power supply for sonic impact t amp (again)

[jon]

Hi,

I'm back in good old England now, and would like a UK PSU for my sonic impact t amp. a 12.8V one was recommended, but Maplin doesn't seem to sell 12.8V ones... so any suggestions? Sticking with the budget spirit of things, something cheapish would be good - under say £20, so less than the amp cost

I'm also thinking of getting a second one to try running just 1 speaker per amp/biamping, so I guess if there's 1 I can run 2 t amps off that would also be worth a look...

Thanks,

Jon

 

[JamPal]

Any regulated 12vDC supply from Maplins will do as long as it has more than about 750ma available. Mine is 1.5amp Sunpower from maplins.

Welcome back to the land of the almost free.

 

[hifikrazy]

Think you might have meant the 13.8v bench power supplies you can find off eBay quite cheaply. This gives a bit of extra oomph apparently, but some have said you should really stick a miniature heatsink on the chip. Apart from those any 12v supply will do as Mr WigWam stated

 

[liamjf]

This is the one I got from mapin:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=231&doy=10m1

£20 for 5A version. Will easily run 2 T-amps. Mines been on for over 3 months solid with no problems.

Liam.

 

[Umberto]

These power supplys are normally used to run in-car devices but they can be used to run anything that requires a 12-14v supply. Not a bad price either.

 

[jon]

thanks. Have also been PMd a suggestion on DIYing one, but good chance I'll go for a Maplin one as a stopgap anyway...so off into town then

The 13.8V one is tempting - but being as I'm unlikely to get round to adding a heatsink, am I likely to fry my t amp

Is this going to be any more risky with just 1 amp connected as opposed to 2 (and I take it that the 3A version will do to run 2 t amps as well?)

Welcome back to the land of the almost free.

Cheers; good to be back. Looking forward to a nice, warm pint of workie ticket and some folk music at the Sage

Jon

 

[liamjf]

Like I said, I've been running just the one from a 5A psu for over 3 months, no problem.

 

[jon]

thanks. Maplins seem insistant that I'd need to solder a cable to use this 13.8V PSU with my t amp, but is there anywhere I can get a readymade one? Or can I just get a 2-ended cable (1 end to fit the t amp) and cut off the other end, stripping back the insulation on the wires so I can screw them in?

 

[liamjf]

Hi, the psu comes with screw terminals. They also do a power lead with spades at one end to fit the psu and a regular 2 pin socket (as seen on all normal 12v adapters). Then just need to get the adapter end which fits. Can't remember which one it is but if you are desperate I can check when I get home.

The lead is this DC output lead (99p)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=6290&TabID=1&source=17&WorldID=&doy=10m1

then need dc power tip connector (49p)

Hope that helps!

Liam.

 

[jon]

Much-appreciated - my soldering's not good. Now why maplin couldn't just tell me that...another walk to town I guess

btw, am I right in thinking that if I go for the (smaller, and slightly cheaper) 3A rather than 5A version that'll give 1.5A for each t amp if I run 2 off it - so should be adequate.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[liamjf]

Should be OK, but the higher current one will make sure you don't run out of power - could affect the sound, always better to have more current on tap!

ATB, Liam.

PS only the higher voltage could fry your amp the current rating is just the total current it can supply if needs be. Doesn't matter if you have one amp connected or 3

 

[Kiang]

Try to go for 1.7 A at the minimum per amp.

Many on "DIY audio" would go for 2A at least

 

[jon]

thanks again for all the info. My local electrics shop (am fed up with maplin...) sell a 13.8V bench power supply - so think I'll go for this one (http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=IN02424&N=411). 13.8V, upto 6A, and just over 20 quid

Jon

 

[Mr Coherent]

I will be doing a PSU project for the T-amp soon

 

[jon]

sounds interesting - let me know how it goes

Still like the idea of trying to DIY one, when I've got a bit more time etc...

Jon

 

[jon]

Got the psu now, and fuck me it sounds good

Was going to be used with my laptop, as a 2nd system, but it's currently taken over power amp duties from my Cambridge integrated (now working as a pre)

Definitely seems to go louder without distorting using the bigger power supply, and a lovely detailed sound... Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. btw, I'm looking at a speaker upgrade - what kind of sensitivity (if any particular kind of level) should I be looking for in speakers the t amp can drive OK?

Jon