Grado RA-1 and batteries
Jan 9, 2003 at 12:43 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 9

TL5

New Head-Fier
Joined
Jan 9, 2003
Posts
15
Likes
0
Hi - first post here.

I have a Grado RA-1 amp I use with my Senn. HD600's. When the batteries start wearing down, the sound distorts. Is this the same as clipping an amp? I know if you overdrive an amp into clipping you can damage your speakers, is the situation the same as when my batteries in the RA-1 start to die? I don't want to damage my headphones.

By the way, does anyone else here use the Grado RA-1/Senn. HD600 combo?

Thanks for any replies!
 
Jan 9, 2003 at 1:11 AM Post #2 of 9
Oh yeah! Lots of folks use this combo with happy results.

I doubt you are risking your headphones as the battery runs down.
You may consider using 9.6v Plainview NiMH rechargables from here http://www.mahapowerex.com/.

Rechargable NiMH cells keep voltage more constant as the battery drains, maintaining performance longer than NiCads or Alkalines.
biggrin.gif
 
Jan 18, 2003 at 5:31 PM Post #4 of 9
Jan 18, 2003 at 7:38 PM Post #5 of 9
Quote:

Originally posted by Sovkiller
or you can try those....
http://www.mahapowerex.com/tysonic-9...-batteries.htm

9.4v / 200mAh



Although the Tysonic may be able to put out more than its rated voltage, it is only rated at 8.4 volts (seven 1.2 v cells). The Plainview uses eight 1.2 v cells to reach 9.6 v. The Tysonic's higher amp rating indicates it will hold a charge longer. However, the Plainview can deliver more current, and is my battery of choice for the RA-1 and HPA-1 amps.
 
Jan 18, 2003 at 8:00 PM Post #6 of 9
Hirsch has talked!!! The voice of the experience, so please ignore my reco....
mad.gif
mad.gif
mad.gif
 
Jan 18, 2003 at 8:38 PM Post #7 of 9
Thanks to everyone for the responses - I ordered and received the Plainview batteries & chargers. To those who have used them: how long should I charge them for (no instructions provided), and how long will they hold a charge for if they are not used?

Thanks,

Patrick
 
Jan 18, 2003 at 10:43 PM Post #8 of 9
Quote:

Originally posted by TL5
Thanks to everyone for the responses - I ordered and received the Plainview batteries & chargers. To those who have used them: how long should I charge them for (no instructions provided), and how long will they hold a charge for if they are not used?


Charging time for the Plainviews is about 8.5 hours (from completely discharged) in the dedicated charger. A couple of hours longer won't hurt anything, but too long might overcharge and damage the batteries. In theory, the batteries should be safe up to 24 hours, but I wouldn't want to push anywhere near close to that. Note that performance should improve over the first three or four charge cycles.

NiMH batteries lose about 1-3% of their charge daily when not in use. I'd definitely do a charge if they've been sitting for a few weeks.
 
Jan 18, 2003 at 10:45 PM Post #9 of 9
Quote:

Originally posted by Sovkiller
Hirsch has talked!!!


Well, yes. Judging by my post count, the tricky part is to shut me up
evil_smiley.gif
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top