You can break it down to the basics. Current & voltage coming from any outlet will contain some form of noise, some more than others due to what is plugged into that same line circuit. What and the only thing that could affect the sound quality from audio equipment is AC noise introduced on the line. The rest is a current supply issue. Eliminate the AC noise component and you have clean audio. Most all floor / wall outlets are 20 amp circuits. Lighting is 15 amp circuit which it should be. But I have seen where lighting circuits are tied into the wall outlets which is a big NO-NO. Power conditioners/isolators like Monster Power etc. are a very good idea. And a dedicated 20 AMP circuit as mention in another post for your power amplifier is also a very good idea. Ground loops are death to audio systems, and are sometimes difficult to track down. I have seen special duplexes for audio equipment sold for 500.00 plus. What a joke! save your money, a beefy 20 AMP duplex for 1.15 will convey the current and voltage to your piece of gear just as well as the touted special outlet, for ungodly amounts of money. One other thing all homes have 14-2 gage wire for lighting circuits and 12-2 gage wire for all outlet circuits. Or they better be to be in compliance with local code.
Can too many components on one outlet affect the sound of an amp?
I am running a few amps, a receiver, tv and a few more components on the same outlet. I am using a power conditioner. My main issue is - I recently noticed that when I'm only running my McIntosh MC275, a pre-amp and a cd player, I seem to be getting better bass compared to having more components on. Is it just my imagination? Or is it possible? Everything is running on a 15 amp circuit.