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This Whole AC noise thing...SOLUTION!

I've been spending hours researching the whole issue of AC noise/distortion finding its way into our stereo systems......My conclusion is it is VERY real.    I've also concluded that any of the generally supported methods of removing it are at best ineffective and at worse nonsense.    There are simply WAY too many devices in our house and our neighbors houses that generated unwanted AC noise.....Through the power cables AND airborne.    Various power conditioners and better cables can mitigate the issue, but they can not totally eliminate it. And the older your houses wiring, the older the transformer on the pole outside and the older the wires coming into your house...The issues thatr your neighbors might have in their house...The worse the problem is.    But I think there is a solution.....Disconnect from the GRID entirely! In the last few years, the Lithium battery powered portable generator industry has been on a roll.....These devices have gotten bigger and better at far reduced price.    Basically what they are is a large Lithium battery and a well regulated DC to AC inverter all in one box...Not connected to anything but your stereo...You charge it with an AC charger when you are not listening to your system, and unplug the charger when you are listening...or, if you have the room, you charge it with a few solar panels.    If you are the DIY type you can buy a few LiFo cells, a BMS (battery management system) a good charger and a quality DC to AC inverter for around $2000....Loads of YouTube videos on this. Search Will Prowse on YT and plan on spending a few hours!    Be aware, this will not solve the RF noise issue from devices sending noise through the air to your cables....Short interconnect length, shielded AC cables and disconnecting as many wall warts, USB adapters and compact and LED lights will greatly help.    Comments?
rbertalotto
sns
3,006 posts
 
Yes, I was using lithium ion battery portable generator on various audio equipment for some time. I long run I preferred running that equipment through my ac power conditioner.
I suspect the inverters within these generators create their own noise which affects sound quality. Also, I find audiophile AC receptacles to be effective, these generators use pretty poor receptacles. I'd bet on audiophile lithium ion battery pack on its way.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,828 posts
 
I guess there's no easy solution after all; and certainly not a cheap one.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Everyone always falling into the same trap of thinking there is "a" "solution". There is never one. And it is never solved. There is only ever good and better. Don't look at me, I'm just the one willing to gore the sacred calf. Over and over again.

All there is, is everything matters. You cannot ever "solve" AC. Yes batteries are a lot better. We had a guy last year, had battery power for hurricane or whatever blackouts, he noticed the stereo sounded better on backup. That was using an inverter to get AC from battery DC. Even better is to use the DC from the battery direct into each component.   

Do that and then guess what? There will be something better still. There is no solution. Stop even thinking of it. Serves no purpose. Think only of all the different ways it can be better. Then pick one and do it. 

Which one? Whichever one you can do!

Yes it really is that simple.
ghdprentice
6,591 posts
 
My streamer’s audio circuits run on batteries. Some of the best sounding preamps I have heard run on batteries. But I am afraid Millercarbon is right. Everything matters and there are going to be multiple components to running the battery power which will compromise the sound. I can imagine a line of components each with their own optimized battery power and charging system that may push the state of the art at some point. Doing this with an amp is now possible. Will be interesting to see… hear.
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