Why does better power = better sound?


Why does improving power quality improve sound quality?

I’m not asking to start an argument about power cords or wall outlets. Please let’s not go there. I’m asking because I’m hoping to learn some technical explanations for the effects of power quality on sound quality. I think I already understand how…

1. greater current availability = greater dynamic range
2. reduction of RFI/EMI = better signal to noise ratio

…but what about these…

3. ???????? = greater perceived resolution
4. ???????? = more realistic instrument timbres
5. ???????? = more precise imaging

Are differences in resolution, instrument timbres, imaging, etc. somehow reducible to current availability and/or powerline noise? If so, HOW are they reducible?

Again, I’m hoping to get into technical specifics, not polemical generalities.

Thanks in advance.

Bryon
bryoncunningham

Showing 4 responses by bifwynne

Al, I'm sure I don't have much of a choice about more dedicated lines. My entire system is sucking juice from one 20A line, the biggest users being: ARC 130 wpc tube amo; ARC tube phono pre; ARC tube linestage; ARC tube CDP; TT; and the big Daddy of all -- Paradigm Servo Sub (rated at 1500 watts; 4500 watts on peak). What amazes me is that I'm not blowing the breakers, although when playing Beethoven's 6th, the house lights brown out during the thunderstorm in the 3rd movement.

I was thinking about running 3 dedicated Romex 20A lines. The problem is where and how. My wife will flip if I start tearing up the walls; ceiling is not an option. If Code allowable, I was thinking about running a couple of lines through a PCV pipe the length of my basement next to the wall board UNDER my electric wall heater, which I rarely use.

Any thoughts. BTW, how much is your Furman. Would I need one for each line?
Al and Kijanki, I have the complete Gardner Beethoven symphony collection. Recorded on the Archiv CD label. Playback is quite good. Gardner uses a tazer to keep the orchestra really hopping! One of the better redbood CD in my collection.
Al and Kijanki, assuming I go forward with installing 3 or 4 dedicated lines, will I need a power conditioner for each line? Just talking out loud here, I wonder if there's a single device that I can install at the circuit box that will condition and filter the AC power for multiple dedicated lines.
Great comments -- but what is a practical way to deal with this issue. As a threshold matter, I was thinking of runnning a couple of 20A dedicated Romex lines from my circuit box to feed my gear as soon as my wife visits her mother on the West Coast. But as far as "power gremlins" are concerned, is there a moderately priced solution out there??

I've heard similar comments about power regenerators mentioned by Al -- loss of dynamics. Also power regenerators are da*n expensive. Suggestions would be welcome. Lookin' for quality electrons.