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Best means of isolating digital equipment i.e. DACs, CD transports, wall warts etc.

Is it better to route these digital noise polluters through a conditioner, isolation transformer or both in series?  Is a "digital" power cord sufficient by itself or could it be used with any of the above without negative side effects?  There are a lot of anecdotal observations in many old threads.  Can anyone help clarify based on what they have found?  I'm getting ready to add a dedicated circuit for my audio system and will be reconfiguring power cable connections.
jc4659

Showing 2 responses by williewonka

williewonka
3,072 posts
 
@jc4659 - the best way I have found to isolate components of any kind is to ensure they are NOT plugged into receptacles that are "daisy chained" together in a parallel configuration.

The daisy chained approach is often used in many power strips and power conditioners - so I avoid using them

I have one outlet providing power to my entire system...
  • connected to that outlet is an extension lead with a single dual outlet on the other end
  • into that is connected my amp and a second power distribution box
  • each outlet in the distribution box is linked via it’s own pieces of wire to common neutral and live connection points
  • that, in effect, connects each device directly back to the wall outlet
  • so it is as though each device is plugged into it’s own wall outlet

This seems to eliminate any noise pollution issue in my system.

I also use very good power cables that eliminate cable generated noise, so the background of my system is extremely quiet.

regards - Steve
williewonka
3,072 posts
 
@jc4659 RE:
@williewonka I would think that your power cords are making more of a difference than avoiding the daisy chain since they are all tied together at the wall but I’m not an EE.
I might have agreed with your statement IF I had implemented everything at the same time, but I developed my distribution box long before I got into building power cables. The distribution box proved beneficial immediately using the stock power cables that came with the components.

@cal3713 - I started by building my own cables using Bulk cable from companies like Furutech and DH Labs, but now I build my own cables - see this link
**The HELIX IMAGE Power Cable | My Audio Alchemy (image99.net)

Read what other members think of them here...
https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2085763

If you are not into DIY I would recommend power cables from KLE Innovations or Nordost.

Hope that helps - Steve

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