The present invention is directed toward a switching power supply and improvements thereof. In accordance with an embodiment, a switching power supply is provided. The switching power supply comprises: a first power supply stage that forms an intermediate regulated voltage; and a second power supply stage configured to accept the intermediate regulated voltage and configured to form a regulated output voltage, wherein the intermediate voltage is set to an initial target level upon start-up of the power supply and wherein the intermediate regulated voltage is set to a second target level during steady-state operation of the power supply.