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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.


buscis2
buscis2's avatar
buscis2 OP
468 posts
 
Thanks again TWL. Now when can you do the install? Connecticut can be lovely this time of year....

I think the methods you've used are by far, the most logical.
I feel like I'm trying to compensate for something that shouldn't be there in the first place. But, that's my "perfect world" method of thinking. Not very logical.

My experience to date with power conditioning is not extremely extensive, but what I am finding is that I am using a "band aid" in one form or another. It also seems that depending on the type of conditioning I ultimately decide to use, I will have to also decide on the sound, presentation, etc. Another tone control.

It must be nice to not have to filter what isn't there.
kublakhan
718 posts
 


Really excellent thread!

TWL, are the batteries you're using rechargeable? from the grid, that is, not from solar.

I checked out your system and it's obviously unique. can you describe the sound advantages you think you've achieved with this setup?

under the assumption that cleaner power means better sound my ultimate question would be where do you think the tipping point is? in other words, if you were to create a $10,000 system off the grid how much more would you think you'd have to pay to create a system on the grid that would sound as good?

do you have other solar aspirations besides your system?

congratulations on thinking for yourself and coming up with your own unique solutions.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Kublakhan, yes the batteries can be recharged automatically from a grid source, or generator, or solar, or other alternative sources such as wind, or hydro. I have spec'd out some grid-charged systems for some people already.

The sonic improvements are nice. They are what would be expected when removing the "nasties" from a power source, and removing the interactions where the power supply from one component is modulating the power supply to another component. It's clean, and solid.

The comparison question is hard for me to say. It depends greatly on the components chosen. My system is around $10k, and I think it sounds as good or better than many systems costing far more. Also, I'm sure there are some systems powered by the grid that would sound better in some aspects than my system. I don't claim the ultimate system. But it is quite nice, within its design parameters.

Regarding other solar projects besides my system, my whole house is solar powered. Also I have spec'd and installed hundreds of alternative energy systems, using solar, wind, hydro, and combinations of those. Also various generator systems. I worked for a time in an alternative energy company owned by a friend of mine. I've been off the grid for over 7 years now.

Thank you for your kind words.
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!
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