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

My house power is very good until it's not. 🤣

I live in the South where we are prone to severe lightning storms, though not quite as bad as Florida.  There is no way I run my gear without a top notch surge protector in line with it.  I also use a whole house surge protector as well. 

Plus, my experience having been in electrically noisy apartments is that my gear sounds better with a good conditioner than without it.

You can read more about my thoughts here:

 

https://pqltd.blogspot.com/2023/10/time-for-new-surge-suppression.html

Nice write up Erik, I have the Zero Surge as mentioned and I have an Eaton Ultra whole house surge. I can't really change out my Eaton electrical panels. For my Network/NAS I use a "clean sinewave" APC UPS. The ones used for servers in data centers that won't even turn on, if the power isn't clean enough. No wall warts, all LPS signature series from Lab Swagman. I can't afford a PS Audio P15 or P20. 

My Primaluna EVO 400 pre and power amps are plugged directly into the Hubbel wall outlets dedicated line. Since I don't leave these tube amps on 24/7 it is easy to just leave them unplugged when not in use and when I am not around to monitor lightning storms.

The CD transport and DAC are left on all the time and plugged into a Shunyata Hydra 4. These two front end components are also fitted with DIY ground boxes via RCA component connection (ie "signal grounds.")

This has been a very satisfactory arrangement.

Nice! I should just unplug the Zero Surge when I am out of the house. It would be easy enough to do.

The Primaluna's are tube amps which explains why I don't or can't just leave them on all the time. Were these solid state amps I would want them on 24/7 to keep them warmed up. The CD transport and DAC are best left on all the time which is why I keep them on surge protection.