Who has Caps on their AC lines ???


I have been playing around with caps on my AC line. After today, I don't think that I can live without them. Even with my dedicated AC lines, the one with the caps just has such a more natural sound no matter what AC power cord I place on it.

Unfortunately, I got them from a guy that I no longer speak to so I don't really know the value of the caps. Is there a way to determine the value?

I have been reading about a few members who use Auricaps, etc., and will try what they are using soon. I am also waiting on an isolation transformer to test in my system next.

I'd like to know what you are using to filter your AC lines and what you are hearing.

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
Benie: You want to place the caps near the input side of the iso's for greatest results. This reduces the amount of "muck" that the iso has to deal with.

After that, all you'll have to worry about is keeping the AC "clean" from behind the iso up to the component. This means running low impedance power cabling that is RFI / EMI resistant.

One could take further steps to improve the internal power supply of the components by adding increased filtering, snubbers on the rectifiers, etc...

Paying attention to system grounds and how they are implimented component by component can also help lower the noise floor. There are a couple of different grounding schemes that manufacturers use, some being more effective than others.

Obviously, one can go as "crazy" on this as they can afford to and / or spend the time on. If done in reasonable fashion and with some form of consistency though, the benefits are quite additive and beneficial in nature. Sean
>
Sean:
"running low impedance power cabling that is RFI / EMI resistant"

Any Belden number for this from the top of your mind?

Thanks
Luis
I am currently looking through Belden's online catalogue for something like this that also meets some other specific criteria. So far, i haven't been able to find anything that i'd recommend. Sean
>
I've implemented the Auricap tweak in several DIY mods to digital players and DAC's. In each case I've always put them AFTER the fuse, just in case there is a blow out. You really don't want a short, no matter how well the caps are rated. It could cause you your house, since you are volurantarily implementing a hazardous situation, and the insurance company could invalidate any claims.

Basically it isn't worth the downside to get a little better resolution, unless you implement it with a proper failsafe, or use X rated caps (which is what is inside the Quiet Lines).

Enjoy,
Bob
Thanks Sean. I plan on ordering some raw wire again from VH Audio soon and put a better Power cord on the isolation Transformers, I think this will be a good time to install the caps in the input.

My Transformers are in an ajoining room with a pass through in the wall to place my DIY power strips through. They are of the twisted design from VH Audio but unshielded, maybe I'll use some of thier shielded wire for 2 of the Power strips.

It for sure is additive, from the first time I used an isolation tranny, to caps across the line, to even making a tweeked out Power strip box with no caps and hearing an improvement.

I Don't have a problem with the Auricaps in my line but my inlaws want me to build them a Power strip for their HT setup as they noticed a difference when I demoed it to them. I feel better with an X rated cap if for someone else. Any recommended X caps of the quailty of Auricap?

Thanks for your comments Sean