2. amps-preamps
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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 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,464 posts
 

I have tried many power conditioners in several homes in different geographical locations over about 40 years compared to the wall. The wall has always sounded better for amplifiers. I even tried a high end power conditioner made for amps… also worse.

The best quality sound with few exceptions is to have the amp(s) connected directly to an outlet with a dedicated line and the other components through a power conditioner powered from another dedicated line. There are rare exceptions where the power conditioner to the none amp does not improve the sound. This is rare and thought to be the result of living in an area / house with exceptionally clean power.

 

Typically the difference is pretty easy to hear.

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