The Power2 dB is a 12-volt, automotive-type dry cell battery that seems to be aimed directly at the SPL market. It’s a little larger than the average car battery, measuring about 13 x 6.6 x 7.7 inches and weighing in at a hefty 57.5 lbs. The battery thankfully features retractable handles made of rope and plastic.
When a battery comes in for evaluation, we perform two discharge tests. The first is performed with a large variable load; the fully charged battery is connected to the load, which is manually increased until the battery voltage drops to 10.5 volts. During this test, both the battery’s voltage and the current being dissipated into the load are plotted with the Audio Precision System (AP). The results of this test are shown in the chart marked Current vs. Voltage.
In the second test, the fully charged battery is presented with a constant 350-watt load until its voltage drops to 10.5 volts. The AP again plots the voltage and the results are shown in the chart marked Discharge to 10.5 volts. In both tests, we stop at 10.5 volts because this is both the lower operating range of most car audio equipment and about as low as you can take a battery and expect it to come back.
In the 350-watt discharge test, the Power2 dB lasted for about 75 minutes, or about 1.25 hours, before reaching 10.5 volts. Based on the battery’s weight, this gives it a rating of 457 watt-minutes per pound or 7.6 watt-hours per pound. In our most recent battery round up, this ranks about middle of the pack both in power per pound and absolute time regardless of weight.
In the Current vs. Voltage test, the Power2 dB produced 547 amps at 10.5 volts. Based on weight, this gives it a rating of 9.5 amps per pound. This is again about middle of the pack when compared to our last batch of batteries. However, if you ditch the weight consideration, the Power2 dB takes a definitive lead, producing nearly 100 amps more than the strongest 12-volt battery that we’ve tested to date.
In the world of SPL contesting, ultimate power is king, physical size and weight would be lucky to even get consideration. Check this battery out or your competition will. If I pulled into the SPL lane with a bunch of the winners from our last evaluation and the other guy came in with an equal number of Power2 dB’s, I’d feel a little edgy. Just because the other guy has more available power doesn’t automatically mean he’s going to win, but it’s an awfully fine place to start.
