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PSU's for an Acoustic Revive RR-888 (or RR-777or RR-77)?

I finally purchased an AR RR-888.  From what I have read, one way to improve the performance of the RR-888 is to upgrade the walwart PSU.  I've read that the KingRex PSU is a great match, even though it is now over $400.  I'm curios if any Acoutic Revive RR owner is using the CIA Power Supply.  If so, which CIA PSU are you using?  
Also, there are comments about ordering a Linear PSU from China, off of EBay,  If you are using one of these PSU's from China, off of EBay, which unit are you using, and what was its cost?
Lastly, what do I need to look for in a PSU, other then it needing to be 12V?
In advance, thank you for your input, and I look forward to hearing about your experiences when upgrading the PSU that comes with the AR RR-888 (777 or 77).
Louis
louisl

Showing 2 responses by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
I have been researching Linear PSUs for my DAC and can offer you some suggestions. First, check the specs of your unit; it's 12V, but you need to know it's amperage. You can use a power supply with slightly higher amps, because the RR-888 will only draw the amount it needs.
  Also, it's important that the unit has a high-quality transformer, and a regulator which can filter noise from returning back down the line to the mains.

The PSU's made in the US and UK are highly regarded.
As for buying from China, I have only found one brand that has been receiving high praise; Teradak, and reasonably priced.
http://www.teradak.com/products/?id=25
Their dealers sell on ebay. Again, you need to match the specs of your unit with the specific power supply.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131112824783?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Teddy Pardo is a top rated PSU, but you pay for that quality.
http://www.teddypardo.com/powersupplies.html
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
@louisl
O/P: DC 12V 1A
That says to me that the wall-wart takes your AC from the wall, converts it to DC, and has 1 amp DC available to power your AR RR-888. I’ve found that often when buying an aftermarket linear power supply, the numbers won’t exactly match the unit you are trying to power. That’s because the wall-wart being used is the exact voltage and amperage for each electrical device that it is driving.

As long as the aftermarket PSU has 1 amp or greater, it will have enough current. You should confirm this with the dealer of the PSU you choose to buy. And contact Acoustic Revive to confirm the power specs.

Also, do you think this is really worth pursuing? Will I really get an improvement over the stock PSU with the RR-888?
From all the user reviews I’ve read of linear PSU’s vs. stock "switching power supplies" (wall-warts), there is a noticeable lowering of the noise-floor in audio gear. It stands to reason that a quality unit will improve performance in the RR-888.

Oh, and one more thing, I have discovered many shoot-outs of PSU’s online and the cheap Chinese crap is just that when compared to the US or UK brands. And it was always for the same reason, lesser quality parts and small transformers.
The top rated were Teddy Pardo, KingRex, Paul Hynes Design, TeraDak (good bang for the buck).
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