2. pc-audio
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Power Conditioning/UPS for Digital Audio Server

I am in the process of building a Digital Audio Server (DAS) and I am giving some consideration to the selection and placement of power conditioner and ups. At this moment I am leaning towards an Audio Magic Stealth Digital/2 outlet connected to a large APC UPS which will connect to a wall outlet on a dedicated circuit. I have heard that UPS's do bad things to power for audio purposes so I may forego the UPS. I would like ideas and feedback from philes who have dealt with this issue before.

On a similar note I would appreciate comments on powercords also.
jazzdude
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Be careful that the APC UPS model you choose can produce a true sine wave.

There are also Audiophile APS available at www.audiophileAPS.com
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,152 posts
 
I run my HD server from a inexpensive APC UPS and despite all the negative press against such a setup, I haven't notice any negative effects on the sound quality when compared to going direct out of the wall outlet. It's not quite as clean sounding when compared to using a PS Audio Powerplant. The power in my neighborhood occassionally "blinks" on/off and prior to the UPS it wreaked havoc with the computer. Ideally I would rather not use the UPS, but it hasn't turned out to be such a bad move afterall.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Let me be more clear. Some UPS devices (including some by APC) don't produce a sine wave; they produce a square wave. Using such a device could ruin your sensitive equipment.

Most audio equipment internal power supplies are not able to handle the fast edges produced by a square wave. They will not filter them properly and may just pass them though as "noise" to the speaker. This may be heard in the form of a 60 of 120Hz hum or click (or worse).

A computer does not care. Cheaper to make.
rhing
89 posts
 
I've been priviledged to actually meet with Jack Bybee, developer of the famous Bybee Quantum Purifiers (http//www.bybeeinside.com). Jack has some thoughts on power supply issues that are technically sound. You should email him and seek his opinion(s) on power supplies. I haven't had a chance to talk with him about PC-based music servers, but I'm sure his depth of knowledge and wisdom would be very helpful.

I can tell you that you should really get a good PC power supply that is both efficent and quiet first. http://www.silentpcreview.com recommends the Nexus PC PSUs for their stable power delivery under load and silent performance. You can find some great deals on the Nexus PSUs, hard drive noise reducing cases, fans and heat sinks through http://www.siliconacoustics.com/. Only after you upgrade your PC PSU should you start looking into a power conditioner and UPS unit.
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