Is it possible or am I asking for too much?

Mariusz · « **on:** 3 Jul 2008, 07:14 pm »

My dream would be to get off the grid completely or at least for the key components.
I want to ask you guys, if you have heard or know someone who did it and how it affected the quality of music reproduction.

My second rig is RWA Sig.30 with Dodd battery preamp and in the very near future Wadia iTransporter and Paradisea tube DAC. I would like to .....somehow get the last two to be powered by batteries if possible.

Also, is anyone into digital mods ????? I am referring to Wadia iTransporter as the candidate for overhaul and possible improvements.

_______________________________________ _________________________________

Part two:

I was intrigue by Sony CDP that was modified and battery powered.

Can this modification be apply to any CDP????

And who does it???

I am willing to spend $$$$ on these upgrades but need some feedback and directions to reach the right person.

Can anybody help me with that????

Greatly appreciate your input guys

THANKS

Mariusz

Mariusz · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Jul 2008, 08:27 pm »

I believe , that Reference Audio Mods used all battery powered system at CES this year.
Also , I have heard that Tube Research Lab does some battery conversions. However , I am not sure it they still do it and if Sony is exclusive brand that is their speciality.

I guess Gary from Dodd might have some experience in this department but I doubt that he would be interested .........he is the one man company and I am sure he is busy as it is.

Vinnie of RWA would be great for this job but he is also occupied with Isabella release among other things I am sure.

I would be even interested in DIY project if I knew where to start....but I do not.

Dan Driscoll · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Jul 2008, 08:48 pm »

If you really want to get mostly off the grid...

Link

Mariusz · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Jul 2008, 09:15 pm »

Quote from: Dan Driscoll on 3 Jul 2008, 08:48 pm

If you really want to get mostly off the grid...

Link

That is one way to do it and I tough about it.
It would be a lots of work and could be expensive.
Another concern is the winter season (NY).

I think one of the Agon members did just that. However Solar Power is used to supply his whole house and not only his audio rig.

NY is very generouse to solar conversion home owners with rebates......I would have to do some homework about the costs , pros and cons of this approach.

Could be the answer.........

Thanks Dan

Mariusz

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Jul 2008, 10:08 pm »

You are on the road already. There should not be much of an issue by running battery power on the cheap if, you get a portable CDP which had rechargeable batteries. They should not cost too much since the Ipod killed all those people with portable CDPs. That would be the easier thing to do, but then, if you want a real CDP with battery packs, you might have to spend $$$$. What about a Ipod with lossless files with a dock or something? For vinyl, there are turntables whose PS can be modified easily for battery power.

Mariusz · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Jul 2008, 11:47 pm »

Quote from: Bemopti123 on 3 Jul 2008, 10:08 pm

You are on the road already. There should not be much of an issue by running battery power on the cheap if, you get a portable CDP which had rechargeable batteries. They should not cost too much since the Ipod killed all those people with portable CDPs. That would be the easier thing to do, but then, if you want a real CDP with battery packs, you might have to spend $$$$. What about a Ipod with lossless files with a dock or something? For vinyl, there are turntables whose PS can be modified easily for battery power.

Thanks for the reply

Yes, portable cdp works but that is not what i had in mind.

I am allready getting Wadia iTransporter for my system. It will be paired with Paradisea tube DAC in my second system. (I am also trying to come up with the way to get those two off the grid)

However, my main rig is where I want to try running everything of the batteries except my Consonance Cyber 800 mono blocks and build in amps in my Vandersteen Quatros. I haven't tried RWA Sig.30 with my speakers yet but if I like what I hear.....it is a possibility that I would use it to drive Quatros (maybe even add another RWA to bi-amp if under powered) togethe with Dodd battery preamp.
I have received one email today from very well known place that specialize in mods. According to the tech. it is possible. It would have to be heavily modify and tubes would have to be replaced with transformer coupling.
I am not too happy about that ........but it seems like it is the only way to do it.
I am still searching for alternatives as my tube love affair is very strong.

I was wondering , how difficult would it be to use lets say car batteries .............yea, I know it sounds stupid but would that work or Droplets PS would need major modification still?

Let me know , what are my options.

Thanks

Mariusz

Consonance Droplet is my reference CDP and converting it to run on batteries is what I want to do.

jules · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 12:38 am »

Hi Mariusz,

There's all sorts of different levels you can go "off grid". I'm totally solar electric, using solar panels, a one ton bank of batteries [24V] and a a 24V DC to 240V AC inverter. I can give you more details depending on how far down the path you want to go but as far as performance goes, I think it's superior. The 240V [Australian voltage] is cleaner than a grid supply and it's possible to use the 24V DC supply if required. The panels will last for more than 25 years. The various regulators and controls are utterly reliable and in 20 years of use I've never had a failure.

I'm using a NAD cdp, a burson buffer, a pre-amp with tubes [AKSA GK-1] and a 55W Aksa power amp so it can be done. The question is, how far do you want to go?

