Off the Shelf Power Supply for Gamma2 DAC

This is probably not the kind of question most people are posting, but I tried the AMB forum and couldn't post it there. :/

I normally use my Gamma2 DAC from the USB port of my computer. I'm happy with it. I don't need better sound right now. But I want to connect wirelessly to AirPlay.

I was going to use AirPlay (and Apple Music) with an AppleTV3 and then hook up the optical out to the optical in on the Gamma2. Not connecting it to a TV, even.

I figure this should sound just as good as using my laptop via USB. (If not better?)

HOWEVER... I would need to power the DAC then.

The power on the back specifies 500ma 5v. (Makes sense, same as USB.) I know they recommend a high end power source, but like, would I really be sacrificing a lot by using something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/iMBAPrice-Adapter-Listed-Supply-5-Feet/dp/B00GUNQACS?th=1

Is this a really bad idea?

Thanks!

 

I got a reply on the AMB forum (they approved my post, my bad for not knowing how that works).

Apparently this should be fine. Obviously not as clean power but again I'm less picky than most here.

 

The back of the Gamma 2 says "regulated" for a very good reason. It likely uses that power directly for the analog section of the DAC.

That being said the 5v supply you listed is not likely to be worse then USB power you normally use. Just try it out. If you really feel like you need more then you can go for the iFi power supply.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GNNXP0Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0Ht1AbKTVSHGW

 

Thanks. I noticed the iFi is 2a instead of 500ma. Will that matter?

Is it a difference I'm likely to notice or something subtle like slight background noise? (Which I don't pick up on because I live in a loud area and usually listen pretty loud, too.)

Not trying to be difficult, I just don't fully understand what the improvement would be. I do like the DAC a lot.

 

Accurate voltage is what matters. Current is only an issue if there is not enough. More current is better. This doesn't mean that the Gamma 2 will draw 2A, just that it's available should you ever need it.

I can't comment to much on the differences, but there are a lot of people here that prefer Schiit DACs with a Wyrd, which is a linear power supply. I have also heard a Modi 2 (USB powered) compared with a Modi 2U (linear power) and I definitely prefer the Modi 2U.

 

Thank you! I appreciate it.

A friend of mine (who has a high genius IQ and whose parents build circuit boards) once told me that a wall wart with too-high amperage could blow a component, and that once a whole airport was brought down once due to a vendor saving a small amount of money not protecting something like this...

In retrospect, perhaps he meant voltage? Or perhaps he's full of shit. But he was REALLY picky about plugging in hard drive adapters with the wrong amperage.

I wasn't and never had a problem, but I'm not as careful about that stuff. (They were all 12v with the same polarity.)

So for sure the iFi power supply should be fine?

I don't have such a trained ear and it all seems a bit silly given that my source will be Apple Music, but I really like that DAC and my headphones (ESP-950s, which I even prefer over the much-lauded HD650) so maybe I should treat myself...

 

Yes

 

Thanks!

 

if you're local to LA could help you assemble AMB sigma11.

 

That's very kind of you! Unfortunately I don't have much free time these days, and need to devote more time to catching up on work anyway, but that's very generous of you and I wish I could take you up on the offer.