Not sure for power conditioner my amp or not.


Hi, I have an VTA ST-120 I built using KT88C’s for my 2 channel. I have all my equipment running through a Torus Power TOT MAX Toroidal Isolation. I have heard 2 different versions on what to do. As far as what to plug my amp into. The wall or the TOT’s? I know this isn’t a "power conditioner" such as PS Audio sells. Should I keep everything plugged into the TOT, so all my grounds are the same and it has the optional surge protection? Or straight into the wall? I tried the wall once, but didn’t hear a difference really. But I didn’t test for long and not sure I ever got to the point of drawing too much power from the amp. Which is the best way to leave it? Thanks! Scott

VTA ST-120

128x128smoorenc

Years ago, this was the big question for myself, as well.  When I asked the experts what to do, some said plug my amp directly into the wall socket, and some said plug it into a power conditioner.  So, I experimented.  I spent a considerable amount of time comparing the sound quality of my amps (some SS, and some tube) plugged directly into the wall socket, and then plugged into a power conditioner.  In the end, I found that my amps always sounded better plugged into a power conditioner.  But, ultimately, it all depended upon what conditioner I used.  This was critical when all was said and done.  Not all power conditioners are created equal.  Long story short, I found that the Audioquest Niagara line of conditioners (I opted for the Niagara 3000 ) were superb for amps (any amp).  My amp's sound quality plugged into the Audioquest Niagara 3000 was much improved, providing much cleaner, non-power restricted, power.  I'll always plug any amp I'll ever own now, and in the future into some type of power conditioning.                   

I feel my amp sounds better with the power conditioner as well as the picture on my television..

Since my Onkyo HT drives all the video probably best to leave it on Power Conditioner and use the other outlet for tube Pre-Amp.

 

In South Florida we have a love of air conditioners cycling on and off and it causes fluctuations in the power supply.  I found that my tube amplifiers were regularly needing to be re-biased.  Since incorporating a power conditioner, the amps have stabilized to the point where re-bias in almost never needed.  The amps always sounded good, I can't say that power conditioners have done much in that regard.  I have tried Niagra and first P10 and now P20.  All with similar results.  Currently using PS Audio P20.  I did read the detailed report that these things do nothing.  I believe that is true if the power coming into the wall is good, consistent etc.  They are more necessary in localities where the power fluctuates, is dirty and so forth.