I've done the dedicated circuit, regenerator, and selective power cords. The P15 made the biggest, monumental changes actually, improvement. Dedicated circuit couldn't hear the diff, but then I'm running through a regenerator. Power cord between the wall and regenerator was the most significant PC upgrade, dac next.
Power - where to start? Mains, chords, conditioner, filter?
I have a decent HiFi setup with all power cables as delivered by the manufacturer of the unit. I am contemplating upgrading the power infrastructure, but is a confused where to start? What makes the biggest bang for the buck? Power chords to each unit, mains blocks, mains conditioner, mains filter? Any advice before I move into this world?
I have a streamer from Innuos being used for Tidal and Internet radio. A DAC from RME and an integration amplifier from Musical Fidelity.
I live in a flat in a capital and the electricity is probably good, but for sure the SQ is better late evenings, which to some extent is leading me down this route.
I have a streamer from Innuos being used for Tidal and Internet radio. A DAC from RME and an integration amplifier from Musical Fidelity.
I live in a flat in a capital and the electricity is probably good, but for sure the SQ is better late evenings, which to some extent is leading me down this route.
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- 44 posts total
My approach was haphazard but each step improved SQ - - Room was already on dedicated circuit, only 15A though. - PS Audio line filter/surge protection. - Replaced power cords - each one made a step change improvement, currently have Cardas Clear for amp, Audioquest NG4 for filter/surge, and Acoustic Zen Tsunami for DAC. Fun to try different cords, all purchased used. - Replaced outlet, using Furutech mid level rhodium. - After replacing outlet, plugged amp directly into outlet, although I am not 100% sure I would be able to tell a difference in blind testing. - Still need a cord and filter/conditioner (and outlet?) for the modem supplying the Tidal signal. - Probably will get a second furutech outlet when I have more equipment to power. - Thinking about one of those ISI parallel filters (Music Direct, $99, seems like a no brainer, but then I'd also need a second outlet and of course then another ISI, amazing how costs run away in this hobby). - Also thinking about fuses for the amp. - Mildly embarrassed that I have done the above yet never cleaned the connecting points for power supply, interconnects, or speaker cable. - Total regeneration makes perfect sense to me, very common in industries and applications where clean power is a must, this just hasn't risen to the top of my improvements list yet. Each step made an improvement, the biggest to my ears was the power cord for the amp and the outlet. I hear more detail including resonances (so less noise), and better micro dynamics (which I guess is also less noise?). I have reached the conclusion that like a lot of things in HiFi, the more research time and money you put into power, the more you will benefit. Agree that power improvements often have the highest ratio of better SQ per $. |
@williewonka /Steve. The YETI charges at a lower rate than the draw on all units. 1/4" pipe going in and 1" pipe going out. So while you may be able to pull 300W for 3-4 hours, you can't for 8. The answer, of course is get a bigger unit. But the bigger units are bigger money and require bigger / longer charge times. For a 1-2 hour listener there are many options. For someone (me) who needs 8-12 hours / day, they are coming up short. |
David - thanks for the update on the YETI - Good to know But it does seem to offer a more affordable opton than the $$$AUDIOPHILE regenerators, provided your listening session is less than 4-5 hours (depending on system) I think we will see more units like this as development of battery technology progresses. There are some pretty exiting developments in the works that offer more power for the same size of battery and will not burst into flames if punctured. e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9-cNNYb1Ik Fortunately for me, the power to my house is very good, so I do not use any kind of power conditioner/regenerator.. Regards - Steve |
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