So let’s begin!
My journey into this arena begins with my confounded findings of certain power line noise introduced into my audio system. In one instance, I did not understand how much EMI noise entered my audio system and the source of that noise. I had used a lot of AC power line conditioners and elaborate power line filters from a variety of reputable companies over the years. And a times, following the eventual equipment upgrade path many audiophiles find themselves suffering through, the power line noise would fluctuate to higher or lower noise levels with each reiteration of my audio system.
At a point in my last recent reiteration, I decided that I had enough of my ignorance. And so I developed a simple and effective test to evaluate specific components for their inherent noise level. First, the tools needed. I obtained an EMI noise measurement device. Many companies make decent ones. I went with a TriField model EM100.
Second, the method. I evaluated the audio component of interest on a conventional duplex wall outlet. I first measure the baseline power line noise on each outlet using the EMI measuring tool. That is essential because any deviation. from those baseline levels provide insight into the added (or reduced) EMI noise on the parallel line circuit when the audio equipment is connected to the second wall outlet of the duplex outlet. Based on the levels of elevated EMI noise my EMI tool measures above baseline measurement with the audio equipment item is connected and turned on can serve as a guide for one to assess whether one should accept or reject that equipment item into one’s audio system. Secondary measurements can be done with the equipment in the audio system in a similar manner using the EMI measurement tool, tho different test configurations might be required.
I’ve tested this method with four different audio equipment items to validate the approach to my satisfaction. I’ll share my data with two or three of these items below.