Using battery power to go off the City's power grid


I'm using a Bluetti AC200MAX 2,200 watt expandable power station to take my system off the city's power grid.  It runs off a lithium ion phosphate battery with a 4,800 watt pure sine wave inverter. My total system only takes about 450 watts so I have never heard the fan kick on - it is totally silent. The music comes from a completely black background, with a huge soundstage that sounds very natural. I know that Ric Schultz has talked about these types of setups and there is a very expensive Stromtank battery system that is marketed to audiophiles. Anyone else tried this type of setup in their audio system?

Here is a link to a review:

 

128x128sbayne

Showing 3 responses by veroguy

I have the Bluetti AC300 with two B300 batteries.  For my system, I'll echo what others have said here:  a noticeable step up in sonic quality, most notably a blacker background.

I connected the Bluetti stack to 6 of my home circuits using a transfer switch (30amp connection from AC300 to transfer switch).  The transfer switch is wired to 6 individual 20 amp circuits in my main panel.  

I have one of those GreenWave EMI mains noise analyzers. A few measurements:

  • grid AC:  350mV  (in the winter it's around 225).   
  • 120v outlet on AC300 - fan off:  "--" 
  • 120v outlet on AC300 - fan on:  "--"
  • wall outlet that powers my system (powered by Bluetti):  "--"

I'm guessing that "--" on the noise analyzer means less than 1.  This Greenwave tool makes noise when you plug them in, and while measuring Bluetti power it's almost inaudible.

 I realize these cheap "noise" tools only measure a certain spectrum, but there is something measurably different with the Bluetti.  Subjectively, I hear a difference - especially now in the summertime.

I can run the stereo for about 4 hours before the fan comes on, but even with it on, I hear no difference in sound.  The bluetti is in the garage near the panel, so I don't hear the fan itself while in my house.

FWIW, I use Puritan PSM156 power conditioner as well.  I live in Florida, so power outages are common.  I'm really happy with the multi use of this house battery backup solution.  I'm putting a few solar panels on the roof this weekend.

@sbayne  - My system doesn't use much power.  Just checked using the kill-a-watt monitor, and at 75db, my system uses about 90 watts.  I only have 3 components: amp, dac, streamer.

The two b300 batteries provide 6000kWh of power.  I can run the stereo for a couple days off it.  Recharging it via 120v will take 3-4 hours.  But, I'm putting a few solar panels on the roof, which will charge it daily.  I guess that will be a listening test as well - with the batteries being charged, does the sound change?

That 90 watts is without the internet router running off the Bluetti.  Which reminds me - I need to do a listening test with the router on the Bluetti as well.  But, I use both the Gigafoil and Network Acoustics ENO for filtering, so maybe I won't notice. much with that change.

I see you use the new MUON filter.  I'm going to try it.

I'll add that not only does the bluetti provide a darker background, it also increases the realism of the sound.  More organic and natural, with more presence - which is what I strive for in my system.  My DAC has those characteristics, and running off the Bluetti bumps that up a bit.

 

Great post, @ricevs - many great points there, and you reminded me of a few more things I've been wanting to try.

Regarding what you called a "zippy" sound:

I'll add to that a pronounced sound of "air" and other micro details.  It is impressive, and even seductive, that a system can reproduce and present that "plankton" (for lack of a better word) in a recording - and good systems can do this without it sounding harsh or fatiguing.  It's very cool, and my system has done that.  But in my opinion, it is not natural if you compare to hearing a live performance. 

On my own journey, with each successful change to lower noise in my system - that "zip" and air and pronounced plankton is not as noticeable.  It's there, but not a main player anymore - just supporting the artists and instruments.  

My experience has been that lowering/removing noise has increased realism which creates more frequent emotional responses to the music - for me.  Natural, organic realism is what I respond to most.  And being able to have that emotional response on demand is my goal.  

Happy listening to all.