Thread: Where To Plug It Into ??? (No Smart A_ _ Responses Please)

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Post by alcon February 11, 2011 (1 of 14)
Which of the following componets should be (for best audio performance) plugged directly into the wall electrical outlet instead of a power strip?

Power amp (tubes)

Pre Amp (tubes)

Turntable

CD Player

SACD Player

Thanks!

Post by The Seventh Taylor February 11, 2011 (2 of 14)
Not trying to be a Smart Ass but some here will argue you need to plug them into neither, but instead into a surge protector. Personally I don't. I live in Western Europe with very high-quality power supply, rarely ever a disruption and rarely spikes I presume but perhaps that's just my blissful ignorance.

Post by alcon February 11, 2011 (3 of 14)
When I said "power strip" I meant to say, surge protector - Sorry! In my amp's owner's manual it states plug directly into the wall power outlet. I've done that however, I've read on the internet my CD and SACD players and Pre Amp should also be plugged directly into the wall; I'm running out of wall outlets-help!

Post by rammiepie February 11, 2011 (4 of 14)
alcon said:

Which of the following componets should be (for best audio performance) plugged directly into the wall electrical outlet instead of a power strip?

Power amp (tubes)

Pre Amp (tubes)

Turntable

CD Player

SACD Player

Thanks!

High output tubed amps could be plugged into a "dedicated" wall outlet just for those particular items. All outlets in one's house should be "grounded" as well: Must be done by a licensed electrician.

All others would greatly benefit from a power conditioner with some sort of surge protection. Some power conditioners do constrict soundstaging, etc., so do your research as they ALL claim to be perfect. Im using Richard Greys and so far, so good. Some conditioners (like Walker Audio's) can cost you $5,000 (with all the accessories they contain) so I would attempt to do some comparative shopping.

Avoid the "cheapies" {like those power strips} as they will burn out along with your equipment if a surge strikes (It happened to me, once).

Better yet, (couldn't avoid a smart ass answer) Go Green and install solar panels and you will hear the best sound imaginable out of your system. But, that could cost upward of $40,000!

Post by Merganser February 12, 2011 (5 of 14)
What power strip/surge protector are you using now?

Post by big sur February 12, 2011 (6 of 14)
With my audio kit my audio seller/importer Fidelis AV (not like they don't sell some of those big buck conditioners or anything) has said for years "directly into the wall", and being ever inquisitive of course had to try some high highfalutin power products anyway. Power re-generators, power conditioners - the big buck ones I borrowed to try (yeah even one with the holy grail Teflon treatment), and affordable ones like the PS Audio Duet which I bought used off the 'gon rationalizing I could move it to the TV room if nothing else. W-e-l-l, the big buck conditioners and re-generator are not in my audio system, and the PS Audio Duet is connected to my LCD and PS3. I like my importer, he doesn't BS me. Those $50+ Hubbell's (and their ilk) that have been given the deep freeze? That's another story, but of course those do diddly to protect your expensive boy toys. Oh! your OP: go get yourself a PurePower and be done with it, cause I bet you won't be satisfied until you spend and see.

Post by alcon February 12, 2011 (7 of 14)
I'm using a Panamax.

Post by Polarius T February 12, 2011 (8 of 14)
Many if not most manufacturers specifically say no to using power conditioners, and the machines themselves can take care of any anomalies that might be encountered. You might also void your warranty if you use one.

If you have just two outlets, plug the power amp in one and the others in the power strip/surge protector, I'd say.

Post by Fitzcaraldo215 February 12, 2011 (9 of 14)
alcon said:

Which of the following componets should be (for best audio performance) plugged directly into the wall electrical outlet instead of a power strip?

Power amp (tubes)

Pre Amp (tubes)

Turntable

CD Player

SACD Player

Thanks!

They are all fine to plug into a power strip or a power conditioner, except the amp. The strip or conditioner is likely to be current limiting. That will not affect most components because of their low current draw. The amp needs to pull more "juice" instantenously, however. So, it should be given its own dedicated pathway. High powered amps should even be given a dedicated separate cuicuit.

Post by rammiepie February 12, 2011 (10 of 14)
Fitzcaraldo215 said:

They are all fine to plug into a power strip or a power conditioner, except the amp. The strip or conditioner is likely to be current limiting. That will not affect most components because of their low current draw. The amp needs to pull more "juice" instantenously, however. So, it should be given its own dedicated pathway. High powered amps should even be given a dedicated separate cuicuit.

And to reiterate, it's always a good idea in high consumption areas (like the East and West Coasts) to have everything GROUNDED by a licensed electrician (with a copper rod). Makes a significant difference.

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