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Excellent Power Supply Solution

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s very hard to find a good, affordable DC power supply from a U.S. dealer. I wanted a 12 volt 3.5 amp model for a Netgear router.  The quality linear power supplies are considerably more expensive than the router. But, then I stumbled upon an interesting product from Waveform Lighting. They offer a $49 DC power supply for strip lighting purposes. The 12 volt model can handle up to 10 amps and 100 watts. I do not know the technical details on how it works, but the description states “very low ripple and noise.” It also has overload voltage protection. The DC cable is 16 AWG wire.  A nice feature is that you can attach an audio grade power cable with a C7 connector. I used a Shunyata Venom cord. 

The unit did add a noticeable increase in sound quality. A little more clarity, more lifelike vocals and less harshness  in the upper treble. If you have a 12 volt modem, router or switch, give the Waveform Lighting DC power supply a listen. Here is the link: https://store.waveformlighting.com/collections/power-supplies-and-dimmers/products/filmgrade-12v-24v...
boakey39
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
You might have just fixed a problem a lot of folks (I'm included) are having with PS that came with our cable box. ALL of them have a voltage issue.

Everyone ads noise, it actually has to be on it's own dirty circuit. Above 115, just noisy as could be.  110-115.  You can only add a ground with a ground loop, eliminator. I've swapped PS twice, and with the neighbors...

I might give it a try, mine is quiet now though. That Ground Loop thing.. works, but I always wonder. Cable boxes and lightning strikes. Actually had ground strikes 5-6 weeks ago. NEVER before... You think we were in the Sierras, or something..

Regards
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,604 posts
 
Thanx for the tip.
erik_squires
16,060 posts
 
The ifi wall warts are in about the same price range, and extremely well reviewed for both measured and audible performance.  They replaced my Astron. They don't have nearly 10A of output though. :)


https://amzn.to/3n4W0xs


Best,

Erik
boakey39 OP
10 posts
 
With the iFi DC power supplies, you have to be careful with the amp rating. It’s OK for a power supply to have a higher amp rating than your device. But it cannot have a lower amp value. The same is true for the wattage. The 12 volt iFi power supply only handles 1.8 amps. Many of the cable modems and routers require more than 1.8 amps. That’s why the Waveform Lighting power supply worked so well for me. I just ordered another one today.

While I’m at it, here is another tip. I wanted to put a high grade AC power cord on this power supply, but the ones I have do not have C7 connectors. Fortunately, you can order a C7 adapter from Voodoo Cable for $19.00. The non-polarized type works for most routers and modems. Here is the link: https://voodoocable.net/product/c14-to-c7-iec-two-pin-adapter/
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 

First, I work at Broadcom switching products, so I do know what I am talking about.

Home routers & switches work at giga hertz frequencies and speed, which are WAY over ANY audio signals you are listening to especially if they are hard wired (ethernet), rather than using 11ac or 11ax wifi (which, depending on whether you are running at 2.4G band or the 5G band MAY be subject to collisions and may likely be a bit slower as a result).

The basic supply that comes with all boxes are absolutely fine. Since those work great even at frequencies 1000 times higher than your audio and still working perfectly fine, what you are noticing is nothing but the placebo effect.

Do not waste your money on snake oil.



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