Need a UK Power Supply Recommendation for a T-Class Amp

[nickb23]

Hi guys,
Just bought one of these SMSL Amps - SMSL SA-36A 2*20W TA2020 Tripath Class T Amp Stereo Amplifier Gold | eBay

and I need some advice on a UK power supply. I believe I need a 12v 3amp to get the most out of it, but at the mo I have a 12v 1.5amp, which works. With more amps I believe I should be getting more power and bass - is that right??

These are working with my iPhone, along with a pair of Celestion F1 Bookshelf speakers.

Also any recommendations on a good cheap bargain phono to 3.5mm cable too ;-)

Thanks

Nick

 

[Tekko]

The psu these SMSL amps sometimes come with i believe is in the 4-5A range.

 

[nickb23]

Thanks for the reply, Tekko. I have found this one.....

DC 12V 3.8A Power Adapter Supply Switch Converter Charger for Security Camera/T- | eBay

But this is a shipment from China, so I am looking for uk based alternatives. I have found this one on amazon.....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monitors-Hu...370886750&sr=8-5&keywords=12volt+power+supply

This one is 12volt / 5a - could it still be used with the SMSL amp??

Does more amps make it bassier and louder???

Thanks guys
Nick

 

[Tekko]

That will work a treat as long as the connector fits.

 

[nickb23]

seems too.. 2.5mm inner 5.5mm outer. Would having a more powerful psu make a difference to the sound quality?? I have also read about people buying expensive psu with clean electricity etc. Does it make a difference???

 

[Tekko]

Well with more Amps, the amp will be able to reach its full potential, a dirty psu really only affect noise floor.

 

[brig001]

Does more amps make it bassier and louder???

Bassier? No. Louder? Yes.

Try CPC. A quick search brought this up on my phone (click "full site" on a PC)

POWERPAX - PTD-1205A - AC ADAPTOR, 12V, 5A REGULATED 2 PIN; - CPC

Hope that helps,
Brian

Edit: they sell the cable you want too

 

[ATAUDIO]

Yes, 1.5 A is a little too small. However, mind hat with an Apple stuff, you probably won´t get a lot of power out of the SMSL because of the limited input signal you are giving to it, so , thanks to the big filter capacitor you have inside the box, it might do anyway.
At the moment, the only phone/player/reader/toy that could put it "with its shoulders against the wall" is the little Sansa Clip + modified with the Rockbox firmware. About 1.8 Vpp , 1kHz, 0 dB reference signal. And you can go up to +6 dB....

 

[Turdinator]

as long as you stick with 12v the ampage can be any because the t-amp will only draw what max amp it can

 

[brig001]

with an Apple stuff, you probably won´t get a lot of power out of the SMSL because of the limited input signal

Are you sure? Just measured 3V pk-pk on the line out and 2.8V pk-pk on the headphone socket on my 4s.

Brian

 

[nickb23]

Thanks guys,
I managed to find a power supply (12v 4amp) that fits. I did an on the fly swap between the psu's, I think that it is a bit louder, but again, not a huge amount of bass. What can I do to increase the bass??

Thanks

Nick

 

[Tekko]

Bigger speakers!

 

[ATAUDIO]

Or, going more in deep, speakers with an higher SPL.

 

[brig001]

OK, there are two things that strike me about these speakers:

The efficiency is 88dB@1W, so with your amplifier rated at 12W into 8 ohms (I am assuming they aare 8 ohms), you will get a little over 98dB before clipping. That's not too bad, I only get 101dB, but I sit onlly 3m away from the speakers. How far away are you listening to them?

The other thing is that they only have a 4" driver, so low bass is out of the question.

If you are happy with the sound apart from the lack of bass, a trip to the subwoofers section may be in order. With a decent sub and an active crossover, you might have the sound you want. Taking the bass away from the F1s will allow you to play them a little bit louder before clipping too.

HTH,
Brian