Power Cords/ Conditioner/Surge Protectors


Do I need to add power cords/conditioner/surge protector to my system or is it product dependent.

My current system consists of:

  • Moon 390 network player
  • Moon 761 amplifier
  • Sonus Faber Sonetta V speakers

Should I use the stock power cords on the Moon equipment or look at new power cords? If new cords should be purchased let's hear some recommendations. Will the power cords change anything sonically?

Should I also add power conditioner/surge protector to the equipment? Again, does it change anything sonically? If recommended do you look at Shunyata, Panamax etc.

Thanks for your input/recommendations.

singere

Showing 1 response by jsalerno277

From the bottom of your list up.  

  1. Of course you want surge protection to protect your investment.  Power conditioners like Shunyata and Audience have surge protection.  
  2. Conditioning produced a significant improvement in sound quality in my system.  Power Conditioners remove noise on the power line from electro magnetic interference (EMI) by filtration.   Good power conditioners also remove noise from ground loops and isolate your equipment electrically from each other so noise from a computer module in a streamer does not enter the audio system circuit.  If you live in an area that has a high population/home density or has industry, conditions are recommended.  I have had improvements with both Shunyata and Audience.  The higher end models give the most improvement.  Regeneration is another option which also reduces noise by converting noisy AC to DC and regenerating it to pure sine wave AC.  Regeneration is recommended if you live in an area where there are voltage fluctuations.  For example, I use regeneration in a vacation home in VT but power conditioning in my permanent home in the NY-suburbs (voltage fluctuations vs noisy mains).  Good regenerators have surge protection.  
  3. Good power cords prevent EMI from entering the system.  EMI will enter a system at the weakest point - the least shielded point in the system.  Good cables also have low resistance and high conductivity, improving SQ.  I use WyWires Platinum on all equipment.  Each wire brand has its own sound characteristics, so brand is a personal choice.  

Good luck   

​​​​​​