One advantage of solar systems is that you can fairly easily expand your capacity without having to start from scratch again if in the first place you buy regulating gear that can cope with greater loads later. Better quality solar regulators also have the advantage that you won't get any hum or other RF interference while charging is happening [an issue that can happen with basic charge regulators].

There are ways to do this relatively cheaply but it does need some research.

jules

there's another off-grid member of AC who uses a fairly simple system ... can't remember his name at the moment but he might be able to help.

SET Man · « **Reply #7 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 12:45 am »

Hey!

This is a very interesting quest you are after here. Definitely would love to hear how you feel about it after you have everything on battery.

As for the CDP. Other option would be using your a laptop computer as a source running off it battery feeding your DAC. Don't know how long will it last depending on computer I guess.

As for the DAC... it will be a challenge to make the Paradise to a battery power one. The DAC chip itself run on 5V I think but the tube section will more difficult but possible with 6V tube. But it is pretty much like designing a new DAC. But there are other NOS DAC that run on Battery I think... I forgot the name.

Anyway, as for myself. I do have one component that run on off battery. My TDA1543 chip DAC kit. Well, since it work on 12DC it was easier to run it off batteries than design and build a PSU for it. Otherwise everything else in my system including my SET amps are running off PS Audio P600.

But the ultimate would be Solar power for the whole house. If I own a house and have money I would definitely go for it even in NY... think of how much you will save just in summer alone.

BTW... I didn't make it to the recent Rave so I didn't get to meet you. Well, maybe next time.

Take care,
Buddy

Loftprojection · « **Reply #8 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 01:16 am »

Totally off the grid but a bit expensive:

Apple Macbook > RWA Isabella > RWA Sig30 > speakers

Less expensive but no remote volume control:

Apple Macbook > Apogee Minidac > RWA Sig30 > speakers

mjosef · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 01:24 am »

If one relies on batteries that are recharged "on the grid" are they really completely/totally off the grid?

Now that Jules chap...that's what I would really think of as "off the grid".

topround · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 01:54 am »

I bought the Super Pro Dac for my son, it is capable of running off batteries, though I haven't tried it yet.
Super cheap too.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 02:03 am »

Hi Mariusz,

I am totally off the grid (even with my turntable motor and phonostage!).

Quote

Vinnie of RWA would be great for this job but he is also occupied with Isabella release among other things I am sure.

Excuses, excuses!

I can make the time so call me or email me if you want to chat about options... off-the-grid is what Red Wine Audio is all about
and I have lots of ideas on this topic. This is what I love!

I'm only working half day tomorrow morning (4th of July), but will be in and out over the weekend
and back to full work days on Monday through Friday. We can always find time to chat over
phone after business hours... email me: vinnie@redwineaudio.com

And we need to do something about your Signature 30... at least a partial upgrade!
The 30.2 sounds a lot better!

Cheers!

Vinnie

DSK · « **Reply #12 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 02:41 am »

I pondered the 'all batteries' concept briefly some time back as I figured that if (some) AC conditioners improve sonics then going all battery MUST be the ultimate. However, I read various instances where enthusiasts had compared two of the same component (both modded, one running off battery and the other off a well designed AC PS) and the AC unit sounded better. Possibly the actual mods (aside from PS) were a little different and this may have contributed to the overall difference, but I figured that if better non-PS mods were sufficient to overcome a possible improvement of battery PS over AC PS, then I'd prefer to go the route of better mods, stay on AC, and not have to worry about the potential operational inconveniences of batteries.

As always YMMV and it probably isn't very scientific to take a fully AC or DC stance based on just a few samples but I didn't have the opportunity to do such comparisons for myself. I figured that even if the enthusiasts who felt the AC units sounded better were wrong, then the difference must be minimal and wouldn't justify (to me) an all out DC assault.

Now, if you DO go down the 'all DC' path and it is HUGELY better than the same system on AC, please do NOT tell me about it!!!

Mariusz · « **Reply #13 on:** 5 Jul 2008, 12:11 am »

OK, where do I start ?

SETMan, I hope to make it to July Rave. Then we can meet in person. I am still unsure if that date is open or there is something else scheduled for that date.
Yes, it is my intention to go off the grid as I believe it can possibly lower the noise floor and eliminate the usual problems associated with noisy lines.
Going solar is a very good idea.........however my wife would kill me if she found out that its only purpose is to power the audio/video system.
And I wished that I lived in Australia where it would be a no brainer for the obvious reasons. Thanks Jules.

