Does the quality of a 9V battery affect an amp's Sound/Performance?

[JohnerH]

That's the question really, since the prices of 9V batteries vary (from very high to very low, at least in the UK), it's a good question to pose I guess...

What are your thoughts/opinions?

J

 

[rocdoc]

Giving a bump to your thread, since I am very interested in the answer... I guess there can be a difference, depending on that mAh rating. I noticed a difference on the batteries I use in my flash, with more power coming out of the better ones. In addition there is the life issue, but that's not your question.
Anyone with knowledge of this, I am curious to hear your thoughts too.

 

[terrymx]

It can make a big improvement in sound quality from my experience with the particular Grado RA-1, cmoy and Go-Vibe I've tried. It was one of the few case where the difference was very clear and big. The two batteries I was comparing at that time was a 8.4v and the Plainview 9.6v. I think it was a special case for me since the 8.4v was probably not so good and causes a very sharp sound. The 9.6v have a better impact and less sharp.

You want something with good current output, a 9v+ with 200mah or more, but they tend to last shorter but give a better boost for the amp. The 8.4v 150mah last longer, but doesn't seem to sound as good. Unless I am using the amp portably, at home I use my regulated wall adaptor with a 9v adaptor clip.

 

[JohnerH]

How can you tell how much mah a battery has?


And I though a 9v battery had 9v's... not 8.4v...

J

 

[TSi]

i would think that IF power affects it (like from an output socket, clean or dirty power), why wouldnt battery?

 

[JohnerH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSi /img/forum/go_quote.gif i would think that IF power affects it (like from an output socket, clean or dirty power), why wouldnt battery?

Didn't understand that

On another note, how would quality be effected on rechargeable batteries?
Coz 9v aren't particularly cheap, and I was wondering if I bough a recharger if it would be worth it sound wise...

Assuming I could find a 9v rechargeable thing...

 

[terrymx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnerH /img/forum/go_quote.gif How can you tell how much mah a battery has? And I though a 9v battery had 9v's... not 8.4v... J

I just assume that you are going to buy NiMH rechargable batteries, which use those odd voltages. The battery is composed of 7 cells, each cell 1.2v, making 8.4v total. NiMH might sound better than alkaline on the long run since it could hold a more constant voltage, where as alkaline can get very week and sound bad near the end of it's battery life. Also it's more environment friendly to use rechargables.

Since the voltages difference here is very small, 9.6 - 8.4v, it really depends on the current, resulting in a higher wattage output (P=I*V).

I am not an advocate of high end power supply cords and often skeptical, but there are some headphone amp builder brand goes as far as only use battery for their product because they believe it's cleaner than from the wall.

 

[iancraig10]

I would imagine that differences between 9v or 8.4v would be insignificant.

However, I tried my Go-Vibe V6 with 24v power supply tonight and I think that there is a slight difference. (Going into Senn HD650)

I don't know whether the placebo was working, but I felt that the bass region was slightly more solid sounding when plugged in. Especially on attack.

I need to get someone else to put the lead in and out for me while listening just to see whether I can notice the difference I'm describing, but I'm pretty sure that it's there.

So pushing more power into it makes a difference.

Ian

 

[JohnerH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrymx /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just assume that you are going to buy NiMH rechargable batteries, which use those odd voltages. Since those 9v aren't cheap and NiMH might sound better than alkaline on the long run since it could hold a more constant voltage, where as alkaline can get very week and sound bad near the end of it's battery life. Also it's more environment friendly to use rechargables.

So in essence your saying that getting rechargeable batteries not only would I save on my pocket (and the environment) but it would potentially be better sounding? Is that right?


And I would be inclined to agree with Ian, I can see getting more power in to the amp would improve things somewhat, but having said that, I'm using a Go-Vibe V6M with Seinn's CX-300...Not a HD650...

Btw... do you know where I can get a power supply to plug to the mains with the above mentioned amp?

J

 

[iancraig10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnerH /img/forum/go_quote.gif Btw... do you know where I can get a power supply to plug to the mains with the above mentioned amp? J

I use an ATPS 2324 desktop power supply. Set to 24v and it makes the Go-Vibe very lively!!!

It comes with different adapters to put on the end and one of them is perfect for the Go-Vibe.

Btw - I only used the Senn 650 to try and put the amp under stress on a battery but the Go-Vibe is a tough little booger. I quite like it with the Senns on the mains adapter actually.

Ian

 

[terrymx]

I just re-editted my previous post, please re-read it. Also notice I mention it was my own experience, I don't want to end up disappointing anyone using different equipments, these 9.6v are $10+.

I actaully use a general RatShack regulated variable powersupply with switchable connectors. I bought different connectors and exchanges them. There are better options out there, most people seem to go for the ones with most ampage output, just make sure it is regulated.

 

[toxicsweet]

My experience doesn't cover all brands of batteries, but it covers all types of 9V batteries. There is a huge difference in sound, IME. The best sounding 9V batteries are the NiCd accumulators, thats for sure. They have best power output(lowest R), so its like having a more powerful amp to drive the headphones. NiMH are weaker for that matter, though still not that bad. Alkaline and regular, on the other hand, don't cut it for audio. They simply don't sound right - grainy sound, higher distortion, less impactful bass. Not recommended. NiCd batteries have shortcomings, too - they have much lower capacity(mAh) than NiMH. Anyway, 9V batteries have high impedance compared to the 1.2V rechargeables - practically the 9V batteries are several(usually 7) 1.2V elements in series, so they have the sum of the elements' resistance. So I don't recommend to be used a single 9V battery in an amp. 2x9V NiCd is plausible. Don't forget, you don't really need 9V batteries for low-impedance cans. You may put 4x1.2V NiCd rechargeables instead(in series). That will provide around the same resistance as 2x9V NiCd, while capacity will be doubled, at least.

 

[iancraig10]

I agree Terrymx. The rechargeables are constant for longer and suddenly drop out at the end whereas alkalines can sound a bit naff at the end of their life for quite some time before completely copping out.

I have some higher voltage rechargeables but they are slightly bigger than a standard 9v alkaline so they are a bit too tight for some portable amps.

However, I try to stay with 24v coming form the wall.

Ian

 

[Pars]

The rechargeables have a lower impedance than an alkaline battery which makes them behave much closer to an ideal PSU. Check Op-Amp Power Supply Quality Considerations for other considerations, but yes, using rechargeables can make an amp sound better.

 

[JohnerH]

Another thing to add to the shopping cart:

Rechargeable battery & power unit...

J