2. amps-preamps
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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
kingbr
270 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"...

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,012 posts
 

I've been extremely happy with my Audioquest Niagara 1200 and Thunder power cord. No issues whatsoever, and to me it sounds better. 

hugothegreat
8 posts
 

I know on this forum that many profess to plug amps directly into the wall.  I think this is OK is some regions of the US, but I would not do in other regions especially where the grid is very old.  Hence I use McIntosh MPC 1500 and EQUI=CORE 1000.  There is no degradation in sound to my hears.

whitefishpoint1175's avatar
whitefishpoint1175
169 posts
 

I have never had any degradation of sound quality using power conditioners and surge protection. I have my Amplifiers and analog on one circuit and digital on a separate circuit to isolate and possibility of creep or cross contamination from these components.

 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 

So I’m wondering what is happening in or to the amp to cause this change in sound? Again, the rep from Zero Surge today said that there shouldn’t be any difference. "It’s just wiring."

Emphasis added.

That is exactly what the issue is! When you plug your amps into the wall, there is less voltage drop because there is less wire. The voltage drop is easily measured with most any digital voltmeter. A voltage drop also means there is current limiting. It should not be surprising then that direct into the wall can sound better, since the power supplies in the amplifier will be working closer to the design spec.

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