Multi-Outlet with NO Conditioning
Stehno: You keep talking about "good power line conditioners" but failed to explain or even offer any type of valid opinion as to what makes one model better than another in that previously mentioned thread. That's why i didn't bother to go there. On top of that, you keep referring others to the Foundation Research models, but how good can it be when the manufacturer / distributor makes no claims of performance, will tell you nothing about how it works, provides only one spec per unit ( rated current capacity ) and never mentions any type of specifics whatsoever. If you read their product description listed below, i don't think i've ever seen a more vague list of marketing hype without providing one bit of useful info ever. It is as if they try to hit every power line conditioning buzzword without saying anything that they could be held accountable for in terms of actual product performance. They don't even discuss anything whatsoever about the design, build quality or types and levels of noise suppression achieved, just that "it works". As far as leopards go, no, they can't change their spots. Then again, snakes shed their skin, but when they do, it's only because they've become an even larger version of what they were in the past. Sean > "The LC1 and LC2 ac power line conditioners are bi-directional noise filtration systems. They stop a great deal of power line noise from entering audio equipment and also stop the audio equipment from injecting noise back into the power line and hence into other components. This is why an individual filter per audio component is so desirable. Each component receives a largely isolated source of nearly noise free ac power." |
If one has 24 outlets feeding off of a dedicated line that is truly capable of providing 15 amps ( 1800 watt ) from a single duplex outlet, and all of their gear only adds up to 800 - 1200 watts of draw at any given time, where does the current limitation come into play? Obviously, so long as everything is built robust enough to pass that level of sustainable current, there shouldn't be a problem. One would have to judge each installation individually though, as some specific instances might present different variables that require consideration. Other than that, i do agree that isolating components is best if one can do such things. As to what constitutes a "good" power line conditioner / filter, you and i have been down that road before. I won't bother going there as it is not worth doing so all over again. I will only say that manufacturers that provide verifiable specs for their products rank a lot higher in my book than companies that don't tell you anything about their products at all. Then again, when they make no specific claims and provide no specs, it is easy for them to live up to their own hype. Sean > |
Thank you, Miss Manners. I'll keep that in mind. However, Peter_s clearly stated, "Suggestions welcome, please!" And even though he may not have considered receiving suggestions that deviate from his original question (which happens regularly in these forums), the chosen strategy is certainly questionable enough to warrant somebody suggesting his entertaining alternatives. Even if he already had done so. And by all means, correct me if my suggestions are invalid. But I so happen to think that the suggestions I provided will give him far greater safety and sonic enjoyment than any other suggestion posed thus far. Even if other's suggestions more appropriately answered his question. I mean, what if the next guy asks for suggestions for a 12 outlet strip for his single dedicated line? And yes, true balanced power will clean up some of the AC via common mode noise rejection, but as I stated earlier the AC is still dirty coming from the power plant and balanced power will not clean that up. -IMO |
Stehno: I hear what you're saying and agree on most parts. Having said that, it might have been more appropriate to ask Peter if he's taken those factors into consideration before telling him that what he wants to do isn't going to do what you think is best for him. Not everyone has the same goals, desires, disposable income or ability to impliment such changes into their system / listening room / dwelling. Other than that, balanced power DOES remove some of the noise from the AC line coming in from outside. That is, common mode noise is reduced. From what i've seen, this can be somewhere on the order of appr -55 to -65 dB's or so, but that may be a bit optimistic. As far as current drain goes, Peter is probably still in better shape than most folks running off of a shared AC line. Whether the single dedicated line is enough for his entire system would be both system and listening style dependent. If he's using a small SET amp with horns or very efficient speakers, my guess is that a dedicated 20 amp line would be more than enough. Sean > |
I appreciate that, Sean. However, if what you say is the strategy Peter_s has chosen, I think my points/concerns are still valid. I'm all for balanced power and would like to get there myself one day (simply by rewiring everything for 230 volts and continue with my same line conditioners). However, Peter_s still has the following to deal with: o Balanced power still does not clean the dirty AC from the pole. o Bi-directional digital noise continues to be induced into every other component. o His amplifier (almost relardless of current draw) would be choking for power to reproduce any loud, complex, and/or otherwise dynamic passages. Therebye most likely rendering his listening sessions to a rather flat and lifeless presentation. o He still risks overloading the circuit. Other than that, I think it's a great strategy. :) -IMO |
Stehno: It's quite probable that Peter has chosen to run an aftermarket device that won't allow multiple dedicated lines without sacrificing what he feels are the benefits of that device. He does mention balanced power with surge suppression and noise filtering, so i would assume that he's simply trying to share the output of one larger aftermarket AC device amongst the entire system chain. If such is the case, running dedicated lines from this device would achieve nothing that a high grade power strip wouldn't do. That's because all of the internally generated noise would still congregate at the same feedpoint. As such, so long as there isn't any form of current limiting going on, adding additional lines would achieve nothing but higher cost and increased system complexity. Peter: I would second the recommendation of Chris VH at VH Audio. Albert can also make you some type of AC junction box using his Porter Ports. While Chris specifies what he uses in terms of wiring in the construction of his on the VH Audio website, you would probably have to contact Albert to find out the specifics of what he offers. Both of these would be no-frills units in terms of cosmetics, but would get the job done in a very efficient manner. Both of these guys are complete gentleman and you won't find anyone nicer to deal with. I'm quite certain that if you wanted to, either would sell you the necessary parts to build your own power strip built to your own spec's. Most parts could also be picked up at a local hardware store. If you go that route, make certain to use heavy gauge cabling and outlets / plugs that offer solid grip, both on the internal wiring and their mating external connections. Sean > |
My suggestion is to add at least several more dedicated lines to go with those 8 outlets to separate the digital noise (cdp, dac) from analog components, to ensure your amplifier has enough juice, and to keep from overloading the circuit and burning down the house. Put the amp on one dedicated line, all digital on the second dedicated line, and preamp, turntable, etc. on the third dedicated line. -IMO |
