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my one spot went out so I'm looking to upgrade quick. I'm trying to decide between the new linkable Big John, Schizophrenic, and the DC8. I only have 6 pedals and don't really plan on using any more any time soon, but the extra 2 outlets are somewhat appealing just in case.

Anyone know of any pros and cons for each one, or are they all going to be about the same other than the schizophrenic having the 18v option?

I used to have a Cioks Baby, that thing was really good.

I have a few DC10s and they rule, one of the best supplies available but price def reflects that fact. Reliable, quiet, small, tons of available current and flexibility but only truly necessary if you have high draw stuff like Strymon or Eventide to feed.

The DC8 is nice too but keep in mind it only has 6 isolated sections. The DC10 only has 8 isolated sections much like a PP2+, also a great option. I think it's always good to go a little bigger than you need, leave room for future requirements, who knows what you may acquire down the line....

Them Cioks are able to be linked...I'm getting that Schizo soon enough

What is the ,ajor difference between the big john and schizo?

Psyre wrote:What is the ,ajor difference between the big john and schizo?

The Schizo has 6 isolated outs and more voltage flexibility (9V, 12V, or 18V operation) that doesn't require any special flex cables. You would need a current doubler cable to increase mA but the voltage will be selected via dip switch. Good current availability too, 4 of the 6 outs offer 200mA.

The Big John is more limited esp if you have no need for 400mA outs. It has 6 individual outs BUT they're organized into only 4 isolated "sections" meaning you lose isolation when utilizing both outs from a single "section". Usually that's how it works.

Both have the CIOKS Links feature and both offer a courtesy AC outlet. You can always daisy chain pedals too, but again, you'll lose isolation from that out which may or may not be an issue in regard to noise. Alternatively, you could use a split flex cable for low draw stuff, splitting current from one out between two pedals. Not sure if that retains isolation or not honestly. May not even matter to you. Here's the quick specs and pics.


Schizo:



Outs 1 & 2: 9V or 18V DC/100mA each
Outs 3 & 4: 9V DC/200mA each
Outs 5 & 6: 9V or 12V DC/200mA each



Big John- Note the first 4 outputs are organized into 2 separate isolated "sections".



Outs 1 & 2: 9V or 12V DC/100mA each
Outs 3 & 4: 9V or 12V DC/100mA each
Outs 5 & 6: 9V or 12C DC/400mA each

I haven't used a new Big John, but I found the DC series to be somewhat quieter than the old Big John and Schizophrenic. Test was simply crank everything on the Elements and crank the amp and turn the volume off the guitar. The "basic" models were quite good, but the DC stuff is stupidly awesome. It is def the best gear out there for power.

goroth wrote:I haven't used a new Big John, but I found the DC series to be somewhat quieter than the old Big John and Schizophrenic. Test was simply crank everything on the Elements and crank the amp and turn the volume off the guitar. The "basic" models were quite good, but the DC stuff is stupidly awesome. It is def the best gear out there for power.

Yeah, the DC and AC "Professional" line can't be beat imo, incredible supplies in every aspect and I've tried a bunch.

I've never tried the older "Standard" series but noticed they discontinued three previous models and came out with this new "Link" series. The AC Rider is the other one. Not sure if they improved every aspect or just added new Link features and power or voltage options or what....

Is there going to be an audible difference between the schizo and dc8 then?

Under 99.9 percent of all operating conditions, I'd say no. Remember, the comparison was with the older model, and obviously they've updated a fair bit on the new ones, so there is no guarantee the circuit is identical. I used a Big John and a Schizo heaps of times at stage volume with lights and crap and the Elements giving me teh metalz without any problems before I got the DC.

Went ahead with the DC8.