Consensus on power supplies - best bang for buck?

[The Lurker]

I've dredged through a lot of threads on power supplies lately-- I run several One-Spots and have gotten tired of the issues associated with them.

So, for less than about $160, what's the best bang-for-the buck power supply on the market?

How essential is it to have isolated circuits for each pedal? I've seen a number of differing opinions on this issue, ranging from it only being necessary for vintage effects to it being important for digital gear.

If you want to run more than 8-10 pedals, do you daisy-chain pedals that won't be on at the same time or get a second power supply?

I'd rather avoid mutton-dressed-as-lamb stuff that may not last or perform as desired-- are the Joyo, Donner, InnoGear, etc (all on Amazon for about the same price) as similar as they look?

 

[untilshewokeme]

BBE Supa Chager (used)

Depends

Yes

 

[ShowKing]

Used to use onespot with 2 daisy chains.

Now I use Voodoo Labs PP2 and never look back!
I know its kinda pricey but once you have it, it makes life better.

Tidy, simple, no noise, it just works.

 

[bongomania]

Isolated Power Supply Versus Daisy Chain

Doesn't answer your specific bang/buck question but does explain whether isolated outputs matter.

 

[ProfFrink]

MXR ISO Brick

Depends

Both depending on convenience and need to isolate

Yes, and they're not really isolated either AFAICT

 

[sanfi4u]

T-rex Fuel Tank Chameleon is a very good and versatile PSU. It features classic linear design, five isolated 9/12/18V DC outputs and additional 12V AC output. I use it for a few years. Quite happy with my choice.
Currently discounted at Prymaxe.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Mr. voodoobass]

I have the trex chameleon and it solved all my previous issues regarding powering.
I still daisychain from one of the outputs to my dirt-pedals and octave, as those really don't have any issues regarding isolated power.
The only problem with the chameleon, is if you have pedals that needs over 300mA.

 

[Testing123]

The Cioks DC5 has 5 isolated outputs:

1. 9/12
   DC
   300
2. 9/12
   DC
   300
3. 9/18
   DC
   100
4. 9/12
   DC
   100
5. 9/12
   DC
   100

Total output current = 900mA.

It’s small enough to fit under a Pedaltrain Nano, Nano+, Mini or Metro 16/20/24 board without having to alter/mod the board*.
It uses a high efficiency toroidal transformer and is very quiet.
I’ve had zero issues with my DC5 and can hear no hums, buzzes or high-pitched whines even when going through a very good sound system using headphones.

At the time of this writing it's listed on Amazon for $159.00USD.

* To fasten the DC5 to the underside of a pedalboard, Cioks advises securing the DC5 to the board with screws and provides screw mounting holes on the reverse side of the unit. This means you will need to drill 2 small holes into the rails of your board. Alternately, you can use either high quality hook and loop material, such as 3M Dual Lock, or zip ties to hold the DC5 underneath your board.

 

[Turock]

Guitar Center has new ones cheaper than Prymaxe's demo.

T-rex Fuel Tank Chameleon is a very good and versatile PSU. It features classic linear design, five isolated 9/12/18V DC outputs and additional 12V AC output. I use it for a few years. Quite happy with my choice.
Currently discounted at Prymaxe.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Deadsound]

Mxr ISO brick and truetone cs7

 

[Sgt. Rock]

Truetone 1Spot Pro. I just put a CS12 on my board and couldn't be happier. It's just above your price point, but I think the CS7 might be right in your range. The twelve has all isolated outputs (standard), two of which are 12v, one voltage sag 4v-9v, and a 12v AC as well. Plus it takes a standard 3 prong power cable. Check it out.

 

[scubaduba]

Cioks flat out rocks! I've done the T-Rex stuff, Dunlop and Onespot. Cioks is head and shoulders above.

 

[Sgt. Rock]

Cioks flat out rocks! I've done the T-Rex stuff, Dunlop and Onespot. Cioks is head and shoulders above.

1Spot Pro, or the daisy chain?

 

[scubaduba]

Both

 

[Sgt. Rock]

What do you like better about the Cioks?

 

[scubaduba]

Form factor most importantly. Build quality is exceptional.

 

[Testing123]

Build quality is exceptional.

As is the toroidal transformer.

I know I've referenced the following video before, but if you haven't seen it, you might find it interesting.

 

[Bassmike62]

Eversince I switched to the MXR IsoBrick and MXR pancake patch cables, my rig is absolutely quiet.
So I'm now a believer of isolated powersources.

 

[JimmyM]

I am totally loving my MXR Iso Brick. Super light and has a buttload of power available.

 

[FretNoMore]

MXR Iso Brick

Individual power if necessary, typically for some vintage pedals and for (power hungry) digital effects that don't play nice on a daisy chain.

Nothing wrong with daisy chaining if the total power draw is low enough and if there is no noise problem. I have one pedalboard with 15 boxes powered by one 1Spot with no issue, and another where some pedals get power from a common output. The proof is in the result; if it works without noise then it is right. I suggest adding more isolated outputs only if you really need to, having one output per pedal can be a big waste of money for no real gain.

Many of the Joyo lookalikes are the same product, just rebranded, and as said above, not fully isolated.