Extra power or cleaner power?


I'm putting a system together and am thinking through some of the factors which might contribute to the overall sound quality. I realize that testing things out as I go is the best way, so I'm asking this question not to get advice about what to do next but to understand how folks understand and weigh these factors.

Let's start with a predicted factor -- the speakers. From the speaker description:

Anticipated speakers: Salk SS 6M
Response +/- 3db — 35Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity — 90 db
Impedance — 8 ohms
Amplification — 50 watts (or 30wpc, tube amp)
Alignment — Front slot port
Dimensions — 9 W x 20 H x 14 D

Some (atma-sphere, decooney) have suggested on this forum that even a 60 wpc tube would be great for these speakers. So, here's my question —

Assume that I could get a very good 40 wpc tube amp to drive these speakers to sufficient listening levels (85 db at about 10 feet), for my kind of music (jazz, classical), and peaks in my (400 sq ft) listening space.

With these assumptions, the question becomes one of priorities. I could either spend additional dollars to (a) buy a more powerful amp or (b) spend that money on a power regenerator. Also assume that if I do *not* buy a regenerator, I'd still do *something* to improve the power (some kind of improvement but much less expense).

The question is: with those assumptions, what do you think would add more to the sound quality? More power or cleaner power?

Perhaps this is an impossible theoretical question to answer. If so, I'd like to know that, too!

Thanks!
128x128hilde45

Showing 3 responses by lalitk

Clean power over more watts for sure...I would start with a good power distribution strip like Nordost QB8. And then systematically add rest of the power correction components from their QRT line. That’s the beauty of Nordost modular approach.

And please stay away from PS Power regenerator for the reasons Al outlined in his post. The top 5 companies that currently offers SOTA power correction / conditioning in no particular order are -

Audience, Shunyata Research, Synergistic Research, Nordost, IsoTek.

Good luck in your audio journey!
Thanks @tvad. 

Your web link didn’t work. Great recommendation on ep-2050.

I also recommend reaching out to VH Audio, the owner Chris VenHaus is amazing to deal with, I have done several DIY project with him. 
https://www.vhaudio.com/acpowerconditioning.html
@hilde45,

If you’re going to go through the trouble of running dedicated power line, I suggest you run two dedicated lines. One for Analog and the other one for digital. Once you do, install high quality passive power distributor (strips) for each line. As far as surge protection goes, install protection at breaker box, all the sub-par power strips with surge protection are worthless. This is one area, one shouldn’t go cheap or cut corners.

Hospital grade receptacles are recommended over $2 Home Depot receptacles. I personally recommend Furutech as they not only sound incredible, they will never ruin the blade coating of your AC plugs.

And please stay away from regenerators, IME they suck the life out of your music.