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Power conditioning from the ground up

I am exploring power conditioning for my rig. I have read plenty of threads where the opinions seem to be varied.

I am looking into replacing wall receptacles, adding a power conditioner, upgrading wiring to a thicker gauge and dedicating several breakers for my set-up.  

Some questions I have:

If I had upgrade the wall receptacle but my in-wall wiring is subpar, will the wall receptable be redundant?

If you have a power conditioner but you have a cheap $1 duplex outlet, is the power conditioner redundant?

I am trying to better understand where my focus should be. In regards to what I am looking to achieve, I want the usual (blacker blacks, deeper soundfloor, wider soundstage, less grit, more details, etc.) 

Ultimately, I would like to achieve as close to a holographic image as possible to where the image is suspended or hanging in the air. Maybe the answer to query isn't power conditioning, I would like to hear your ideas for how to achieve what I am seeking within my current set-up if possible:

VPI Scout 1.1
Soundsmith Zephyr MKII (HOMI)
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum (KT120)
Zu Soul MKII
Zu cables

Thanks,

Aaron


asp307

Showing 5 responses by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
It's best to go as far back to the source as you can. If you own a home, have an electrician run one or two dedicated lines for your audio system. Run 10 gauge Romex from the breaker box to the outlets and use good quality outlets (Furutech GTX-D). 
Take care of that first, then worry about power conditioners, et all later.

Now, if you rent, and running new lines from the breaker box is not an option, then worry more about the power conditioner. I still think that upgrading wall outlets will help, even if you can't upgrade the wiring behind it.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I asked about a 10 gauge wire and he said it’s overkill.

All electricians say this, at least in my experiences.
Overkill is what this hobby is all about though. ;^)

You almost have to buy the supplies for them, in fact I did. The electrician will just shake his head and look at you funny when he sees the crazy wire and outlets in your hands. He’ll tell you that anything at Home Depot would work just as well. Maybe he is right and us audiophiles are wrong.

I think electricians don’t want to use 10 gauge because 12 gauge is easier to work with, and does fulfill the code.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
As for outlets, there are many good ones to choose from. I've only used outlets from PS Audio, Oyaide, and currently I am using Furutech GTX-D's just as Larry (lak). I have heard good things about the Avatar Afterburner, but I haven't heard one.

It's hard to choose someones outlets for them, same as trying to make a cable suggestion. The PS Audio was pretty good, the Oyaide a bit more musical, and the Furutech a bit more resolving.
Which will work best for you will depend on your gear/room and personal listening tastes.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
@asp307 , if you are looking for an inexpensive outlet for your video needs, AudiogoN member albertporter sells his Porter Ports on this site.
Basic Hubbell outlets that are cryo-treated. Priced at $41 each, hard to beat for the price.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I am using the Furutech 104 Carbon Fiber Plate covers. I think they would work with other outlets, but to be sure you should talk to Chris VenHaus at VH Audio.

http://www.vhaudio.com/
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