2. amps-preamps
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Power conditioner for amps

I recently picked up an Adcom ACE-515 (power conditioner with timed switching for pre/source and amp products) from a fellow Audiogon member, and while it seems to work fine, I have noticed that it tends to get quite hot and will trip the circuit breaker if I run my system fairly loud for any period of time (which I do like to do on occasion). For the record, the amps that I am running through this are two GFA-555II's (bridged mono) and a GFA-2535 (which is really two GFA-535's in one chassis).

My concern is that I am running too many amps through the ACE-515. So, I called my dealer about possibly upgrading to a larger unit. But his advice was that I should be running my amps straight out of the wall outlet, and not through any type of conditioner. He said that the ACE-515 was great to use on source and preamp gear, but that it would limit the current getting to my amps and that they would sound better with nothing between them and the wall outlet. I asked him what about spikes, surges, etc. His reply was that amps are not as susceptible to damage from such things, and that I shouldn't worry about it.

What are y'alls thoughts on this topic? Should I just plug my amps straight into the outlet, or should I get a larger power conditioner? I do like the staggered power on, power off that the ACE-515 provides.

Tom.
tombowlus

Showing 5 responses by slipknot1

slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
Dedicated 20A circuits w/ whole house surge protection is a route to consider. That way, your amps drink from their own source, and surges and spikes (should they be a worry to you) can be dealt with at the service panel.

Another possible solution is to run a High Current PS Audio Ultimate Outlet. This will deliver all the AC available from the circuit it is attached to without limiting cuurent to your amps.
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
Tom,
If you have dedicateds run, try to have as many installed as you think you might need down the road. It's cheaper by a long shot to have them all done at once, rather than have the electrician come back because you need 1 or 2 more. If you have the whole-house surge done at the same time, it will only add about 200.00 to the bill. It's money well spent IMHO. I actually use both my previous suggestions to you. I have a high current UO for my mono amps on a dedicated line, and another standard UO for my source components on a line, and the surge issues being dealt with at the service panel.
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
Tom,
That was my response to your thread. The PS Audio Ultimate Outlets are readily available from a number of online retailers new, but, in an effort to support the sellers here at the 'GoN, there are always both high current and standard versions for sale here at very reasonable prices. Good luck!
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
If you intend to use the high current UO, it includes a power port. If you want an aftermarket PC on it, make sure it uses a 20A connector as the HC 20A version has that type of inlet on it. The Juice Bar has 3 Power Ports and you can use an aftermarket cord to the line. Any combination of the above are good, but, IMHO trying to feed 4 amps on one 20A line regardless of the combination may wind up limiting your available current to ALL your amps, with or without a UO in the chain. If it were me, I would think about splitting the amps across TWO 20A lines, with a UO or Juice Bar for each. If you are not concerned about spikes and surges on the line, two Juice Bars will cost 400.00 MSRP and you will have 3 Power Ports on each, no current limiting and plenty of juice to your amps. Same for UO's except you'll wind up with 1 Power Port on each. If you go the Juice Bar route, you'll have extra $$ left over for an Ultimate Outlet that you COULD plug into a regular circuit and run your sources from, saving the dedicateds for your amps. If you do that, try and keep lights, motors and fans off that circuit. Just food for thought....
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
My favorite outlets have been those supplied for us by AudiogoN member Albert Porter. His "Porter Ports" are cryo version Hubbells. Albert is one of the most well-informed and helpful folks around. On a couple of occassions, he has arranged a group purchase for members. I don't know if he has any extras available from the last round. You may want to contact him privately and inquire. They are the best outlet I personally have ever used. Some folks have even swapped out the PS Power Ports in their Ultimate Outlets for Albert's "Porter Ports".
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