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Low AC Line Voltage

Hello all.

I had something very strange happen the other night. My system hasn't been sounding quite right so I decided to try some power cords. I tried 3 Cardas Cross power cables. One on my power amp, one on my preamp and one on my Oppo CD player. I connected them all to an outlet box I had assembled using hospital-grade hardware. I turned everything on and let it warm up for a bit and the sound was totally unbelievable. Big wide open warm detailed spacious deep everything you could possibly ask for. I was totally amazed. The next morning I turned everything back on and tried it again and all of that wonderful sound was gone. It was almost like I had dreamed it. The system was back to sounding harsh and just not fun again. I couldn't figure out what happened. It was that way for several days. I bought a plug-in voltage meter. The voltage is always about a hundred 116 volts or so. This morning it was 123 volts and that wonderful sound was back. Am I crazy or could this possibly be caused from voltage?

Thanks in advance.

Ben

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honashagen
erik_squires
15,988 posts
 
Hi OP!

No, this is pretty common and is why I use mainstream power conditioning. I always can hear when I'm not using my big Furman.

I personally have not heard the specific voltage issues you do, but we are at the mercy of the power company and our neighbors. 116 to 123 V is considered normal regulation. That is, well within the power company's spec. If you want to correct this, you'll need a "voltage regulator." Be careful to check that it will be better than this. Some regulators may do nothing between 115V and 125V.  Lots of power conditioners do no voltage regulation at all. VR takes iron, and is therefore more expensive.

The other thing that may be happening may not be the absolute voltage but the amount of noise coming in.

Best,

E
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Like Erik, my voltage level fluctuates between 116 and 123. While listening it often fluctuates +/- 2V, but I cannot hear any difference nor does my gear complain.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,596 posts
 
You hear better at night. 

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Besides simple voltage fluctuation, there's different amounts of crap on the line at different times of day, different days of the week, and when the weather is different (HVAC in use or not).  The width of the variation will depend on the neighborhood where you live.
honashagen OP
137 posts
 
Back down to 116. Which piece of Furman gear do I need?
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