The invention describes an adaptive circuit (1, 1′) for driving a lower-voltage DC load (2) from a rectified higher-voltage AC supply (3), which adaptive circuit (1, 1′) comprises a charge-storage circuit (21, 21′), which charge storage circuit (21, 21′) comprises a first capacitor (C1) and a second capacitor (C2) connected essentially in series, wherein the second capacitor (C2) is connected at least in parallel with the load (2); and an active switch (22, 22′) realised as a controlled current source (22, 22′) for controlling a load current (Iload) through the load (2) such that, in a closed switch state, load current (Iload) is drawn essentially from the first capacitor (C1) of the charge-storage circuit (21, 21′), and, during an open switch state, load current (Iload) is drawn essentially from the second capacitor (C2). The invention also describes an LED retrofit lamp (4) comprising a connecting means (40) for connecting the lamp (4) to a higher-voltage mains supply signal (U PS); an LED device (2) rated for a lower-voltage supply; and such an adaptive circuit (1, 1′) for adapting the higher-voltage mains supply signal (U PS) to a low-voltage signal (U C2) for driving the lower-voltage LED device (2). The invention also describes a method of driving a lower-voltage DC load (2) from a rectified higher-voltage AC supply (3).