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Advice needed on power cables, wall warts, conditioning, electrical outlet

Hi everyone,

I would appreciate any advice on power cables, wall warts, power conditioning, better electrical outlet,  etc. 

If I have a power conditioner, with all of my equipment plugged into it with their stock cables, would upgrading the individual components’ power cable, wall wart etc. really help to improve the sound quality?  If yes, in what order of priority would you suggest?  Looking to make some low/moderate cost "tweaks" where it makes sense.

FWIW, here’s my setup:

  • 15 amp dedicated electrical circuit with standard home grade grounded electrical outlet.
  • Furman PL Plus-C power conditioner (repurposed from my music equipment studio rack) plugged into this AC outlet.  (Furman has a hardwired power cable, so I cannot easily swap it out)
  • All of my audio equipment plugs into the Furman: e.g. integrated tube amp, DAC, Sound Expander, ethernet to optical converter, Sonore Optical Rendu (feeds the DAC via USB), and Small Green Computer Roon server.
  • All components have their respective manufacturers’ standard issue power cord or wall wart.  (Sonore Optical Rendu with their Small Green Computer standard LPS).
  • TrendNet ethernet switch, not on the conditioner and uses wall wart.  CAT 8 to upstairs to my Asus router also wall wart and not on conditioner.
  • Asus router to Verizon FIOS ONT via CAT 8 ethernet.

Any advice and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

bogbeat
ryder
1,697 posts
 

I use Furutech GTX-D Rhodium as well. A revelation in my system.

oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
503 posts
 

I use a PS Audio Power Port Classic AC Receptacle.  Seems to work well in my system.

lordmelton's avatar
lordmelton
877 posts
 

I've never changed my wall socket but I guess I'll give it a try one day.

I'd get a decent power conditioner, Plixir is very good, and then plug your Furman into it, use the Furman like a power extension.

Wall warts are evil excommunicate them.

Plixir or alternative regulated DC power supplies.

I'd buy used power cables until you find a brand that you like. You don't lose money on used cables especially if you buy Cardas etc.

However please understand there are BIG differences between power cables for DACs, Pre-Amps, Power Amps etc.

Power Amps should be plugged directly into the wall socket no power conditioner required.

budburma
345 posts
 

Looks like it's been said - any pc's except the ones that are included will help. Bang for buck in my book goes to Essential Power the Essence and Triode Wire labs. BMI is a perennial favorite of mine - if you can find a Whale Elite, buy it. It will work anywhere in your system.

 

Dynamic Design is also hard to beat and pricier, but good deals can be found. There's a digital Challenger listed here that I want to buy even though I don't have a spot for it! One of DD's digital is on my phono preamp and it sounds terrific - big, quiet, nuanced, etc.

And, yes, your Furman! I like to work from the wall out with cabling, so that's where I'd start, too.

I have some white papers from Vincent Galbo of Plinius/MSB fame for power distribution that I used to wire up my audio. If you (or any of you) are interested, PM me.

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