2. amps-preamps
  3. 186364-105315

Not sure for power conditioner my amp or not.

Hi, I have an VTA ST-120 I built using KT88C’s for my 2 channel. I have all my equipment running through a Torus Power TOT MAX Toroidal Isolation. I have heard 2 different versions on what to do. As far as what to plug my amp into. The wall or the TOT’s? I know this isn’t a "power conditioner" such as PS Audio sells. Should I keep everything plugged into the TOT, so all my grounds are the same and it has the optional surge protection? Or straight into the wall? I tried the wall once, but didn’t hear a difference really. But I didn’t test for long and not sure I ever got to the point of drawing too much power from the amp. Which is the best way to leave it? Thanks! Scott

VTA ST-120

smoorenc

Showing 2 responses by emergingsoul

emergingsoul
1,242 posts
 

I had a problem plugging my amplifiers into a Power conditioner where the amplifiers were not getting enough power to turn on properly. I apparently overcrowded the conditioner with lots of audio equipment. When I connected an amplifier direct to a dedicated outlet the problem went away, it was a 1000 W amplifier

I would prefer to connect amplifiers direct to the wall but surge protection is a big problem and when you have very expensive amplifiers you don’t want to risk them. I probably need to get a dedicated power conditioner, of quality, for the amplifiers to protect them.

I have a surge protector Circuit in my panel box and this is something but not sure it can be depended on to protect an expensive amplifier.

Losing tens of thousands of dollars due to a surge incident is definitely something to consider. So a second power conditioner dedicated to a couple mono amplifiers seems very prudent.

emergingsoul
1,242 posts
 

@facten

This two outlet surge protector looks pretty simple and may be a really good thing. I take heart to it being in your systems given all the stuff you’re into. Sound degradation being of concern. It’s only a couple hundred bucks and available via Amazon. How could anyone go wrong. If this works out what a peace of mind you created.

Personally as I think about it more and more people who plug expensive amplifiers directly into an outlet are not really that smart myself included. I knew someone just a couple months ago who had a very expensive 300 W tube amplifier and it got hit. That’s scary crap. It only has to happen once.

 

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