I own a iRiver ChromeX IMP-150 portable CD Player. In my car, I use a Philips PH62051 adapter kit which includes a CD to cassette adapter and a 12V DC to player power adapter (and both work fine).

At home however, every brand of 120V AC to player power adapter I have tried (including Philips) has not worked (the iRiver logo comes on briefly in the little window and then the player shuts off). I have read somewhere that only the iRiver AC power adapter will work with my player. But I would sure like to know why generic AC adapters, supplying the player's required 4.5V DC and "positive" tip polarity will not work. I am stumped !

This could possibly be a "marketing" campaign, and the actual AC adapter plug could be special. This is indicated, because you have indicated that you are using the "exact" required voltage, I would suggest checking the input plug, there is something special that is required, that the "generic" is not doing. I had this problem once with an MP3 player (Sonic Blue), and it would only work with their adapter, which was around 30.00 USD, and I could get a generic for around 10.00....

(in reply to hoosier)

mogulMP3: Your rapid response is much appreciated.

The plug on the Philips power adapter (12V DC to 4.5V DC) and the plug on the generic adapter (120V AC to 4.5V DC) appear to be the same by micrometer measurement.

If it's a marketing ploy (which I believe is probable), isn't it strange that the Philips car adapter works, but the Philips AC adapter doesn't?

(in reply to hoosier)

Are you certain that the "generic" ac adapter is working? This is also a possiblity...

(in reply to hoosier)

Yes, "generic" AC adapter works on several other devices I own. I have questioned "support" at iRiver (no reply yet). The iRiver web site no longer offers their brand of AC adapter for my player.

Off the subject: I'm new here, I allow cookies, I ask that password be saved, but when I log-in I need to enter username and password and when I want to post in the forum I have to enter username and password again. That's not how it should be is it?

(in reply to hoosier)

I think you have your permissions set too high in Internet Explorer, try selecting "always" allow cookies and sessions.

(in reply to hoosier)

I ended up buying the iRiver AC adapter from iRiver.com. The unit I received looks cheaper than the generic adapter I am using on other devices (including cassette recorders) and doesn't even have the iRiver name or logo threreon, but it does work!

I'm still puzzled as to why the generic adapter, supplying the required voltage, amps, polarity and seemingly identical plug dimensions, will not work.

(in reply to hoosier)

Hoosier,

There is probably some type of connector (inside the jack) that you cannot see, that makes contact... how small it may be that makes this work.... It's a shame they would produce something like this, and make you purchase from them..... But this is what they are in business for! [:I]

(in reply to hoosier)

Sad, but probably true mogul. It's funny though that Philips car power adapter (12v dc to 4.5v dc) works, but Philips AC adapter does not work. But logic doesn't always figure into things does it ?

(in reply to hoosier)