Power supply for external boxes

Jump to Latest
L

landiepete

Member
Joined 2014
#1
You probably all have this problem. You have a phono preamp, a DAC, a small streamer, or even a turntable with an outboard motor, and they're all powered by one of these wall wartz, and all the manufacturers are doing there darnest to use a different voltage, 12, 15, 18, 20...and often even AC.


So I would like to build a sturdy, low noise power supply, with say 4-5 outputs, each individually switchable between voltage. So I can connect all these boxes to 1 power supply, by making a small adapter cable to convert the socket.


Has something like this been attempted or done ? I'm having some trouble finding the correct search tags to narrow down the results.


Thanks, Pete
 
#2
Biggest issue I can see with this is that unless you isolate each output, you'll wind up creating ground loops between all your components. I wouldn't recommend going this route, stick with the wall warts or get higher quality, matchy ones, and a nice power strip, if you're so inclined.
 
#3
Assuming all gear has voltage regulators on the input, Use a supply with the the highest voltage and current needed and connect them in parallel, but beware about power dissipation on the regulators. Test each one first. Check datasheets.
You can also put all the wall-warts inside a box and use a different connector for each gear or a multi pin connector, and wire it so Voltages don't mix, if connected to a different gear. (Pin 1 for 12, 2 for 15 .... pin x or shell ground etc)
 
#4
You will still need a separate, isolated AC voltage source for each component. Having each
source switchable would be fine, until you plug too much AC voltage into the wrong component.
Then you will regret having the idea.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom