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
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.
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
Tom,
That was my response to your thread. The PS Audio Ultimate Outlets are readily available from a number of online retailers new, but, in an effort to support the sellers here at the 'GoN, there are always both high current and standard versions for sale here at very reasonable prices. Good luck!
nighthawk
259 posts
 
Make sure you can return the UOs if you don't like them. I bought a 20A one from Audio Advisor a while back and returned it because it limited the dynamics of my Rowland Model 10. The Rowland sounds best plugged directly into the wall.
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
Slipknot:

Sorry for not crediting you with that quote. I did know it was you. And thanks again for the good advice! Also, great point about sticking with Audiogon sellers. This is, indeed, a great resource, and I'd like to see its supporters continue to thrive.

Nighthawk:

Good point about finding a dealer with a return policy. From what I have read about the UO's, it seems very strange that they would have a detrimental effect upon your system. Any idea what it was about the UO that caused the dynamics issue?

Later, Tom.
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
Just curious if you folks using Ultimate Outlets also used PS Audio Power Ports, or if regular old receptacles would do the trick. Also, I obviously want the high current for my amps, but I am not sure if I should get the 15 amp or the 20 amp. Is there any downside to the 20 amp? Is there any downside to using a high current UO for source/preamp gear?

One last dilemma that I face is that I have four amps to plug in. If I use one dedicated line for the amps, I still only have two outlets. Do you recommend that I wire in a second outlet on that circuit, or should I use a juice bar or some other kind of multiple outlet box after the UO?

I intend on continuing to use the Adcome ACE-515 on the front end (though I still need to get that overheating issue addressed).

Sorry for all the questions. You people have been a great resource!

Thanks, Tom.
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