Show Us Your Batteries, iMP-550/900 Users! Post or Croak!

[Scrypt]

Like many a bargain-crazed foont on the Head-fi forums, I recently snagged a 550 for $35 from the iRiver e-Store outlet. The idea of receiving a versatile PCDP and remote for the price of the remote alone seemed too true to be good, but my fingers began typing while I observed them, and I soon found they'd made a purchase (the skinny pink bastiches).

Sadly, too true to be good's the inverted motto that describes my 550 experience.

My aptly-named SlimX arrived in less than a week. It was accompanied by a curious rattling sound instead of a power cord. (The loose element seems to be the laser.) My purchase order included a discounted 550/900 power cord, but iRiver sent the wrong one (an SW10-S050-10, input 100-240v 350mA 60/60Hz, output 5V-2A; perhaps it would fit one of my H140s).

A phone call to Cali connected me to a terminally low-key customer service gent. When I mentioned I'd received the wrong cord, he muttered, "They've been doing that a lot." He said he'd arrange for me to be sent the right cord "at some point." "Will it be shipped in the next few days?" I asked. "Whenever we get one," he said cryptically. (In the background, I detected the sound of passing tumbleweeds.)

Which leads me to the question of batteries: iRiver's current close-out deal involves the iMP-500 not shipping with any. When asked what kind of batts the 550 took, my laconic customer service foont replied, "I dunno. Alls I know is, it does take batteries."

Since the close-out doesn't include a manual either, I did a cursory google search and found this pdf. Strangely, the manual does not list the model number for the batteries either, nor does it show a detailed picture that might reveal a model number or even a brand name for the needed pair o' Reddy Kilowatt cohones.

I tried using my Sony D-EJ2000's pre-charged Ni-MH batteries (NH-14WM(A)s) in the 550, but these did not work. All of which means I haven't even been able to test whether or not my 550 actually functions.

A few cursory searches of this forum yielded roughly four threads about batteries. Sadly, none listed usable batteries by name.

Perhaps the time is right for this ultra-new and bracingly imbecilic idea:

Would misticaudio's base of distinguished iMP users (fade to the sound of a hundred infants gurgling) be willing to post actual model numbers in this humble thread? What do you say, veteran iMP imps? Which specific kinds of batteries work well with the 550/900? Could you be so spiffy as to look inside your beloved 550s' battery compartments and post whatever you see? This doddering wheelchair sociopath would be so indebted to you for the effort that he might be willing to bump off one of your most detested slow-moving relatives free of charge!

[bizarre001]

These batteries should work.

[U10]

I have one of the closeout IMP-550's.

The Sony NH-14WM(A) work perfectly. In fact, I used one each from the Sony MZ-RH10 Minidisc and the D-NE10 CD player to power the 550 up. Using the Sony AC-E45A AC adapter has resulted in successful play and successful multiple recharges.

The Sennheiser PX-100 headphones work wonderfully with the the 550 and fit the recessed headphone jack perfectly -- it's as if these headphones were made for the 550.

[Scrypt]

U10:

Originally Posted by U10

I have one of the closeout IMP-550's.

The Sony NH-14WM(A) work perfectly. In fact, I used one each from the Sony MZ-RH10 Minidisc and the D-NE10 CD player to power the 550 up. Using the Sony AC-E45A AC adapter has resulted in successful play and successful multiple recharges.

Posh news for everyone else, but rather bracing news for me, Ewe-10. That probably means my SlimX arrived DISR (dead in shrink wrap).

And thanks for the information about the Sony AC-E45A. I'll have a leer to determine whether any of my Sony portables use this. I'd like to be able to at least test the SlimX with AC before lobbing it back.

The Sennheiser PX-100 headphones work wonderfully with the the 550 and fit the recessed headphone jack perfectly -- it's as if these headphones were made for the 550.

I hadn't pondered recessed jack thinkarounds, bur I'll take my information where I can get it. Thanks for that. (Have you used the SlimX with your U-10s and an amp? If so, what's the experience like and which amp do you prefer?)

bizarre001:

These batteries should work.

Have you tested the batteries, bizarre001? Should or do?

[iRiverHarry]

My batteries say : iRiver 1450 mAh IR14M
They also send you a cookie !

I need some specifics regarding battries too, since mine have died as well.*sniff*
what are these flat batteries known as ?
Will any brand will do ?
Is 1450 mAh the max juice available ?

Cheers!

[adam917]

Originally Posted by iRiverHarry

My batteries say : iRiver 1450 mAh IR14M
They also send you a cookie !

I need some specifics regarding battries too, since mine have died as well.*sniff*
what are these flat batteries known as ?
Will any brand will do ?
Is 1450 mAh the max juice available ?

Cheers!

Those batteries are made by GP, and the maximum capacity of those is only 1450 mAh. Fortunately, the Sony (which are the most widely available batteries of this size) ones mentioned above work fine.

[iRiverHarry]

Thanks brother !