Hi, I am new here.
I use a gel battery to feed my ADI DAC-2 instead of battery packs. It works perfectly, so just pure current, no additonal electronic parts. Now much more interesting question for you. I use a normal laptop (W11) as transport via USB to my DAC. At some point I started to experiment to use a second gel battery and a step-down transformer to creat 5V for feeding the USB connection (needed for the “handshake” between the DAC and the laptop). With the battery power on I feel much cleaner highs without losing the weight of bass, I hear less or no distortion when listening to e.g a solo clarinet. I know people tend to belive they hear a difference when experimenting. I tried it several times during the week and I always prefered to listen to the music with the second battery used. Has anybody here had the same experience or tried it before? You may say  that from technical point of view it makes no sense but I more interested if someone has already tried it and heard any difference. Thanks.