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
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.
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
If you intend to use the high current UO, it includes a power port. If you want an aftermarket PC on it, make sure it uses a 20A connector as the HC 20A version has that type of inlet on it. The Juice Bar has 3 Power Ports and you can use an aftermarket cord to the line. Any combination of the above are good, but, IMHO trying to feed 4 amps on one 20A line regardless of the combination may wind up limiting your available current to ALL your amps, with or without a UO in the chain. If it were me, I would think about splitting the amps across TWO 20A lines, with a UO or Juice Bar for each. If you are not concerned about spikes and surges on the line, two Juice Bars will cost 400.00 MSRP and you will have 3 Power Ports on each, no current limiting and plenty of juice to your amps. Same for UO's except you'll wind up with 1 Power Port on each. If you go the Juice Bar route, you'll have extra $$ left over for an Ultimate Outlet that you COULD plug into a regular circuit and run your sources from, saving the dedicateds for your amps. If you do that, try and keep lights, motors and fans off that circuit. Just food for thought....
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
Not a bad idea, Slipknot. With any luck, I will be able to install two new 20A lines, in addition to the shared circuit that is already there. Between these three circuits, I should be able to adequately divvy everything up. It sounds like I will want to get one or two high current UO's, and at least one Juice Bar. After talking to customer support from PS Audio, I will probably be pulling the ACE-515 from my audio system entirely. Now, my only problem will be remote on/off control, since in my setup, the Juice Bar(s) will probably be at the back of my cabinet, and not easily accessable. One option may be to see if my electrician can build me two "Juice Bar-like" boxes, with remote on/off switches for each. I would think that if he uses quality components (probably Power Ports), star-wired, with good attention to detail on the construction side, I should be able to get a decent product.

My one remaining question would be whether or not I need a Power Port or two on the wall, or if decent quality receptacles would be adequate.

Thanks again, Tom.
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