2. amps-preamps
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electrical isolation of amp and other gear

I have a question about power and isolation involving an amp and other gear. Apologies if this is not the right forum.

I have (or will soon have) 3 primary audio devices:
- Pass Labs XA30.8 amp
- Lampizator Golden Gate DAC (with volume control)
- Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer

My understanding is that that recommendation is to electrically isolate digital gear from analog gear (in terms of lines, outlets, power conditioners, etc.) However, both of the digital units that I have use linear power supplies, so I wonder if that isolation is still necessary in my case.

I also have a Furman Elite-20pfi power conditioner in which I plug some other devices (SonicTransporter that feeds the streamer as well as pro audio/guitar gear unrelated to the hi-fi system). So, with the above gear, I will have a total 4 devices to plug into the wall (the amp and DAC tend to sound better plugged into the wall then through the power conditioner).

I have 3 dedicated lines. Each one has different outlets - Furutech GTX-D NCF(R), SR Blue, Maestro. I’ll plug the power conditioner into one of them. My question is how should I group the other two? Here are some options:

- amp in 1 outlet, DAC and streamer together on 1 outlet, power conditioner on 1 outlet
- amp in 1 outlet, DAC 1 outlet, power conditioner on 1 outlet, streamer in an isolated bank in the power conditioner.

Are there other options that I should be considering? If there is no advantage to isolating gear with linear power supplies, I might as well go with the first option. At the end of the day, I’ll let me ears do the final judging. However, with all the possible options as well as the combinations of mating different pieces of gear with different outlets, there are a ton of permutations and combinations. So, I’m looking for general guidelines as a starting point.
strats
erik_squires
16,121 posts
 
The Furman unit you have has multiple filtered banks, so you can definitely use it for all your gear.

With the DAC, it is recommended by PS Audio, and I concur, to use shielded AC cables to keep the digital component noise emitted down. Even if you use a linear power supply ( a good idea ) DAC's are essentially computers with linear outputs. Digital tech can produce a lot of EMI/RFI which can possibly escape the power supply.
jea48
4,446 posts
 
Pass Labs XA30.8 amp plugged directly into a dedicated branch circuit wall outlet. Preferably a dedicated 20 amp circuit.
https://www.passlabs.com/press/power-supplies-commentary-consumers

Audio equipment that connects together by wire interconnects.
Make sure all dedicated circuits are fed from the same Line, leg, from the electrical panel. All from Line 1 (L1) or all from Line 2 (L2).
You can verify 100% with a multimeter set on AC volts. Also check any power conditioner to make sure the AC phase polarity on the output outlets are in phase with the other wall outlets for the other audio equipment plugged into those dedicated circuit outlets.
Jim

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Post removed 
erik_squires
16,121 posts
 
Yeah, cross contamination is still a possible issue.

I like to use the cheapest Furman with LiFT and SMP for those digital sources.


https://amzn.to/2HEq6pC

This puts them 2 filters away from my audio, and compared to a lot of audiophile power strips, a real bargain.
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