Years ago, this was the big question for myself, as well. When I asked the experts what to do, some said plug my amp directly into the wall socket, and some said plug it into a power conditioner. So, I experimented. I spent a considerable amount of time comparing the sound quality of my amps (some SS, and some tube) plugged directly into the wall socket, and then plugged into a power conditioner. In the end, I found that my amps always sounded better plugged into a power conditioner. But, ultimately, it all depended upon what conditioner I used. This was critical when all was said and done. Not all power conditioners are created equal. Long story short, I found that the Audioquest Niagara line of conditioners (I opted for the Niagara 3000 ) were superb for amps (any amp). My amp's sound quality plugged into the Audioquest Niagara 3000 was much improved, providing much cleaner, non-power restricted, power. I'll always plug any amp I'll ever own now, and in the future into some type of power conditioning.
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
