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Dodd preamp battery plays 40 minutes

I have a Dodd battery operated preamp. It sounds very good, but the batteries (four square units well seated in their alloted places) do not play more than about 40 minutes. At that time, the preamp starts beeping to be recharged. It recharges, but then again will not play through a whole CD. Any suggestions?

The Dodd has a switch on the front to select between two sets of batteries, but I understand that this is a holdover from an earlier design and that in fact the preamp automatically uses all the batteries before it asks for a recharge. Changing the switch position to the other set of batteries does not change things. The preamp is plugged in via its adaptor, and is supposed to disconnect the wall power when it is turned on, and then to reconnect to wall power for recharging when turned off. I realize the batteries may be faulty, but it's a new preamp and it seems unlikely. Any guidance is appreciated.
audiomole
redwineaudio
32 posts
 
Hi Cruz123,

This would only be true if the battery was a "wet cell" or "flooded lead acid" type (i.e., most automotive batteries). If you pick up the battery and shake it and can hear liquid sloshing around inside, they you have such a battery.

However, SLA batteries do not fall into this category, as they are AGM (absorbent glass mat) or "gel cell," and they are also valve-regulated , so they do not need to be stored or charged in the upright position. Any position is fine and it makes no difference.

Hope this helps,

Vinnie Rossi
Red Wine Audio
redwineaudio
32 posts
 
Hi Pubul57,

Exactly - and this is what we designed it for :-)

- Vinnie
glory's avatar
glory
1,373 posts
 
Can the Dodd use the SLA battery?

I better ask Gary first LOL.
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