Is the Hanmatek HM310 Power Supply any good for use with audio power amplifiers?

Are cheap power supplies any good for audio testing? In this video I compare the Hanmatek HM310 power supply to an HP 6643A. I measure the load regulation, step response, and how the power supply performs when powering an audiophile power amplifier. I also torture test the supply to see if we get what we pay for with this $80 power supply.
Hanmatek HM310: www.amazon.com...

[@SirMo]

I own a number of old HP linear power supplies in my lab, which I've refurbished and recapped. They don't have a lot of current capability but I usually work on low power circuits anyway. Otherwise they are excellent power supplies. However one of these power supplies for non critical stuff would be handy. The price is certainly right and I like that they don't take much space. Lab space is always at a premium. Thanks for the thorough review!

[@Neurochrome2010]

You're quite welcome. For higher output power, the HP/Agilent 65xx and 66xx series are hard to beat. I've been using a pair of 6643A for years for power amp testing and just picked up a pair of 6654A for higher power and higher voltage.

[@Shorrey]

But you don't need to clock it to set the output. Just turning the nobs will do.

[@sokoloft3]

Haven't watched your video yet. However this is the bench PSU multiple people recommended me. I want to go with the "RD RK6006" simply because I can use any DC power supply I have. Weather it be a laptop charger, or ATX PSU. I can build one for around $50-60 USD, considering the ATX PSU is free. While also having the fixed voltages the ATX PSU provides, and using its 12v B rail for the Riden module. There just aren't many videos on the Riden units. Maybe you could purchase one and do a video on it. They're $32 USD on aliexpress rn.

[@Neurochrome2010]

You'll be hard pressed to build a lab grade power supply for $50-60. I often find used gear at lower cost than I can build something good for myself. The RK6006 is an interesting option. I highly doubt they would work well, but they could be interesting to look at, nonetheless.

[@sokoloft3]

@@Neurochrome2010 I'm still very much at the hobbyist level and hobby level tools. I only need something that I can current limit so I can inject voltage into shorted boards to pinpoint the component. Basic macbook/pc repair. I'm just not sure if I want to chance having a issue with the RK6006 module, or just pay $70 for the HM310 and be done with it. HM310 I get off Amazon, the RK6006 Aliexpress, and if I have a issue with it. Not as easily returnable. Its on Amazon too but with a $18 markup or so. Might as well buy the HM310. Thanks for the reply though. Still very undecided on what I want to get.

[@Neurochrome2010]

A cheap hack to get a current limiter is to insert a 10 Ω resistor in series with the supply output. That works great for testing power amps. If the amp misbehaves the resistor will cook and interrupt the flow of current.

[@sokoloft3]

@@Neurochrome2010 That goes beyond my knowledge. I'm not sure if that applies to a more digital circuit like a macbook logic board. I need to be certain that my current limiting is accurate. Else you could cook something like the SMC and the board is indefinitely a parts board once that happens. I was told 1V 2A is what I want to inject on my shorted rail, then feel around for hot components. Not to mention I'd like to do this more frequently, so having the right tool is ideal. Thank you nonetheless. I know this supply will work for what I need. It just seems like I'm paying more for less. If I where to build one with the RK6006, it'd be more easily repairable/maintainable down the road (providing the module isn't the issue) and I'd also gain fixed 3.3, 5 and 12v outputs. Going to check out your Part 2. Also local people know I'm looking for old equipment. Ideally get it damaged at a lower price, I currently cant justify $400 or so, even though its likely worth it.

[@Neurochrome2010]

In that case I would look for a lab supply that can provide 0-15 V at maybe 0-5 A. Ideally with a lower range of, say, 0-6 V. The HM310 will likely be just fine for your needs. Don't bother with the programming feature and save yourself some money.

[@ddistrbd1]

Hi, would it be possible to review aHanmatek HM605T programmable power supply? thanks. BTW great video.

[@Neurochrome2010]

I can certainly take a look. 5A is a bit wimpy for an audio amp at 60 V, though. 10 A would be more interesting.

[@ddistrbd1]

@@Neurochrome2010 5 amp or 10A would be your choice, I am going to use mine to power/test low amp LEDs, BTW,thanks for your quick reply .

[@Shorrey]

I bought one of these... I guess I was just unlucky, but I got defective unit. When I just got it, I tested it, it worked, and I left it unattended for half a year. Then when I switched it on, it didn't work. Surprisingly, after being powered for 3 hours or so, it woke up! Unfortunately, 2 weeks later it died completely, the 3 hours trick did not do anything. I am not skilled enough to try to fix it, so will have to buy something else...

[@Neurochrome2010]

That's disappointing. I'm not super surprised, though. Some things are too cheap.

[@Shorrey]

@@Neurochrome2010 Do you have suggestions for the reputable brnds to minimize the chances for this to happen again? I don't need any more functionality than this thing gives, I only need it to work.

[@Neurochrome2010]

Yep: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKuTlHiBacmLZqM The HP 6227B would be a good option too.

[@Shorrey]

By the way, i opened my broken unit, and found that this time the reason is quite obvios - one of the components burned and shuttered in pieces. I could try to replace it if i knew what that thing was. So next time you open it in one of your videos, if you remember, could you check out U4 component and tell me its marking, please? Although yours look a bit different, i expect it is only the allignment.

[@Neurochrome2010]

I've gotten rid of both supplies I had as they had no use to me. Sorry, buddy.

[@MACYNET323]

Sir, can suggest others small switching supply with lower noise and peaks?

[@Neurochrome2010]

Not really. I've only tested that one. If you don't mind a fixed output voltage, any of Mean Well's offerings would be good options. I've used the RPS-400-27 in audio amps with excellent results. But for lab supplies I'd stick with the old HP/Agilent 6600-series.

[@MACYNET323]

Thanks, the MN LRS 150 24 is interesting because have a trimmer for fine Voltage settings. Maybe by replacing it with an higher impedance pot. the V.out can be regulated lower

[@Neurochrome2010]

That's likely. I'd be careful about such modifications, though. If you change the adjustment range on the power supply you also change the feedback loop. That can result in instability.

[@MACYNET323]

I will check impedance of original, then changing gradually with new one, for 12V there is LRS 150 12. Thanks for the tips

[@Neurochrome2010]

You're welcome. Also, if you don't mind the fan noise, the SE-600-series is excellent as well. I used to use a pair of SE-600-36 for testing power amps. I'm hoping that the pair of HP 6654A that I just bought will take their place (and allow for testing higher voltage amps too).