I used Straker's and then Brian Austin's on quite a few occasions and never noticed it to be finicky. With the 64's>psp2>ad1000, it nevered needed anything more than the lowest gain and sensitivity settings. I always used a 6v sla and never had an issue with power dropping out. Its a pretty universal connector for power as I also used it power a vms5u, MMe, and the psp2. Never had an issued with it not locking. Paul @ Prodig sold it to me fore like $12.
Pulled my all-time favorite (incomplete) tape (mule 10/31/02-post panic) with the above mentioned rig. Unfortunately, the damn ad1000 conked out towards the end of the set.
I really like the unit. Great size, sound, and convenience