[Szat]

What external power supply should be used with portables, are ordinary switch-mode wall warts enough? Any better than those (except the linear type ones with a transformer) would be considerably higher price. Is it overkill to go for any better than these for a portable amp?

I am looking for a supply for my Headsix and found this:
SF-41 Low-noise Linear Power Supplies for Antenna Accessories, and not sure if it would sound as good as using it with the battery.

 

[Szat]

Anyone has experience using portables with different types of DC supply?

 

[jamato8]

I use the Tekeon battery power supply. When I have serious listening I just unplug it and run from the battery and I do hear a difference as in a bigger soundstage and better dynamics when on battery vs using the Tekeon plugged in as it is then giving me power from the AC to DC converter. It is a great way to go but not cheap. I use two batteries in parallel but you can do fine with one and it is adjustable from 5 to 19 volts.

 

[JamesL]

You should use linear psu's or wallwarts to avoid high-frequency noise. Elpac wallwarts are supposed to have pretty good specs as far as wallwarts go.

 

[Elladan]

I bought a Radioshack wall wart for use with my Headsix. It's the kind with the cord terminating in a socket to which you attach an appropriate plug (also from RS). I have found that it introduces a fluttery sound into my music, almost like a fast, fuzzy drumbeat: thudthudthudthud. Needless to say, it's useless to me.

 

[DPRJ]

I'm using PM85-44 Li-Ion external battery for Headsix and Portaphile V2^2 Max.
It has 11V nominal output (max 12.4V @ full charged) and also has 8V & 5V output (selectable).
I feel more transparency in both head amps rather using 9V battery.

 

[Szat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamato8 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I use the Tekeon battery power supply. When I have serious listening I just unplug it and run from the battery and I do hear a difference as in a bigger soundstage and better dynamics when on battery vs using the Tekeon plugged in as it is then giving me power from the AC to DC converter. It is a great way to go but not cheap. I use two batteries in parallel but you can do fine with one and it is adjustable from 5 to 19 volts.

Looks like I'll be better of with a good rechargeable for now. From what I've heard here batteries beat cheap power supplies on SQ.
I would have thought that an external power supply would at least give better dynamics, since batteries have some impedance, but that's not the first thing I thought wrong...

 

[OutdoorXplorer]

my xp-7 is all time with it dedicated power supply. sounds great.

 

[nsx_23]

I need to pick up a rechargeable battery for my XXS.

Would something like this be ok: DealExtreme: $17.97 GP 9V Battery Charger and Rechargeable 9V Battery Set

 

[Zorander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsx_23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I need to pick up a rechargeable battery for my XXS. Would something like this be ok: DealExtreme: $17.97 GP 9V Battery Charger and Rechargeable 9V Battery Set

Just purchase a couple of Energizer/Duracell 9V cells at the supermarket. My experience with these cells with my Move has been very positive. On an average daily usage of 30-60 minutes (high current mode), each of these cells lasts around 3 months and a little longer.

 

[nsx_23]

Are they rechargeable though?

 

[Zorander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsx_23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are they rechargeable though?

I never said they are re-chargeable though, depending on your usage volume, they may work out just as well. In my case, at a replacement rate of one every 3 months, I couldn't care any less.

Cheers!