2. cables
  3. 176223-125055

Power Conditioning - How Important for Digital and Analog Source Components vs Amp?

I have two questions:  1) Is it worth installing power conditioning ONLY for my source components, and if so, 2) should I plan to use the same grade of power cords to my sources as I have with my amp (Gryphon Diablo 300)....

How impactful is using a conditioner (say an Audioquest Niagara 1200) on source components, as compared with amplifiers?  Is it worth getting a conditioner ONLY to use for my source components while leaving my Diablo 300 connected directly to the wall (as recommended by Gryphon)?

I can hear major differences with different brands of power cords connected to my Diablo 300, and I'm wondering if I need to invest in the same grade of power cables (3 of them!) for my conditioner (AQ 1200 potentially), turntable (VPS Prime 21), and digital source (Innuos Zenith Mk 2).  Can I cheap out a bit on the source power cords, or are these source power cords just as important as the power cord to my amp?

And finally, if I am JUST using the conditioner for my sources, do I still use a high-current power cord to the conditioner itself?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

 

 

 

nyev
gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 

My 2 cents-

Amps and high current devices should be plugged directly into the wall.

The rest should go into a good conditioner, like the AQ 1200.

And, if you are concerned about power surges, put a whole house surge protector by the mains.

Bob

spenav
428 posts
 

@nyev 
I see what you mean by all dirtiness being equal: in your particular situation; it’s hard to know. If it is fairly clean, you won’t need much to get you over the humps. At any rate the AQ 1200 is as good a place to start as any. The reviews are generally favorable on it. If it has enough outlets for your needs, give it a try. It’s not  outrageously priced. As far as power cords, if you have a favorite, the way to go is to try it on all like components (sources or amps).  The characteristics that you favor will only be emphasized more. While there is nothing wrong with using different brands of cables, a lot of people stick with one brand for every thing.  As @steakster said there is no magic bullet, you are on the right path. Enjoy the process also. 

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

Thanks for the advice all.  Just did a first quick comparison with and without the AQ 1200 for my InnuOS streamer, and I definitely heard an improvement with the conditioning, albeit a small one.  It was the same effect all across the frequency range, with better clarity and definition.

I have will have a superior power cord going into my Diablo, than I do going into the conditioner.  Debating whether to go through the hassle of testing how much difference an upgraded power cord will make for the AQ 1200! 

ghdprentice
7,012 posts
 

Trying a conditioner is important. Most of the time it makes an improvement, occasionally it doesn’t. 
 

My most recent upgrade in power (over the last year).

Biggest effect first:

1) Amplifier Power cord (I spent many months on this… to get it right)

2) Direct line (10 gauge direct to,amp)

3) Power Conditioner to all non-amplifier components

4) Diect line to non-amplifier components

5) Finally power cords to all non-amplifier components

 

1 - 4 we’re all really… really important… not sure the order is correct at all. 

 

 

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

I completely agree with your list ghdprentice and yes power cord to amp makes SO much difference. Can make or break a system.

what is still a mystery to me is how important the cord going TO the conditioner is. Is this a place that you can skimp out a LITTLE? Because, I would think that the cords taking the conditioned power to the source components would be much more important than the cord going to the conditioner?

More to discover