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Power Conditioning - How Important for Digital and Analog Source Components vs Amp?

I have two questions:  1) Is it worth installing power conditioning ONLY for my source components, and if so, 2) should I plan to use the same grade of power cords to my sources as I have with my amp (Gryphon Diablo 300)....

How impactful is using a conditioner (say an Audioquest Niagara 1200) on source components, as compared with amplifiers?  Is it worth getting a conditioner ONLY to use for my source components while leaving my Diablo 300 connected directly to the wall (as recommended by Gryphon)?

I can hear major differences with different brands of power cords connected to my Diablo 300, and I'm wondering if I need to invest in the same grade of power cables (3 of them!) for my conditioner (AQ 1200 potentially), turntable (VPS Prime 21), and digital source (Innuos Zenith Mk 2).  Can I cheap out a bit on the source power cords, or are these source power cords just as important as the power cord to my amp?

And finally, if I am JUST using the conditioner for my sources, do I still use a high-current power cord to the conditioner itself?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

 

 

 

nyev
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 

how can the PC suddenly provide more power on demand when you have all that smaller gauge wire in your wall?  

A dedicated line from the service panel isn't a small gauge wire, typically 10 or 12 gauge. And usually the amp is the only component on the circuit. The amp demands voltage for the transformer and to keep the caps charged. Dynamic music and transients need instantaneous power.

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

I actually agree with you, I’ve found that beefy expensive cords to the amp definitely sound better.  But I do plug my amp directly into the wall as I mentioned.  I feel like there is no point even connecting it to the AQ 1200 considering that the Diablo is current hungry and considering that higher end AQ conditioners are rated to deliver more current.

ghdprentice
7,014 posts
 

My amp is plugged directly into the wall (direct line). I recently tried an IsoTech Titan. A power conditioner made for amps. I tried it on my ARC Ref 160s amp. I found the soundstage lost depth and the stage was pulled forward and presentation was a bit less relaxed. Not a positive improvement.

 

I do not want anyone to misconstrue this to mean it may not be a great improvement for you. My audio dealer and I talked through several other homes he had put it in… in most, it was a noticable improvement. I guess in addition to conditioning, it stores power to stabilize the supply. But, I think I have a pretty good source. Although the AQ Hurricane power cord was a big improvement. Like all this stuff… you just have to try it.

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