Dedicated line questions...

I'd be curious to hear what a benchmark smps does. They strongly argue that their switching supply is actually better than a linear one. Like you I have my doubts, but would love to learn otherwise. Who wants to devote an entire line to switching supplies??

I’m going to try a Decware ZLC in my setup and see how it sounds. Part of my issue is living in CO, thunderstorms are a very real deal. I asked Steve a few questions about his ZLC and it seems to be a very nice, well thought out product, that will handle potential spikes. I am also going to install a whole house surge protector. I just think that is a smart idea. It will be a few weeks before I get the ZLC. It will be interesting. I am also auditioning a couple of Sutherland engineering battery phonostages, the DC concept intrigues me and seems like an excellent isolation solution.

Congrats. Please do report back!

I have read through this post and I noticed some folks here use both lines from the distribution panel.   That is, line 1, line 2, neutral, and earth, such as would be wired when using the Southwire 10 awg, 3 wire.  Since line 1 and line 2 are opposite in phase for North America (and anywhere else where split phase lines are used) that means hum is more likely to occur since the outlets are no longer identical polarization.   If you are using an isolation transformer and feeding it 240 VAC then stepping it down to 120VAC, then this doesn't apply.   But if you don't have an isolation step down transformer, then you might get some hum.   I see the point for 10 awg wire and a dedicated line, but I don't see the point for using both lines without a transformer.   That really is counterproductive.