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
 
Well, after talking extensively with my local dealer and with Albert Porter, I am going to pick up three UO's (two regular and one 20 amp high current) for my three circuits (two dedicated) that will power my stereo/HT system. On the two regular UO's, I will be installing Porter Ports. I will also throw Porter Ports on the wall outlets for all three circuits, and I am picking up an extra one to use when I add a powered sub. Instead of a Juice Bar, I am going to have an electrician friend of mine build me two double gang breakout boxes (using Porter Ports, of course!). So, that's a total of 10 Porter Ports! Based upon all the glowing reviews by AudiogoN members, I decided they were worth investing in. Now, my only issue remains turning everything on and off with one or two switches. My electrician has recommended that I use wall switches to turn off my dedicated circuits (one for preamp/source and one for amps), which may actually be a killer idea.

Thanks for all the input, especially from Slipknot!

Take care, Tom.
russ_l
95 posts
 
Hi guys- Just my two cents. Victor Khomenko, the head BATman at BAT, in addition to most other high-end amplifier designers, states that "a single dedicated power circuit will usually produce the best result". As far as our systems go, any difference in ground potential (due to multiple circuits, conditioners, etc.) is seen as a signal, which will amplified, and added, to the real signal. Our ears should be the best test but a good high-resolution system will almost always prove the BATman right.
gogamecocks
37 posts
 
Instead of wall switches, look at using some sort of low voltage relay system. If I was using a big power amp which required a lot of juice, I would not want it's voltage having to pass through a wall switch. You are using Power Ports to maximize current to your equipment, so maximize connectivity and not use a wall switch where you constantly break on the high voltage side. I would go for a low voltage relay system rather than physically breaking the high voltage line. This would be a system similar to what you find with how car amps are turned off and on.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
The "Albert Porter" cryoed outlets are outstanding and, IMHO, the best available. Albert is now offering these in the "tweaks" classified section. Very highly recommended and much better than the PS outlets, IMO. Cheaper, too.
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
Did any of you folks check out the article by Art Dudley in the November issue of Stereophile wherein he compares the merits of the PS Audio Power Ports to a "run of the mill" receptacle (in this case the Eagle 426)? He appears to start off as a skeptic, but finds audible and consistent benefits to the Power Port. The Hubbell 8300 does get a brief mention, though there is no head to head against it and the Power Port (which is made by Hubbell).

Also, FWIW, I had fellow AudiogoNer Ernie Meunier make me up some 4-way boxes (without receptacles) with in-line switches to solve my switching dilemma. I am going to install Porter Ports in the boxes, and I have already swapped out the standard receptacles in my (non-high current) Ultimate Outlets with Porter Ports. The two new dedicated lines have yet to be installed, but I will report back once everything is up and running.

Tom.
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