X-PSU Question.

[U4ria]

G'day Fellas,

Just a query. Has anyone got any specs on the MF X-PSU power supply? I don't buy that this thing is magic or whatever. So I figure if I can just figure out what it does that supposedly makes the sound so much better, I can go about making one, or buying one from Jaycar...whatever.

Also, for the past two months or so, unbeknownst to myself, My X-can has been running at double recommended ampage. So she's been running a little hot there. When I picked up a cheapo 12V 500mA unregulated unit from the local flea market, I found the sound changed quite a bit until about 15 minutes later when the new wallwart seemed to break or summin' (yeah confused me too). Is the higher ampage I'm running (1A) killing my tubes or what? Will my headamp explode? Will it give me herpes?

Cheers

 

[Dane]

Dont worry about current - as long as the PSU can deliver what's required you're OK. You can never get too much current capacity from a PSU - your amp will only take what it needs. Don't know about the MF X-PSU specs.

 

[U4ria]

So I am supplying double the stated input current in the specs of my amp. Presumably the rest is bled off as heat, right? Is this heat gonna damage anything? I'm not worried about too little, I'm worried about too much.

 

[Dane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by U4ria So I am supplying double the stated input current in the specs of my amp.

No you're not. The current draw is dictated by the amp - the PSU only have to keep up with the demand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by U4ria Presumably the rest is bled off as heat, right? Is this heat gonna damage anything?

No. Even if you had a 1 billion ampere PSU you would not damage anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by U4ria I'm not worried about too little, I'm worried about too much.

Oh but you should - you can never get enough power

 

[U4ria]

Heh, too easy. Thanks for your help man.

 

[PinkFloyd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dane Dont worry about current - as long as the PSU can deliver what's required you're OK. You can never get too much current capacity from a PSU - your amp will only take what it needs. Don't know about the MF X-PSU specs.

Current is ok but a 12V toroidal will measure around 13.4V at no load and drop to 12V under load so if you measure the voltage as 13.4 then don't worry.... they're designed that way.

There's a couple of easy PSU's you can build http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/easyxpsu.htm and http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/x-psu.htm

The X-PSU is 20VA using a higher VA will give you better regulation though 1000VA is probably overkill and anything from 20VA - 50VA will give good results.

Pinkie.

 

[DevilDog]

Okay, I'm not an electrical engineer, but I did a lot of research about the upgraded power supply for the X-cans V2 while trying to tweak mine.
I believe it was Sam Tellig from sterophile that started it all. He recommended one. He said that it helped the bass immensely. A lot of people tried it and the reports started coming in of units burning up.
I have an X-cans V2 and the Hosfelt power supply that was mentioned. I couldn't tell any difference in the sound like you have so I have decided to stay safe and use the one that came with it. It was cheaper and more readily available than the psu from mf.
If you go to Nick Dangerous' site, http://www.nickdangerous.com/guestbook/ there are a couple of comments regarding it. It seems like there was also some discussion of it on here. (It must be hidden because I can't find it right now)
So, after all that, I concluded that it wasn't worth it for me.
I know you're asking about X-PSU specs, but I wanted to make you aware of problems with people using hotter power supplies.
Good luck.

 

[steam3642]

Hi mate
Give cliff de - souza a call at AUDIO SYNERGY in perth western australia , he did a psu upgrade for my x can v2 for $100.00 , He is great and loves his music , he has one of the best technical minds when it comes to hifi components and has vast experience in all aspects of audio design , he does component mods and builds his own brand loud speakers, his number is 0892278056 , or at www.audiosynergy.com.au . tell him phil refered you.
all the best . Phil. scarborough. w.a.

 

[PinkFloyd]

All you need is a 20VA, 30VA or 50VA toroidal and build it into an enclosure. Your X-Can V2 will not explode, go on fire or evaporate into the ether. I've built many of these PSU's and have received very positive feedback from others who have built them.

The Hosfelt PSU is a very "iffy" unit and very poor quality / unstable and I'm not surprised a few x-cans failed using this cheap PSU.

Build either of these with utter confidence: http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/xcanpropage.htm

The amp will only draw the current it requires and cannot be force fed current it doesn't want from a larger VA toroidal.

Pinkie.

 

[PinkFloyd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilDog I wanted to make you aware of problems with people using hotter power supplies.

Maybe that should read "I wanted to make you aware of problems with people using [size=medium]hosfelt[/size] power supplies." ??

 

[DevilDog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PinkFloyd Maybe that should read "I wanted to make you aware of problems with people using [size=medium]hosfelt[/size] power supplies." ??

Hey, I said I wasn't an electrical engineer.

Anyway, thanks for clearing it up. That's probably a good point.