Power for the Voyager.
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: And the rest
Forum Name: Amplification
Forum Description: Share your interests or views on amplifiers, preamps, etc
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1548
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 4:01am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Power for the Voyager.
Posted By: simask
Subject: Power for the Voyager.
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2012 at 7:09am
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Hi, As everyone knows, the Voyager can be powered via the mains, usb, or battery. I was wondering if each power source supplies an equal amount of current to the Voyager, and if each of the respective currents differ in quality. I know nothing of electronics or circuits etc, but if I try to think about it logically, it makes sense that usb power is going to be affected the most due to updates, realtime virus scanning, internet connection, and a million other things that the computer is constantly doing. I have heard many stories of noisy mains supplies affecting the performance of hi fi equipment. So that leaves battery power. Now I am sure this is not perfect either, but it seems that it is less likely to be affected negatively by "outside" interference than the aformentioned currents. Would anyone care to enlighten me? P.S., Thats one of the things I love about this small, but tightly knit community: it doesn't matter how much ignorance that I spew, nobody ever criticizes or belittles my posts. Actually, this is the only forum I am a member of. Most of the forums I have read through always seem to be full of people attacking each other with disparaging comments and verbal abuse. Very immature. |
Replies:
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2012 at 10:01am
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My understanding is that the Voyager was designed to be mobile and battery powered. The other power sources work well thanks to Graham's design and testing. For home listening battery power will cost you more so it's worth checking you get a benefit.IMO the best way to compare these power sources is listening to music you know well and noting any differences in how it is delivered to your headphones. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2012 at 10:58am
Indeed - you're definitely right about this. I've left a couple of forums after being jumped on by daring to question the received wisdom about the group's favourite kit and daring to suggest there might be other ways to "skin a cat" (so to speak). Sometimes the religious fervour overcomes rational argument! We might praise Graham's kit here but thanks to the loan scheme the bottom line is always "try it for yourself", and if someone says "no, not for me", well that's OK . . . ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
simask wrote:Posted By: discrete badger
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2012 at 8:21pm
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I have not been able to hear a difference mains (supplied wall-wart) vs battery. Both are dead quiet and full of life and punch. On USB/laptop power I can hear the laptop circuit noise way down in the background. For me the difference is academic as the battery lasts so long that it's the only power source I ever need. Mine must be 4 years old now and hasn't skipped a beat. Marvellous amp. |
Posted By: giggsy13
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2012 at 9:01pm
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this is the first forum I have been on in LONG time where I have received a warm reception from people that want to give their advice and dont belittle me for my lack of knowledge (my knowledge is woeful!!)
It is very very refreshing!!!
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Posted By: simask
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2012 at 12:33am
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Hi discrete badger, When do you replace the battery in your Voyager? Do you wait until the battery is completely dead, or do you notice a drop in the Voyager's performance before then: when the battery is GETTING to the end of its life span? Thanks.
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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2012 at 6:49am
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I must admit I'm surprised at how long a good battery lasts in the Voyager. I remember deliberating over the battery for several weeks during development. It has to be failsafe regarding "flashing" the terminals the wrong way round (it won't fit like that but we sometimes get things wrong in a hurry), so it has a diode in series to prevent amp wrong polarity destruction. Normally that would waste around 0.7 volts or more - nearly 10% of the available volts. I use a Schottky diode which only drops about 0.3 volts or 3% of battery voltage.
------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: discrete badger
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2012 at 9:01pm
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I wait until the LED starts to get slightly dim. There's no noticeable performance drop at this stage. If I leave it a few days later a gentle clipping starts to creep in on loud transients. Apart from this, the excellent sound quality remains, and it's possible to carry on listening at a reduced volume. In general the Voyager's low battery performance is exemplary with such ample warning of drain that it's not usually necessary to carry a spare. Mine tends to last 2 months but I did once get 3 out of it. |