2. amps-preamps
  3. 1418762449

How to protect my amp without changing the sound?

My house has terrible power surges. One surge fried my former system with all Cary Audio electronics and speakers. Everything was fried from the amp, preamp, speakers to the speaker wires and interconnects.

Now I've replaced much of it with a Wadia Intuition amp/preamp/DAC unit. But for obvious reasons can't consider plugging it directly into the wall.

I started off with a Furman power strip/surge suppressor which really throttled the output. Made my $15K system sound like $3K.

Next I tried a Brickwall surge suppressor which really opened up the sound (getting more current through) but drained warmth and musicality from the sound.

I broke down and bought a Furman 16A power conditioner that is warmer sounding but still doesn't compare to plugging the amp directly in the wall.

What do I do? Keep moving up the Furman line?

Power conditioning isn't absolutely necessary, but strong surge protection is. And I'm no fan of MOV's. Any ideas?
larrybou
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Purchase 150...200kW diesel-generator and power up your house. With savings vs. electric company you'll justify your expense. This could run into $20k from the beginning, but savings on electricity usage will be approx half-way down if not more. If you have diesel automobile, you can also benefit from tax-free heating oil in your fuel tank that would add another savings.

Otherwise it's your choice, Furman vs. wall.
My choice would be Furman and Furman again.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,571 posts
 
Pick up a used Shunyata Hydra 2 on Audiogon and you will be good to go. The Hydras do NOT limit current capabilities in your amp.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,477 posts
 
Linear power supplies take current in narrow spikes of high
amplitude. Any impedance in the path causes proportionally
high voltage drop and the loss of dynamics. I use Furman
Elite 20PFi and cannot tell the difference. Perhaps power
factor correction that allows 55A peak current (huge
inductor and capacitor) helps. It has 4 high power outlets,
4 audio-video and 4 video optimized outlets.

http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=02&id=ELITE-20PFi

In addition I installed whole house surge arrester:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens-20-Amp-6-5-in-Whole-House-Surge-Protected-Circuit-Breaker-QSA2020SPDP/202562776?N=5yc1vZbm05
More to discover