[stlblue]

OK Guys:

Since Vinnie isn't doing battery-powered SB3's anymore, can anyone tell me if this is a good substitute:

http://www.tekkeon.com/site/downloads/mpALL3300_3400_dtasht_lo-res.pdf
http://www.tekkeon.com/site/products-mypall-specs.php

If not, any suggestions on an easy way to power an SB3 by battery? I'd like to set up a small headphone system I can sit in the back yard w/.

Thanks,

stlblue

[Loftprojection]

Did you ask this question on Slimdevice forum?  I have an RWA modded Squeezebox, your selectable voltage battery is interesting.  I have no idea if it will work with a stock SB but I definitely think it would work with my RWA SB.

[stlblue]

Thanks for your reply. Yep, asked on slimdevices about 5 days ago and not one reply (well over 100 people read it). I asked in the audiophile section, thinking a RWA customer might know. Maybe I should ask in the newbie section? I'm thinking about getting an Apogee mini-dac (battery powerable) and have a nice little "portable" system I can use on the sun porch or patio when reading or whatever. Thanks again. - stlblue

[Paul427]

I tried the Tekkeon battery on my unmodified SB3, and it worked fine.  It has a 5 volt setting, which matches what the SB3 needs.  It also has a number of different tips for the end of the power supply cable, and more than one of these fits the dc input of the SB3.

However, I did not find the sound improved over a standard Elpac power supply.  I then tried Bolder Devices' modded Elpac power supply, and noticed more detail, deeper bass, and an all-round sense of greater "aliveness" to the music.  In my view, much more worth it.

Another problem with the Tekkeon battery is that it needed frequent re-charging.  I'm not sure whether this was because of a constant drain on the battery from the SB3, or because the battery just couldn't hold a charge very long.

[Wayne1]

A SB3 needs 5 volts at close to 1.2 amps on a constant basis.

That battery pack looks like it can supply it. How long it will last at that rate of current drain is different matter.

To get some longer life, you could try to lower the display brightness. The display takes the greatest amount of current.

[stlblue]

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated. 

[Scott F.]

Hey stlblue,

Are you here in town, as in St Louis? If so, you need to come down to the Gateway Audio Society Circle and introduce yourself.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=70.0

We've got a gathering over at Bryan Pape's this weekend if you are free.

[stlblue]

Hi Scott:

Born-n-raised in STL, but moved to OH 3 years ago. Looks like GAS is really developing nicely. I enjoy the pics/updates on all the GAS gatherings. Nice to see the hometown has a good group that enjoys nice tunes.

BTW, I saw your heads-up on Clapton/Crossroads. Might have to sell my (way-overpriced!!!!) Genesis tix and make the trip there.

Take care,

stlblue

[Loftprojection]

Thanks for your reply. Yep, asked on slimdevices about 5 days ago and not one reply (well over 100 people read it). I asked in the audiophile section, thinking a RWA customer might know. Maybe I should ask in the newbie section? I'm thinking about getting an Apogee mini-dac (battery powerable) and have a nice little "portable" system I can use on the sun porch or patio when reading or whatever. Thanks again. - stlblue

Haha funny, that's exactly what I did.  I've got my RWA SB2 with a nice RaySamuelsAudio headphone amp in a little rack I made and cary that around the house!!! Here is a picture of it:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=794&pos=0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=794&pos=1

[stlblue]

You were actually my inspiration, after seeing your pics months ago.  Coincidentally, I have the same cans (W1000's). If my plan works (SB3=transport & Apogee mini-dac/headphone amp), I will use it as the front end of my main rig (604E's and tube amp (TBD)), also. I will be able to carry the cans unit outside/bedside or wherever, and "drop" it into the Altec system when I get the urge. Trying to leverage my audio dollars as much as possible. Crazy idea?

[Loftprojection]

You were actually my inspiration, after seeing your pics months ago.  Coincidentally, I have the same cans (W1000's). If my plan works (SB3=transport & Apogee mini-dac/headphone amp), I will use it as the front end of my main rig (604E's and tube amp (TBD)), also. I will be able to carry the cans unit outside/bedside or wherever, and "drop" it into the Altec system when I get the urge. Trying to leverage my audio dollars as much as possible. Crazy idea?

No not at all.  The RWA SB2 has replaced my CDP in my main system.  So when I listen to my main speaker rig, I just drop the little transportable rack on top of my main system rack, hook up the digital out of the SB into my main system DAC and enjoy the great sound of the SB used as a transport.  Then when I'm in need of some fresh air, I pickup the little rack, run outside with a cold one and relax to the nice sound of the SB feeding the RSA amp and the W1000 cans...    Glad to see I was the inspiration of someone in this world