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Extra power or cleaner power?

I'm putting a system together and am thinking through some of the factors which might contribute to the overall sound quality. I realize that testing things out as I go is the best way, so I'm asking this question not to get advice about what to do next but to understand how folks understand and weigh these factors.

Let's start with a predicted factor -- the speakers. From the speaker description:

Anticipated speakers: Salk SS 6M
Response +/- 3db — 35Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity — 90 db
Impedance — 8 ohms
Amplification — 50 watts (or 30wpc, tube amp)
Alignment — Front slot port
Dimensions — 9 W x 20 H x 14 D

Some (atma-sphere, decooney) have suggested on this forum that even a 60 wpc tube would be great for these speakers. So, here's my question —

Assume that I could get a very good 40 wpc tube amp to drive these speakers to sufficient listening levels (85 db at about 10 feet), for my kind of music (jazz, classical), and peaks in my (400 sq ft) listening space.

With these assumptions, the question becomes one of priorities. I could either spend additional dollars to (a) buy a more powerful amp or (b) spend that money on a power regenerator. Also assume that if I do *not* buy a regenerator, I'd still do *something* to improve the power (some kind of improvement but much less expense).

The question is: with those assumptions, what do you think would add more to the sound quality? More power or cleaner power?

Perhaps this is an impossible theoretical question to answer. If so, I'd like to know that, too!

Thanks!
128x128hilde45
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
Thanks to further commenters. I'll research what you've added. It's clear that this should be a later consideration, and whatever I decide -- for whatever amount -- the tips about audio hygiene (e.g. how to separate things) seems enduring.

Some of you have settled into a final listening space, and have run the lines you need. As my system builds, I have a listening space in mind. But as we also draw up plans to renovate our basement, there may be future spaces for my gear. The renovation presents inexpensive opportunities to run dedicated lines from the get-go, and I'm glad to anticipate that with any architect we hire.

Still, in the meantime, I wanted to know if a simple appliance might serve, and it seems that there may be some question about that. Settling the amp, first, is the general (if not unanimous) consensus.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I've used a Panamax power conditioner/ surge protector for over 20 years. I've lived in houses with dedicated circuits and without for my system, have had different  components through the years but always had the panamax just got a new one last year. In all that time no matter where I  lived or if it was connected to a dedicated circuit I've never noticed any noise or hum in any components never noticed collapsed sound stages hooked to it or not, actually never really had any problems. Just my take on it of course I never ran 1.5kw mono amps where a 20a dedicated circuit might be worthwhile. 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
@djones51 Thanks for the rec. It's hard to know what advice to take, especially when people have different amps, rooms, and expectations for their system. I really do not expect my system to be huge, with huge power requirements. I know that some systems here are enormously complicated affairs, complete with NSA level tweaks. I'm not planning on going there with my hobby, though no disrespect to those who do. I'll look at the Panamax.

woots's avatar
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woots
295 posts
 
I would vote for more power; HOWEVER, it will all depend on your room which you should consider as well.  Some rooms are more acoustically satisfying than others so I’d recommend you consider that early in your buying cycle.  
decooney
1,996 posts
 
Exactly. hilde45 also shared in another thread - he’s starting in a smaller room vs. future larger room (maybe), and this is where less vs. more power topic came up too relative to people asking about power and room size relative to his selected 90db efficiency speakers.
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