You didn't mention how far along you are with a lab build. In any event I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of the rush to power supplies while the rest of the lab is lacking more important tools. So I can't even suggest a multi supply power supply if your lab is lacking other tools.
Yeah, I do need to round it out with some other equipment as well, that's the main reason I want to stay under $450 with a PS. I have thought about going with a single PS and adding more as time goes on, which is probably the smartest way, but at some point I would probably want three channels anyway and bench space will be more of a premium than money.
An Arduino can run off a plug pack.
As for repair, how often does somebody make use of a power supply to repair audio equipment? I'm just not convinced that a power supply will be put to use all that often for audio repair work.
As for "old electronics" that really depends upon what you are repairing, even here though how often do you need a triple output supply?
Yeah, I do have a lot of power packs currently in use for various projects, but would like a bench supply for new circuits. I plan to get more heavily involved in the hobby as my interest has grown. I only mentioned the audio work as indicating I would prefer a linear supply, as otherwise I figured I would get a lot of switching type supply responses so I just addressed that from the beginning. I also would like to build my own audio power amp(s) one day, as well as a few other ideas I have, so wanted to be prepared for that time.
If you need to stretch the budget then don't, especially for a power supply. I just don't see a power supply as being worth it.
Well its not so much as can't afford as don't want to. After some research it is apparent that this hobby, much like my other ones, can quickly go from hobby level to serious $. I am just trying to set a realistic budget for myself up front so I don't convince myself I need that $1,000 PS and such. Like most people I want the best bang for my buck, but I don't want to go so cheap as to regret it later and then end up spending more money anyway. So by all means I am looking for the best honest opinions, if people truly think starting out with a single PS is the best route I surely will consider it.
My suggestion would be to focus on single output supplies which can be had for far less. One supply is likely enough to get your started. This especially if the Arduino is operating off a plug pack or other fixed voltage supply.
There are other advantages to single output supplies. For one as you build out your bench you can have redundancy. That is you don't loose all of your power sources as you would if a multi-output unit goes down. Single output units are often smaller and likewise you can save space by only having the number on the bench you need.
In any event the number of power supplies you might need is really a function of what you are doing at the bench. I'm just not convinced there is a pressing need, for a bench focused on audio equipment repair, in most cases. It is a whole different game if you are getting into the development of audio equipment where you may need many different supplies. You may need a supply on a repair bench but I wouldn't spend a lot of money on it. Further that supply you buy might not be the right one when you need it, buy a 30 volt supply when your repair problem demands a 72 volt supply and you will be frustrated.
Again, I appreciate your honest opinion. Got me thinking seriously about going with a single PS to start. Any good ones to consider? I hear a lot about the Korad KA3005P, is that a good place to start or something else?
Its probably best served in its own thread, but I will need to add to the lab at some point. I do have a background in electronics (Allee Hall, if anyone gets the reference), but that has been some years ago and I have been doing Network Engineering work since, so not a lot of electronic hands on. The last few years with the Pi and Arduino projects I have really begun to get into it again and would like to start to build my own circuits to integrate even more ideas.
Anyway, long story short, I thought I would re-educate myself as I built up the lab, by building simple circuits as I read books and follow along videos. My thoughts were to start off with a decent PS and a Scope. I have some lesser gear and tools already, couple DVM's, soldering stations, etc. but no bench type equipment.