I think you might want to evaluate a used Equitech 2Q as a start. I found it very valuable and other coditioners complement it as it's designed to virtually eliminate common mode noise(exceptionally well matched balanced lines). Most others address differential mode and can be added later. |
I agree with Rja. The Oyaide R1 outlet bested the PS Audio (had a bright characteristic to it) and the Furutech (not as dynamic) in my system. |
Thanks Metralla, will do the test.
Is it wrong to run the amp into the switched outlet port of the pre-amp? I thought that's why it was built that way ( Audio Research) so it would power-up with the pre?
You suggest that all the components should have a seperate power outlet but using a decent grade extension cord is OK. No power strips at all even if they're good quality?
BTW, I don't use my CD player much, mostly play lossless(flac, shn, etc) digital files off my PC and external hard drive via a Music Bridge- no sound card. Music Bridge is connected to my pre-amp with decent grade IC's.
Thanks again. |
Easy test. It will take 10 minutes.
Unplug the preamp from that Belkin power strip and plug preamp and power amp into separate outlets - don't plug the power amp into the switched socket on the preamp. Unplug the power strip from the unswitched socket and plug your CD player into a 3rd outlet - use an extension cord if you can't reach.
Report back. I would be super surprised if you don't notice a decent improvement.
Regards, |
One last thing. While debating which power conditioner to use I've also read where some prefer plugging their amps directly into the dedicated outlet- no surge protection or anything. They feel with the dedicated line there is no need for power conditioning. Without the surge protection is that wise?
If one just used a surge protection strip only, any recommendations?
I normally plug my amp into the switched port in my pre so the amp kicks on with the pre. The pre plugs into a surge protector strip like a Belkin. I have also plugged a power strip into the pre's unswitched outlet for the cd and the subwoofer AC adaptor feeding it's integrated amp.
I have been using decent quality Belkin power strips between the wall outlet and the pre and other gear. Never ran any comparisons so don't know what effect they may have on sound quality |
Yes Overhang, you nailed it.
Any one of above AC outlets will be better
then Home Depot stuff. Quality of audio outlets might be questionable, but these are still way better then your regular wall outlets. So...lets agree that dedicated line, audio ac outlets and ac-cond. will benefit any system.
Cheers. |
Mrjstark,no hard feelings :)
This hobby is frustrating as it is.You're right,if you upgrading from stock Home Depot outlet,even the besr ones they sell (Levitton $9=74)PS Audio outlet is an upgrade. |
Hi,
I can attest that addding dedicated power lines is one of those best tweaks to do for your system. We are moved into our new house and I added 5 dedicated lines, all with 3 strand 2.5MM thick cables in dedicated pipes in the walls. At the end, I am using HMS gold-rhodium power outlets and in the fuse box, I have a mix of silver or copper 500VA/16Amp AHP fuses with AHP Gold III fuse block for each fuse. The basement circuit is totally isolated from the top floor with the use of a electric splitter (I not sure what it is called) and I have noticed that any other appliances that are run, either sauna, fridge, lights, washer, dryer, have no impact at all in the listening room.
I also used the SST stuff on the advice of Rushton and have used it with great reults. I used only a sparing amount on my mono amp power cords only for experimental purposes and it seemed to add some sparkle to the system, this was almost 1 1/2 years ago. I will try to redo some of the connections in the new room to see what will change, right now with the new room and lines, the system is more alive and dynamic then ever before, so I will proceed slowly before doing some of these other fine tuning tweaks. Good luck,
Audioquest4life |
Overhang, I don't judge your finding and I DON'T buy on mag. recommendations. I am NOT saying there aren't any other options. There are others but I simply don't have any experience with them (by exp. I mean that I never had a chance to evaluate it in my system). I could recommend - Furutech or Wattgate 381 or 381Ag but those are a expensive alternatives and I think Jamesk58 is looking for the best bang for his $$$. I can also add Signal cable - MagicStrip (about $100) 4-outlet Power Extension with Marinco hospital grade AC plug or Hubbell 4-Plex High Quality 20A Outlet Box. But he still needs good quality outlet(s).
If I post a recommendation or opinion, it is strictly from my own experience. If you want, you can check my posts about tweaks and such. You will find out that I am not a big fan or a user. But these did bring some improvements. There were big enough for me to notice it. I also got them from M-Direct. With money back guarantee, I could have return them easily but I did not.
I own Vandersteen Quatros. Stereophile wrote great review about these spks. In general, I agree (90%) with Michael Fremer, July, 2006 review but if for any reason, after a year or two he changed his mine about Quatros - it would definitely NOT affect my own judgment.
P.S
I got 4 PS Outlets, 2 Furutech and 1 Wattgate 381.
