Series Versus Shunt Regulators – A Mixed Bag

Series voltage regulators are a great way to provide almost-noise free and rock-stable DC to your audio circuits. But the load current often has distorted signal components that can generate a ‘dirty ground’ across the supply ground wires and tracks. This can introduce distortion components in other circuit sections using this ground. With shunt regulators we can keep the dirty ground localized and largely avoid the problem. Technical Editor Jan Didden explains.

This article focuses on the Poddwatt Series II stereo integrated valve amplifier, a project with roots that go back several years. The design continues to be relevant and to evolve. I call the basic design an “Oddwatt” because of its “odd” configuration, using two stages. This article was originally published in audioXpress, May 2013.