become real. IMHO: The new Optimo S atx is nothing less but a milestone in the development of digital, especially computer based audio. Jcat did it again.
Chapeau!’Hans-Peter, a customer

MEDIA REVIEWS & AWARDS:

FAQ

What sonic difference can I expect?

Thanks to the crucial role of power supply in the system, OPTIMO S ATX brings dramatic improvement to every aspect of sound. It is without a doubt the most important part of a music server / streamer.

Is OPTIMO S ATX recommended for any PC-based source?

Yes, we are adamant that OPTIMO S ATX is the best ATX power source for audio systems available on the market.

Will it be enough to power my computer?

The OPTIMO S ATX is designed to Intel’s specifications for computer platforms with 95W TDP CPUs. Its ability to power a computer system is equal to conventional 450W power supplies. In case the PSU is overloaded, it will safely shut down leaving your equipment unharmed. So technically it can work with higher-end CPUs as long as they do not operate at very high utilization.

What does it mean that OPTIMO S ATX is compatible with 95W TDP processors?

The OPTIMO S ATX has 23A on 12V line (12V is used for CPU). So technically we have up to 276W power. But let’s start by explaining what TDP is (Thermal Design Power) – this is a capability of dissipating heat from the CPU core. It is not the same as CPU power requirements. So a CPU categorised as 95W TDP can easily draw even 200W power (momentary)! The OPTIMO S ATX is capable of delivering 23A (30A peak for 2 seconds). So limiting compatible CPUs to 95W or lower does not make any sense for OPTIMO S ATX – this comes from  Intel’s Desktop Platform Form Factors Power Supply Design Guide recommendation which we used during development. The Intel’s recommendation is mainly for their server platforms to ensure maximum compatibilities in any possible situation. So with OPTIMO S ATX  e.g. 125W TDP CPU, assuming moderate load, should work fine. The problem can arise when one stresses the PC by running e.g. a benchmark – then it will shut down after a while. It is clear that for practical use of an average music server such a situation will not happen, so CPU utilization and hence power draw will stay on a lower level.

How complicated is the installation?

Even though OPTIMO S ATX is an external power supply of considerable size and weight, its installation process is the same as a typical computer power supply, so it shouldn’t be challenging to anyone with even basic computer skills. For more details and full specification please refer to the manual which can be downloaded HERE.