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Battery-Powered Audio System Buzzing?

I’ve seen many people proclaim the merits of powering one’s audio system with a battery, rather than from the wall AC power. I purchased an Anker SOLIX BP1000 battery as a household backup in case of power outages. I figured why not give it a shot on the audio system.

Well, it powers the system just fine, however, there is a buzzing that comes through the speakers when using the battery as the power source. When plugged directly into the wall (or rather through a Zero Surge unit), there is no buzz. It is silent as can be. 

Does anyone have any ideas as to why the buzz might be happening when powered by the battery? Any insights would be much appreciated! For reference, I am running a Macbook -> Schiit Yggdrasil OG ->Don Sachs preamp -> Schiit Tyr monoblocks -> Tekton Encore towers.

 

sid-hoff-frenchman

Showing 1 response by richardbrand

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richardbrand
526 posts
 

@goldenways

Strictly, the OP is not using batteries to directly feed his equipment.  He is using an inverter to convert the battery DC to mains-like AC.  Almost certainly the inverter will contain a switched mode power supply, especially as it is a "pure sine-wave" inverter.

I have a set up like this in my motorhome.  Interestingly the 2000-Watt sine-wave inverter I use will synchronize to mains frequency within a couple of cycles if mains is connected.

My lithium batteries are nominally 12-Volt but the actual voltage ranges anywhere from 14.7 if the sun is shining on my solar panels to about 11 just before the batteries shut themselves down.  I hate to think how many switched mode power supplies are used inside my components to deliver the various voltages actually needed!

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