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

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Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,949 posts
 

If I lived in a location with lightening I would probably install someting like this on the power to my equipment.

 

The problem around here is you don't always know when lightning will happen in advance, and certainly don't' know a transformer just got hit by a car.  I mean, sure, when  a big storm rolls around I turn my conditioners off and sometimes even the breaker, but lots of times lightning has come out of nowhere at 3 AM around here. 

One of the stupid surge damages I used to suffer from was WIND storms taking out my DirecTV.  Apparently the excess wind would deposit excess electrons on the antenna surface and ZAP!  Out goes my satellite receiver.  Good to have high quality coax protection as well.

erik_squires
15,949 posts
 

My house power is very good until it's not. 🤣

I live in the South where we are prone to severe lightning storms, though not quite as bad as Florida.  There is no way I run my gear without a top notch surge protector in line with it.  I also use a whole house surge protector as well. 

Plus, my experience having been in electrically noisy apartments is that my gear sounds better with a good conditioner than without it.

You can read more about my thoughts here:

 

https://pqltd.blogspot.com/2023/10/time-for-new-surge-suppression.html

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