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Fundamental importance of power management

I have two systems, one is a fairly simple low power computer-based system in an office building environment.  The other is a bit more elaborate home theater system used for mostly 2 channel listening.  I have recrntly focused on upgrading the power management and delivery to both with great rewards.

I have been struck repeatedly by the effect of different power cables in my system, but I was astonished recently by the effect of putting my laptop source, all computer peripherals including external hard drive and sub on a low cost power conditioner strip I had laying around the office for multi media presentations.  Sound was always a little edgy with this system, even though the Audio Engine desktop amp was on a modest Belken power conditioner.  The effect of putting the computer set up and the sub on a separate conditioner in this noisy environment sounded like a major, major equipment upgrade.  

This increased my interest in cleaning things up powerwise ahead of my home system, even though I have a dedicated 30 amp breaker and 10 gauge supply line, and I would not think home power would be as dirty as an office building.  Each step including an upgraded power strip, conditioner and supply cable, replacing switching power supplies with linear supplies, and trying different power cables for gear has increased my enjoyment greatly, and seems to be allowing the character of each component to shine out, reinforcing the positive attributes of each and the whole.  Because this is a home theater, I have more equipment in a relatvely small area compared to an analog only set up, so some of the benefit may be mitigating self inflicted wounds.

So in my experience, power management seems critical, and the foundation all other “solutions” to getting the best sound must be built.  Down with plug and play.


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erik_squires
16,006 posts
 
A lot of my posts are about basic guidelines to power management.


Keep your wall warts out of your analog zone. Use inexpensive shielded cable. Use a coaxial ground isolator for incoming cable TV/antennas.


But I do want to say that at a certain point we end up serving gear which is just too damn delicate. We shouldn't put amps which can discriminate between power cords up on an altar, we should ridicule them as having woefully under designed power supplies.
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knownothing OP
1,570 posts
 
Erik, I think you are getting at this with the shielded cable recommendation and other solutions offered, but to some degree, I think much of the important work of cables is done outside the compent boxes, keeping signals in their appropriate lanes so to speak.  

At home, my HT receiver and sub are plugged directly into the wall and sounds best that way.  All other equipment is run through power strip and conditioned.  But yes, good power supplies reign supreme.
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
After years of trying power cables of different cable geometries - here is the basics of my observations...

Source Components with poorly designed power supplies (generally, most source components under $1000) can benefit the most

More pricey source components ($1000-$2000) that have better desinged power supplies, still benefit from better power cables, but the degree of improvement is less

Well designed solid state amps with large power supplies show the least "amount" of improvement if looking at dynamic performance, bass slam etc - but generally do improve in the areas of clarity and micro details (like venue acoustics). But you need the best power cables around to achieve this.

Tube amps appear to be less sensitive to changes of power cables, because their "heavy lifting" is achieved without drawing large amount of current.

I have tried power conditioners, but found they are of little benefit when compared to a well designed distrbution box, like those from Furutech

Having a dedicated line is the first thing that should be acquired and a quality outlet also.

Quality plugs on all power leads also provide significant improvements.

If your power is really bad then perhaps a re-generator.

I have heard there are other devices that perofrm well, but I like to keep it simple.

I also have pretty good mains power, which helps enormously

Regards - Steve
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sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
@knownothing you have an electrical fire waiting to happen with a 30 amp circuit feeding your equipment. Your home owner’s insurance will not cover a fire due to illegal electrical work such as that. The highest rating for CSA / ULc / UL approved 120 volt AC receptacles is 20 amps. You need to replace that 30 amp breaker with the correct breaker for your receptacle. 
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