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Power - where to start? Mains, chords, conditioner, filter?

I have a decent HiFi setup with all power cables as delivered by the manufacturer of the unit. I am contemplating upgrading the power infrastructure, but is a confused where to start? What makes the biggest bang for the buck? Power chords to each unit, mains blocks, mains conditioner, mains filter? Any advice before I move into this world? 

I have a streamer from Innuos being used for Tidal and Internet radio. A DAC from RME and an integration amplifier from Musical Fidelity. 

I live in a flat in a capital and the electricity is probably good, but for sure the SQ is better late evenings, which to some extent is leading me down this route. 
mtraesbo

Showing 6 responses by inna

inna
7,132 posts
 
To the OP. I would start with power cord on the integrated amp. It should be at least 12 gauge conductors, preferably 10 or 8. 
inna
7,132 posts
 
I have a difficult time believing a conductor can hear everything that 100 musicians play, including how precisely their instruments are tuned. But he/she does.
$2100 power cord is what I have on my $1500 integrated amp and it is so much better than $800, $150, $17 and stock power cords.
inna
7,132 posts
 
The OP is an apartment dweller - no dedicated lines, only better outlets and power cords. Yeah, conditioners and regenerators is a complicated subject.
In any case, nothing will create a situation of perfect power, big custom batteries might come close. The best place to start is to have equipment with great power supply. Then power cords and outlets.
Personally, I am finished with this stuff for now, I simply need much better amp and motor controller for the turntable.
inna
7,132 posts
 
Regenerator helps a lot in my case, I have older PS Audio PPP, but it is not enough when wall current is very bad. Possibly their newer units are significantly better. But again, there is no substitute for great equipment. Power cord on regenerator is very important, I can confirm.
inna
7,132 posts
 
I heard some people use marine batteries for that not auto batteries.
inna
7,132 posts
 
I was actually thinking about trying that marine battery arrangement but decided not to put it in the living room.
Maybe you should start a separate more specific thread about batteries, someone who tried might respond.
But batteries are not completely noise free, along with inverters, and dynamics might be somewhat compromised. However, one just got to try it.
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