2. amps-preamps
  3. 1418762449

How to protect my amp without changing the sound?

My house has terrible power surges. One surge fried my former system with all Cary Audio electronics and speakers. Everything was fried from the amp, preamp, speakers to the speaker wires and interconnects.

Now I've replaced much of it with a Wadia Intuition amp/preamp/DAC unit. But for obvious reasons can't consider plugging it directly into the wall.

I started off with a Furman power strip/surge suppressor which really throttled the output. Made my $15K system sound like $3K.

Next I tried a Brickwall surge suppressor which really opened up the sound (getting more current through) but drained warmth and musicality from the sound.

I broke down and bought a Furman 16A power conditioner that is warmer sounding but still doesn't compare to plugging the amp directly in the wall.

What do I do? Keep moving up the Furman line?

Power conditioning isn't absolutely necessary, but strong surge protection is. And I'm no fan of MOV's. Any ideas?
larrybou
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,426 posts
 
Ssglx, was it by any chance Elite DMi? (or Elite 15i)

Furman Elite 15 DMi or 15i don't have high current outputs and high current
capability of Elite PFi.
ssglx
203 posts
 
I believe it was an Elite 15i. Just under $300 on Amazon.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi Kijanki, I rarely have any power disruption's too, I asked about where you live, this does explain the power spikes you get, Chicago has way more people than where I live, very fortunate, I have never got a power spike that I am aware of here, less people on the grid the better?
Post removed 
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
You must really have some good ears.

Nuclear sub +1, problem is parking, two blocks..

Diesel generators have some of the dirtiest power you can get. MQ Whisper, Cat is the  best. 100,000.00 for a 50k.. City won't allow for diesel generators. Only as emergency.. to dirty...

A step down transformer, 220 single phase to 117-120  SP vac, no problem with power then. The protection will be for the transformer then. maybe a good Ark fault breaker, in the panel.

You had everything burn up? Wow...Cary to boot... You the only one
affected? Burn down the house stuff..

Regards
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