2. amps-preamps
  3. 175818-20609

Sound Better w/Amp Directly Into Wall Then Thru Zero Surge

I’ve been breaking in a Pathos Classic Remix. It’s lovely at small things, but when things got complex, the soundstage flattenned, the sound compressed, and the top end got sort of hashy.

 

When my last amp and speakers got fried from a surge, even when plugged into a Shunyata Hydra, I decided I needed some more serious surge protection. I was directed to a Zero Surge brand protector. I have been plugging the Classic Remix into the Hydra and that into the Zero Surge.

 

My previous amp, a Unison Research Unico was quite improved going through the Hydra in terms of the sound, but, again, that was going into the wall.

 

With the Classic Remix plugged into the Hydra (and the Zero Surge), I decided to plug the Classic Remix directly into the wall. Immediately there was an improvement with the dynamic bloom and lessening of the harshness when the music got big.

 

I’m wondering how much the Zero Surge was reining in the dynamics? I need to try comparing the Hydra directly into the wall with the Pathos plugged in, as well as trying to plug the Zero Surge directly into the Zero Surge. But, boy, it seems as if something was limiting the current to the Pathos.

 

But I have heard that some manufacturers say to plug their apps directly into the wall. How do I protect my equipment (without going to crazy expense)?

 

One other thing - I called Zero Surge and Jim, the guy I spoke to, told me that there's nothing in the Zero Surge that would cause it. "It's just wire", he said. 

analogj

Showing 1 response by kingbr

kingbr
384 posts
 

@johnto VERBATIM! This is exactly what both Shunyata and the folks at Simaudio  said. I had reached out to Shunyata on a question regarding one of their power cords and when I mentioned I had my amp plugged into a Furman Elite 20PFi Richard at Shunyata immediately suggested I bypass with the amp and go direct to the outlet. Reaching out to Simaudio confirmed go direct because their amps "will regulate the voltage itself and do not need need a conditioner" exactly at johnto stated. I do have a whole house surge protector (Leviton) at the breaker box and a dedicated 20 amp line as well for my HT equipment. 

I will say as soon as I went direct to the outlet things seemed to really open up. It was a very audible improvement and I thought to myself 'why didn't I do this sooner, if only I had known'. Both Shunyata and Sim said I would notice improvements in sound but I couldn't have imagined how much.

 

Like they said though "try it both ways and see which you prefer"...

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