I need a wall-wart power supply

[Frank Sch]

I bought one of those mini integrated amps to play around with. It came without a power source. It requires 12 to 18v DC @2 amps. I've looked at wall warts at some thrift stores with no luck. Any ideas where to find one? Thanks.

 

[sKiZo]

Pretty popular topic today - back to back posts for me.

I'm using a 12v 6a computer monitor brick here to power an HD Radio head on the home system with good results. Quiet, and should give you more than enough juice ... I think I paid $12 for a good one off amazon.

 

[DaveVoorhis]

Look for universal laptop power supplies. See https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=laptop+power+supply

 

[Frank Sch]

Thanks Dave, I took a look there. Those power supplies cost as much as the amp did.

 

[BigElCat]

One of the best wall-warts is the Ifi iPower; I have one that works great.

 

[DaveVoorhis]

Thanks Dave, I took a look there. Those power supplies cost as much as the amp did.

That's why those wee amps are so cheap -- they either come without a power supply, or if they do come with a wallwart it's undersized for the job.

A power supply with sufficient oomph is the costly bit.

 

[Frank Sch]

This looks like it may work.

https://www.amazon.ca/Adapter-Suppl...sr=8-11-spons&keywords=ifi+power+supply&psc=1

Another question: Would a 4 amp 12v unit be "better" than a 2 amp unit? More Oomph.

 

[DaveVoorhis]

Another question: Would a 4 amp 12v unit be "better" than a 2 amp unit? More Oomph.

It couldn't hurt, and might give a bit more headroom before clipping at high volume.

 

[transmaster]

Parts Express has what you need you have a choice of wall-wart style and bench style.

 

[the skipper]

Make sure the connector will fit and is the required polarity. I don't think there are any standards.

 

[E-Stat]

I would recommend getting a comparatively inexpensive Jameco linear in lieu of a switcher for reduced noise. They have different models depending upon the size of the DC connector.

Click here for a list of their offerings.

 

[savatage1973]

Monoprice and NewEgg both carry a fairly large selection of wall-warts and laptop power supplies for not much money.

 

[SoCal Sam]

For wall wart, match voltage rating and go over and the amp rating. Device amp rating is how much draw so it is ok (preferable) to be over.

 

[gtv2000]

That's why those wee amps are so cheap -- they either come without a power supply, or if they do come with a wallwart it's undersized for the job.

A power supply with sufficient oomph is the costly bit.

and since the amplifier unit doesn't plug in there is no electrical safety testing required - it's up to the wall wart.

 

[mjw21a]

I would recommend getting a comparatively inexpensive Jameco linear in lieu of a switcher for reduced noise. They have different models depending upon the size of the DC connector.

Click here for a list of their offerings.

I was just about to suggest an LPS though you beat me to it. Better sound quality

 

[NAD80]

4Amp is better than the 2A one. More overhead. Should run cooler since it is only at 50% power. More stable over time. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Beatnik]

I've gotten a bunch at the thrifts for $1.91 or $2.92.

 

[Frank Sch]

Many thanks for all your replies!

 

[teal'c]

Got an old computer power supply? They work great.

 

[Frank Sch]

Problem solved. Today I checked out a thrift store that had a whole box of cables and power supplies. One of the lap top power supplies had the right specs but I wasn't sure of the plug size so I bought the whole box for $10. Turns out the power supply I looked at DID fit. The mini amp works just fine, and I have a whole bunch of extra cables and wall warts!