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Solar Powered Stereo?

During the past six month period I have completely replaced all components of my two channel system. There were two primary reasons. 1st reason, age. My old system was circa 1981-85.
2nd reason, downsize. I used to use separates, I'm now using an integrated. I am also sick and tired of trying to design a room aesthetically, around racks filled with equipment, two massive speakers and a perfectly triangulated listening position.

To each his own.

I am now upgrading and evaluating power conditioning. The last step (I hope). What a pain in the ass. Active, passive, regeneration, filters, toroidals, no toroidals, magic "light sensitive" crystals, Geez.
It seems like a giant battle between myself and the garbage my utility company provides me.

Does anyone out there have experience with solar power usage for their stereos? And I mean a "standalone" system that is isolated from a public utility power grid. A fellow Audiogoner (Davehrab) and I were discussing this concept. I think it makes sense.

I don't know if I may be getting a little feeble in my "mid-years" but, is this feasible? If it were to be a true standalone system and was not tied into the pollution that the electric company is providing you? Most solar systems provide you with straight DC ouput and DC/AC inversion, battery bank, panels, charge controllers, etc.

Any opinions? Comments? Help me out here.


128x128buscis2
buscis2's avatar
buscis2 OP
468 posts
 
TWL, I just took a look at your system. The combination of gear, those wonderful 16' ceilings and the acoustic room treatments must make for an overall sonic performance that must be incredible. I also have a ceiling height of close to 15' and I find it absolutely opens up a musical performance.

I have to admit to a slight bias as I also love the sound of vinyl. For some reason, there really is nothing quite like it.

An additional question; I imagine if you were using digital gear, to avoid digital back feed, you would be capable of providing it with it's own power supply, isolating it from the rest of the system power? Is that correct?
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
If only you were working at NASA, with your expertise and attention to detail, they might not have lost two space shuttles, Twl!
twl
3,251 posts
 
Buscis2, yes it eliminates any digital "backfeed" into the power lines that may interfere with other components. This is made possible by using totally separate battery power supplies for each component.

Fatparrot - Thanks. NASA still has a decent reliability record, though.
buscis2's avatar
buscis2 OP
468 posts
 
Thanks TWL, you've provided us with a tremendous amount of info. And your right, I have not seen too many people responding to this thread either. It's refreshing to see someone thinking outside of the box. Obviously, it is much easier to deal with a problem when it's not there at all. Ed.
kublakhan
718 posts
 

hey twl you're my new hero. seven years off the grid - fantastic accomplishment!! truly outstanding. i wonder how many people can appreciate such a feat let alone achieve it. i love it...even just the thought of it i love.

dennis
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