[chet]

Really appreciate any suggestions. Was hoping for more when I hooked up my TA 10 to some PSB Alphas.

Considering whether a 12 volt power supply or a Pre would be more of a benefit.

1 friend recommended a Xantrex Power pack 300 that can be bought at Costco but I'm wondering if there may be more cost effective solutions?Thanks.

[DaveC113]

an old car battery, even if its not enough for a car, it'll still be fine for the trends... an Optima red top is probably best for low esr and longevity. Add a few ~2000 uF electrolytics and a film cap bypassing them and you'll have a huge upgrade over the stock smps.

Dave

[chet]

Thanks Dave.
 I'll try to find something that will work within the recording studio envirement and doesn't cost more than the TA 10 itself.

re: "Add a few ~2000 uF electrolytics and a film cap bypassing them and you'll have a huge upgrade over the stock smps."
 
I'm not set up to do that, not being a tech. But I'll try to look into it.
Thanks again.
c

[DaveC113]

A smaller SLA battery than the Optima will work fine, you just need to recharge it more often. I go a couple weeks before I recharge the Optima. With a small SLA, you will want to recharge it every time you use it for maximum longevity.

For the caps, just buy a few with axial leads, twist the leads together, and put them across the battery terminals. Beware of polarity, although it doesn't matter with film caps electrolytics might explode. Also, be sure to use a fuse, I just got a fuse holder for $3 at the auto parts store. The battery without caps is ok, but the caps will give you extended frequency response, both low and high, and better transient response too.

I also tried an upgraded SMPS, the battery is better.

dave 

[bambadoo]

This is excactly what I have in mind..

[jaspal kallar]

for a non  DIYer (like me then perhaps this

http://www.audio-magus.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BPS1

  jaspal

[jkelly]

When I had my Trends I preferred the sound of the amp much better
with a HQ power cord attached to the stock switching supply then
feeding the amp from a 12 v battery.

FWIW,

Jeff

[DaveC113]

My backup SMPS died so I picked up a reconditioned, linear regulated, 12V, 4A power supply made by  Power One for $15. I haven't played with it too much yet, but so far I can't tell the difference between this and my Optima/cap bank supply so far... Its pretty similar to this one:

http://www.powersupplydepot.com/productview.asp?product=6608+PS

jkelly, batteries really need caps in this application, otherwise the frequency response and dynamics aren't as good.

Dave

[jkelly]

That must be the missing ingredient.  I'll try that next time.

Jeff

[chet]

A bit of topic but as far as speakers...I just got some B&W DM 570 speakers to try out in my studio, anyone have any insights/info on these?
They may be ok w/ the Trends, in so far as a sensitivity of 91db)

I'm thinking of getting a xantrex powerpak 300 (or similar) to power the Trends.
Thanks.

[chet]

I got a vector 12 volt power supply at pep boys to day for $39.00. 
As well as a 75 watt dc to ac power inverter at radio shack to provide a way to plug the trends into it.
Hopefully this should do it ?