The Loftprojection system suggestion is also very tempting. I have committed allready to Dodd battery preamp and knowing the price difference between the two , Isabella would have to be substantially better, in order for me to take the lost and get almost twice as expensive Isabella. What differentiate Vinnie's creation from everything else out there is its build-in DAC and optional head amp. I must admit......he is one clever man...........that always sets the bar higher then everybody else.
I will.......one day ......try to audition Isabella, but it worries me that I might like it too much.....and then what? Until that day I have to work with what I have and make the most of it.
My system is at this point where I really am not hungry for more or different. It is the small improvements and fine tuning that I am interested in. I do not want to change the sound dramatically .........System is fine, and I really enjoy it. I just want to squeeze the most out of the components that I own.
For instance:
I had my Cybers 800 monos modified by Bob Backert. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
I am going to have John Rutan of AC calibrate and fine tune my Quatro speakers.
And if I feel there is possibility to elevate their performance even farther, I have one more option up my sleeve as the finale resort .
Dodd.....well I would not dare to modify it but who knows.
RWA........well Vinnie, you will eventually have to do that upgrade for me, I just do not know when. My main rig is the one I want to finish and close the books on- first.
Then , I will most definitely be in touch about some options.......not only Sig.30 upgrade.......I like your stuff and your philosophies Vinnie and the house sound.

About the Consonance Droplet........please do not tease me Vinnie.
I will drop you an email later tonight, so you will have whole weekend and then some to come up with some solution(s).
I would love to keep the tubes as the other guys think it is not possible.....but I am open for all suggestins......especially from you Vinnie.
Thanks for finding time to answer my questions and possibly squeeze the battery CDP project between your busy schedule.

Thanks

Topround , yep I also know one DAC that runs on battery (thanks to one of AC members) but it is only partial solution and it is something that might work in my second rig with Wadia and Ipod. Then I could use the Paradisea with my Sonos system in my main rig.

Thanks for the effort,
appreciate it.

DSK,
No problem, i will keep my mouth shut.
It probably does nothing to the sound - so sleep tight.

Mariusz

Gordy · « **Reply #14 on:** 5 Jul 2008, 03:59 am »

Here's an interesting company new to me that offers a battery CDP and universal player... http://www.holfi.com/default.aspx?m=products&id=444f7851-e9ba-45f9-8e7b-9a554430cb62

TONEPUB · « **Reply #15 on:** 5 Jul 2008, 04:06 am »

Modding the Wadia is pointless, because it offers a bit-perfect digital
data stream. There's nothing to mod, except taking it off the grid.

Mariusz · « **Reply #16 on:** 5 Jul 2008, 04:58 am »

Quote from: Gordy on 5 Jul 2008, 03:59 am

Here's an interesting company new to me that offers a battery CDP and universal player... http://www.holfi.com/default.aspx?m=products&id=444f7851-e9ba-45f9-8e7b-9a554430cb62

That is one cute player but still is not completely off the grid and who knows how it sounds ......I know how Droplet sounds and would like to keep it.

Quote from: TONEPUB on 5 Jul 2008, 04:06 am

Modding the Wadia is pointless, because it offers a bit-perfect digital
data stream. There's nothing to mod, except taking it off the grid.

Well maybe but how to get it off the grid???? That should not be that difficult.... I mean , yes for me but not you guys.

So think of some way to make it run on batteries and let as all know how.

Thanks everyone

Mariusz

JLM · « **Reply #17 on:** 5 Jul 2008, 10:06 am »

As long as you're asking...

Wish Vinnie or the BYOB guys would develop a single battery based "power center" so that all their stuff could be connected to a single/large battery for guys that want to be 100% OTG.

Wouldn't that keep it simple (and cheaper)?

Or would that create its own mini grid?

Mariusz · « **Reply #18 on:** 5 Jul 2008, 05:54 pm »

Quote from: JLM on 5 Jul 2008, 10:06 am

As long as you're asking...

Wish Vinnie or the BYOB guys would develop a single battery based "power center" so that all their stuff could be connected to a single/large battery for guys that want to be 100% OTG.

Wouldn't that keep it simple (and cheaper)?

Or would that create its own mini grid?

It would be great but it is easier said then done.
I am personally all for it but it would have to be design with specific components in mind and it could prove impossible to work with lets say power hungry amps, powered speakers or speakers like mine , with powered subs. Then there is the issue with noise interference between all components connected to the same power hub. I am not sure of the complication but if it is possible, it surely won't be cheap to build or easy to do. Others with more knowledge can probably explain cons and pros of this approach in details. I think one British reviewer did just that ........run all his gear on batteries but I can not find this article. It was not cheap or easy as I remmember.

Cheers

Mariusz

Mariusz · « **Reply #19 on:** 5 Jul 2008, 06:06 pm »

One more thing. If you go all RWA, amp(s) , pre/dac _ you are almost there.
Using laptop is one option but if stand alone CDP or multiformat player is what you want .......well , you are in the same spot where I am right now.
I am not really interested to have my amps or spks to be OTG but all of the front end to provide the lowest possible noise floor and filth reduction that gets on my nerves.
Does it work? From my experience with Vinnie's amp and Dodd preamp......YES.
That is the reason behind my search to find the way to do the same to my CDP , DAC and whatever is left that can benefit from going OTG.

Cheers