I need to build a 24vdc power supply to supply about 2.5A to a Class A source follower output stage of an amp.
I have a few options:
1) Unregulated linear power supply. classic CLC type
2) Regulated Linear power supply. I saw some from Audiophonics.. their S4-HP
3) SMPS power supply. like a Meanwell or the SMPS300RS on Audiophonics website.
Anyways, not sure it really matters that much with a Source follower output stage... my thoughts are to just go with the regulated linear power supply.
What other options do i have? Can anyone recommend any other power supplies, or even a schematic for a CLC power supply to supply 24v at about 2.5A?
Thanks so much!!!
I have a few options:
1) Unregulated linear power supply. classic CLC type
2) Regulated Linear power supply. I saw some from Audiophonics.. their S4-HP
3) SMPS power supply. like a Meanwell or the SMPS300RS on Audiophonics website.
Anyways, not sure it really matters that much with a Source follower output stage... my thoughts are to just go with the regulated linear power supply.
What other options do i have? Can anyone recommend any other power supplies, or even a schematic for a CLC power supply to supply 24v at about 2.5A?
Thanks so much!!!
SMPS will be noisy for class A, and class A wastes a lot of energy.
That said, Meanwell are well made.
That said, Meanwell are well made.
Maybe an off-the-shelf open-frame linear supply, the technological living fossils based on LM723 and 2N3055, from a surplus dealer? Google surplus open-frame 24v power supply and you'll find some options.
Have a look at one of the SMPS from Micro Audio from Jordan - unlike most of the usual versions, there one is built specifically for continuous current of class A amp and is incredibly quiet, unlike many of our quality linear power supplies - a very different device indeed.
Since you're in the US, ebay is your friend. They're practically giving away these things;
New Power-One HC24-2.4-A Linear Power Supply 24V 2.4A Output Ships FREE (SH113) | eBay You can shop for cheaper or more expensive well within the $20-$100 range. I have two similar 6A units bought used; will probably run without issue for the rest of my days, powered 24/7.
New Power-One HC24-2.4-A Linear Power Supply 24V 2.4A Output Ships FREE (SH113) | eBay You can shop for cheaper or more expensive well within the $20-$100 range. I have two similar 6A units bought used; will probably run without issue for the rest of my days, powered 24/7.
Whilst the Power One devices are excellent they are not LDO and will develop heat and thus energy waste. The class A amplifier is already causing heat/energy waste. This counts up and is not efficient. I think it also does not fit in this day and age to waste energy without much benefit in return. I sincerely hope that the class A device won't be powered on 24/7.
So 3) SMPS are the better way to go here. They offer the benefits of way less ripple voltage and therefor no hum and way less heat. Now SMPS would be the last to recommend for low power audio applications but for class A devices they do a good job and till now I haven't experienced negative issues with various rail mounted Meanwell SMPS.
Now there are designs out there in the class A world that for a strange and unknown reason use no protection/delay relay. Incomprehensible but they exist so these devices sometimes have extreme power on/off phenomena that then are defended with made up benefits. Now, with SMPS these phenomena often are less than with classic PSU's as they generally ramp up fast.
So 3) SMPS are the better way to go here. They offer the benefits of way less ripple voltage and therefor no hum and way less heat. Now SMPS would be the last to recommend for low power audio applications but for class A devices they do a good job and till now I haven't experienced negative issues with various rail mounted Meanwell SMPS.
Now there are designs out there in the class A world that for a strange and unknown reason use no protection/delay relay. Incomprehensible but they exist so these devices sometimes have extreme power on/off phenomena that then are defended with made up benefits. Now, with SMPS these phenomena often are less than with classic PSU's as they generally ramp up fast.
Last edited: