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Do I need a power conditioner?

I’m in the process of dropping a dedicated 20 amp circuit or 2 into the music room.
So if I have a dedicated circuit for the amp, and a dedicated circuit for everything else,
is a conditioner useful?
I have several fairly decent systems going that I tweek and retweek.
Just got around to upgrading cables. Avoided conditioners because, in general, they dampen the presentation.
Was using a PS Audio PPP for low power components. But fell for the Shunyata spiel.
Plugged in a Hydra 4 with a Python Helix and was very happy with how it cleaned up the Zu Druids.
Seems high sensitivity speakers maybe reveal the grunge also.
Moved it to my system with the Martin Logans and the presentation seemed a bit lean and just a bit lifeless, using just copperhead cable to Hydra. (using all Pangea to get from the Hydra to other components.)
Then I put a Black Mamba from Classe amp straight to the wall and Wow! Single most significant tweek ever for me.
So I’m thinking, maybe I don’t need the Denali I ordered if I just use a couple dedicated circuits and some Shunyata power cords everywhere.
Opinions?
Thanks. :)
leotis
tubes444
91 posts
 

Gentlemen All,

Every journey must start at its beginning.

Well you cant start at your Power Co. You can start at your Master

breaker panel. I installed Square-D Hospital grade 30AMP breaker

there are other companies that offer grung filtering breakers.

I’ve used Sq-D 30AMP single pole/Dual function-CAFCI/CFCI

No it doesn’t require an electrician. These are plug ins Throw the master breaker. Un-plug the OLD snap-in the NEW. If you don’t have a ground rod. Home Depot carries them. Even if you are a renter. You have a Panel

box. Remove there’s. Then remove yours when you move. Around Mid-night. That is. Will you hear the difference? Yes! especially if your in an older home. The grounding rod really is noticeable if you have PHONO player.

mcgal
199 posts
 
I never thought a power conditioner could help my audio system until I purchase one. I noticed an instant improvement and all the power coming into my house is relatively new. I also noticed the better the power conditioner the better the sound, more detail and blacker background. For me the front end of my system realized the most improvement but the amps also did improve but only with the right power conditioner. I went from Shunyata to PurePower to Running Springs to Synergistic Research to Audience. I also have multiple dedicated 20 amp circuits run to my system. I hear more improvement in sound quality with the power conditioner.
perazzi28's avatar
perazzi28
231 posts
 
Generally speaking having 2 dedicated circuits can cause more problems than it will solve. If the two dedicated circuits are connected to the two halves of the balanced AC line you have just created a gigantic antenna.
You can save yourself a lot of work and expense by installing just one dedicated 20 amp AC circuit and use a big plug outlet strip. 
Generally if you have any ground loop with this situation you can float the power amp's ground with a cheater plug but keep the preamp grounded.
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cleeds
5,943 posts
 
perazzi28
Generally speaking having 2 dedicated circuits can cause more problems than it will solve. If the two dedicated circuits are connected to the two halves of the balanced AC line you have just created a gigantic antenna
I'm not sure what you mean here. There is substantial potential benefit to using balanced AC. To whatever extent there may be an issue with induced noise, it's eliminated because it's a balanced line. That's the whole point and of course, a balanced AC line is by definition connected to both sides. Otherwise, it's an unbalanced line, which is much more susceptible to noise.
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cleeds
5,943 posts
 
tubes444

... You can start at your Master breaker panel. I installed Square-D Hospital grade 30AMP breaker ... I’ve used Sq-D 30AMP single pole/Dual function-CAFCI/CFCI

No it doesn’t require an electrician ...  If you don’t have a ground rod. Home Depot carries them. Even if you are a renter ...

I'm not sure what the benefit of a 30A breaker is in residential use where (in the U.S.) a 20A receptacle would be the largest single-phase outlet allowed under many local codes and, I'm pretty sure, the NEC. Moreover, the 30A breaker creates  hazard, because the rest of the circuit (especially the receptacle) isn't rated for 30A. That's a potential fire hazard.

A grounding rod bonded to the service panel is required by code and, often, code requires two rods. If there's no rod, you should contact an electrician or, if you're a renter, your landlord.
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