My SI T-amp is arriving in the next few days. I'm now hunting for a proper power supply. In a neighbourhood DIY shop, I found power supply that puts out 12V that also doubles as charger for SLA. There is a switch on the unit that flips between adapter/charger mode. Another switch selected the input voltage (110v or 230v). Three different models are available, the difference is the output currrent: 3A max, 6A max, and 8A max. The size of the unit is about 3x3x5 inch. It weights about 1kg. There is two terminals for the output (much like the speaker binding post). Will this be suitable for SI T-amp? If yes, is higher current (eg. 8A) overkill? The price is between $30-$35.
Would appreciate any opinion on this.
Would appreciate any opinion on this.
Yes, 8A is overkill. The 3 should be enough, and the 6 will be more than enough.
The main problem: Do you know how clean the DC is? And what is no load voltage? Don't go over 13.5V to be safe.
A lot of PSUs like this are not regulated and can have a lot of noise. What else do you know about it?
The main problem: Do you know how clean the DC is? And what is no load voltage? Don't go over 13.5V to be safe.
A lot of PSUs like this are not regulated and can have a lot of noise. What else do you know about it?
hi panomaniac. The PSU has selector for different output voltage. From 3v, 5v, 12v to 15v. I do not know what is the no load voltage. I believe it is not indicated in the packaging and the unit itself. There isn't any manual in the box. The packaging indicated that there is protection. I don't know whether it is protection from excessive output voltage or what.
What is the different between charger/adapter combo vs solely adapter? Is the combo going to be noisier.
Is it safe to use the combo 6A, with output selected to 12v.
How will the rating for the no load voltage affect my application?
Is it better to always connect the PSU to the SI T-amp. This way, there is always a load when the PSU is turned on. Also, to achieve this goal, is it neccesary to leave the switch of the SI T-Amp on all the time?
Is notebook computer power supply better (less noise)? I can find a 12v 4A here.
What is the different between charger/adapter combo vs solely adapter? Is the combo going to be noisier.
Is it safe to use the combo 6A, with output selected to 12v.
How will the rating for the no load voltage affect my application?
Is it better to always connect the PSU to the SI T-amp. This way, there is always a load when the PSU is turned on. Also, to achieve this goal, is it neccesary to leave the switch of the SI T-Amp on all the time?
Is notebook computer power supply better (less noise)? I can find a 12v 4A here.
Hi,
It is hard to know about the PSU without seeing it. My feeling is that it is not a regulated supply. The danger is that the 12V setting may give you as much as 15V, no load. That will damage your amp. The PSU may also not have very good filtering, so your DC will not be clean. You don't want that.
So, unless you have some way to find out if this is a regulated supply, or you can measure the voltage - it is best not to use it.
A 12V 4A laptop supply should work well. I have tested 4 different 12V 3A Switch mode supplies, they all work well. They also don't go over 12V. A good thing.
It is hard to know about the PSU without seeing it. My feeling is that it is not a regulated supply. The danger is that the 12V setting may give you as much as 15V, no load. That will damage your amp. The PSU may also not have very good filtering, so your DC will not be clean. You don't want that.
So, unless you have some way to find out if this is a regulated supply, or you can measure the voltage - it is best not to use it.
A 12V 4A laptop supply should work well. I have tested 4 different 12V 3A Switch mode supplies, they all work well. They also don't go over 12V. A good thing.
Hi panomaniac. Thanks for the reply. I do have a multimeter at home. So there's no problem with measuring the output voltage. However, I do not have equipment to measure whether the DC is clean.
I guess the best bet for me now is to get the 12V 4A notebook power supply. 🙂 It is going to be a switching mode power supply. I have read that switching mode power supply will kick back noise into the power line. I wonder if it will affect my CD player. I have installed a mains filter (IEC socket type) in the CD player. I do not have a line conditioner.
I will post the result soon. 🙂
I guess the best bet for me now is to get the 12V 4A notebook power supply. 🙂 It is going to be a switching mode power supply. I have read that switching mode power supply will kick back noise into the power line. I wonder if it will affect my CD player. I have installed a mains filter (IEC socket type) in the CD player. I do not have a line conditioner.
I will post the result soon. 🙂
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