To power strip or not

@phusis

My experience is there is not a one size fits all answer.  If you happen to have really clean power, then you can probably utilize a "non audiophile" sanely priced type of power strip.

Therefore, I'd suggest that you buy a returnable audiophile device and one of the better tripp lite models and see if you can detect a difference.


I live in an area where I am fortunate enough to have clean power and am not using an audiophile device as I could not hear an improvement. The power strip is grounded  and all of my devices (player, preamp, power amp, subwoofer) are plugged into it and they are grounded as well.  I have zero hum and great sound.  This is the model I am currently using...but again, you should run your own trial.


https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Right-Angle-Protection-TLP810NET/dp/B00005T3Q2/ref=sr_1_7?crid=29Z...

I use a Wiremold UL210BC ten-outlet power strip, which does not provide any surge suppression or filtering. It is plugged into a two-outlet Audience aR2p surge suppressor/power conditioner, which mounts directly on the wall outlet. To minimize the possibility that high frequency noise that may be fed back into the power strip by my digital components or power amp may couple into other components via the power strip I have a Shunyata Venom Defender plugged into an outlet on the power strip. Although with my particular components the Venom Defender doesn’t seem to be making much difference. (In that regard it may be relevant that my amplifier operates in class A, and therefore does not draw amounts of current that fluctuate significantly with the dynamics of the music, in contrast to class AB or D amplifiers).

I am happy with the results. Like the previous poster I live in an area having clean power.

Regards,
-- Al

I use a pair of Furman 6B-SS power blocks simply for surge protection and convenience. Didn't notice any audio improvement or degradation but i have the comfort of protecting my gear and the added simplicity of disconnecting my whole system from power with the flick of a switch. Great piece of mind when I'm traveling or otherwise away from home. Got em both new for $66. Cheap, effective protection.

J.Chip

What I did, not that anyone cares, is buy a box of good-quality ac duplex outlets like the ones in your walls, some 14 or 12 gauge wire like the wire in your walls, and a good power cord, and build a little frame/enclosure for it all.  So the outlets on the contraption are exactly the same as the outlets on your wall. 

And unless you are the kind of person who tears down his walls to install audiophile power cables, it's probably within the range of good enough.

@phusis - "power strips" have a place in a system, but you have to be careful...
- I only use a power bar for source components, because they draw less current and tend to have less of an impact on other source components
- I recommend plugging the amp directly into the wall

Of all the commercially available products,  I would ONLY use Furutech products.

But being a DIYer I build my own...
- I use high quality metal plug boxes
- I use Pass & Seymour MRI plugs - regular hospital grade will also do
- I use a breaker in the box - just in case
- I use high grade bulk cable from furutech
- I wire the plugs to a central "bus" - do not wire them in parallel
- I use Sonar Quest mains connectors

I do not use any kind of filter or surge protector, but I do have a surge protector on my electrical panel - which seems the best place for it.

What to look for in a power strip...
- a metal case
- sockets that really grip the plug tight
- a resettable breaker
- an IEC connector - allows you to easily use a good power cable

Anything else (like surge protectors, phone/LAN sockets and antenna sockets)  is just "fluff" and drives up the price.

My panel surge protector cost $150 (installed) and is much better than anything in a power bar. More expensive versions are available for sensitive audio gear.

If line noise is a problem then you should invest in a very good power conditioner/regenerator, but that's a whole different conversation. 

Hope that helps - Steve