2. amps-preamps
  3. 1066739524

Power conditioner for amps

I recently picked up an Adcom ACE-515 (power conditioner with timed switching for pre/source and amp products) from a fellow Audiogon member, and while it seems to work fine, I have noticed that it tends to get quite hot and will trip the circuit breaker if I run my system fairly loud for any period of time (which I do like to do on occasion). For the record, the amps that I am running through this are two GFA-555II's (bridged mono) and a GFA-2535 (which is really two GFA-535's in one chassis).

My concern is that I am running too many amps through the ACE-515. So, I called my dealer about possibly upgrading to a larger unit. But his advice was that I should be running my amps straight out of the wall outlet, and not through any type of conditioner. He said that the ACE-515 was great to use on source and preamp gear, but that it would limit the current getting to my amps and that they would sound better with nothing between them and the wall outlet. I asked him what about spikes, surges, etc. His reply was that amps are not as susceptible to damage from such things, and that I shouldn't worry about it.

What are y'alls thoughts on this topic? Should I just plug my amps straight into the outlet, or should I get a larger power conditioner? I do like the staggered power on, power off that the ACE-515 provides.

Tom.
tombowlus
brianlvi3's avatar
brianlvi3
6 posts
 
My advise is to use the power conditioner. I have never heard of it starving power to the amps. I use the same adcom in one of my set ups with 4 amps coming out of it. I used a cheaper surge protecter and plugged it into one of the adcoms outlets and then the 4 amps into the surge protector, never runs hot at all. I suspect you might have a problem with the conditoner.

Brian
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
Brian:

That would have been my thought. Tell me, does your ACE-515 get hot? Mine really does, and it gets hotter than my amps do. I am trying to contact Adcom, but they don't seem to answer their e-mails.

Tom.
mattybumpkin
590 posts
 
I think your dealer's point is that he feels conditioners limit the power to the amp. Many can (depends). Do you notice any difference, that is what is important. If so, I think you may want to look at something with a parallel line conditioner, where they don't limit the power. You may want to check the Vans Evers line out, I think they utilize a parallel conditioner but also have surge protection, etc.

Regards,
brianlvi3's avatar
brianlvi3
6 posts
 
The answer to your question of the Adcom getting hot is no, it does not get that hot at all. Something is wring with yours. Call them, you can get the # from their web site and ask for tech. support, they are very helpful.

Brian
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
I have a high current UO for my mono amps on a dedicated line, and another standard UO for my source components on a line, and the surge issues being dealt with at the service panel.

Excellent advice! I have consulted with my electrician, and with a little playing around, I am able to come up with two free 20 amp circuits to use for my home audio system. I am now going to order two UO's. Any thoughts on where to get them from? Also, what brand/type whole house surge unit did you use?

Thanks, Tom.
More to discover