PS outlets - show special, NY HE SHOW 2002 - I am not selling. Sorry. |
My vote goes to the Oyaide R1s. I have tried many outlets and these are IMO the way to go! |
Mrjstark,i still have one somewhere in the house and would gladly sell it to you.I bought it at the CES from Music Direct dealers (they had a last day of the show special)for $35.I bought it just to try out after reading Art Dudley's review several years ago.I burned it in the video system first and after several months installed in the audio system.It sounded OK (lightweight and splashy)and i can see where it can bring certain improvements to a dark system.But i uninstalled it after i noticed that my power cords were not gripped tightly enough by it.Only later i read Art Dudley's follow-up regarding poor build quality.
After that article Stereophile pulled the plug on reccomending these outlets untill the problem is fixed. |
In my own experience, replacing the Power Ports on a PS Audio P300 with Furutechs* made for a significant sonic improvement, although the main reason I did this was that I'm using Furutech AC and IEC connectors on most of my power cords. Dave
* Not a drop-in replacement but not all that difficult either. |
Overhang, have you seen one up close and personal.
I doubt it. Have you heard one and its effect - also doubt it. So let me ask you this. Is this your personal experience or just something you read somewhere.
PS outlets were the most recommended budget component/accessory of the year for a few years straight - and yes it was in Stereophile mag.
My reply might be a little strong but when considering your pointless and baseless disapproval I think it is more then adequate.
I speak from my experience how about you????? |
Mrjstark, I certainly do understand and appreciate your reaction. A good caution. For the careful and prudent user, it presents an opportunity to make material improvements in the sound of one's system. Just be careful.
. |
Rushton, I hope You understand my reaction.
In the wrong hands it can do more harm then good.
I am not saying it is bad, I am just concerned about safety.
For someone unfamiliar with this product might be better to leave it along. At least for now. |
Thanks, Mrjstark. I agree one should be very careful and follow the directions in applicaton: less is always the correct amount to apply, more is not better. I have for years used SST on every connection in my system, including tube pins and power cord connections, and my electrician has applied it in making the electrical service panel connections. Lloyd Walker uses SST the same way in his system, as do many of my audio friends. Nevertheless, this is clearly a "Use at your own risk" application and good of you to raise caution when going beyond interconnects and speaker cables.
. |
Rushtone, I know you want to give a good advice and I do agree with you in 99% but PLEASE BE VERY CAREFULL with Walker Audio SST on anything to do with power and tubes. I know a guy that almost burn his house down (first amps then carpet.....and almost a tradagey. Use it strictly on cables. If you want to use it on power plugs / outlets / tubes or sockets make sure you get it in writing from Walker. |
Thanks Rushton. All good advice. |
Thanks Mariusz and Paladin. It looks like multi-lines is the way to go and I'll check out the PS Outlets. Wouldn't think Home Depot would have something more than average quality but I'll look next time I'm in. There's also a MarVac electronic supply store nearby. I'll see what they may have, too.
Thanks again.
Jim |
Stay away from PS Audio outlets.Get Furutechs or Shunyata.Stereophile stopped reccomending them because of a poor build quality. |
To add yet another voice to this...
I'd follow Mrjstark's recommendation to run 2-3 separate 20 amp lines, not just one.
Use 10ga or 12ga romex type cable (your distance is short enough not to worry with 10ga, so the 12ga would probably be fine; don't use 14ga). (If you use an armored cable or metal conduit for some reason, prepare for some additional steps...)
Run each line as a separate home run of cable from the circuit panel to the outlet, no intermediate boxes, connections or splices. Connect to only a single outlet at the end of run of cable, don't gang two receptacles at the end of a line.
Order some "PorterPort" outlets from Albert Porter here on Audiogon. They are the most cost effective outlet alternative that will give excellent sonic results.
Connect all of your lines on the same phase of your incoming power at the service panel if you have the available slots to do so.
Keep your amp and preamp on circuit(s) separate from your digital gear.
If you use a contact enhancer for other connections in your system (such as Walker Audio SST), ask your electrician to use it on the electrical power connections for your audio system, too.
Good luck. Hope you enjoy your new room! |
Thanks Mariusz and Paladin. It looks like multi-lines is the way to go and I'll check out the PS Outlets. Wouldn't think Home Depot would have something more than average quality but I'll look next time I'm in. There's also a MarVac electronic supply store nearby. I'll see what they may have, too.
Thanks again.
Jim |
Use 2 dedicated lines (30 amp) for each system - 1 for amps & 1 for digital.
Wouldn't hurt to do the same for your H/T setup.
You can also bridge each dedicated line with 2 or more outlets depending on the power of the amps. |
Use a PS outlets - about $60( these are really good. I am not a big fan of tweaks but this one works.)
The thickest yellow jacket ( the one with the 'bee' on the box - sorry forgot the name - it is in extensions section ) cable in Home Depot. Check city codes first.
I would also run at least 2-3 separate lines.
It is much easier to do it now (and cheaper) plus you can plug your digital to one and analog to the other. Video also on separate circuit.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers and good luck with your new room.
Mariusz. |
