Should Amps be plugged into a power conditioner?

With a correctly designed power conditioner like a transformer based unit, which actually takes you off the grid, you are much better off plugging your amplifiers into the power conditioner.. This type of power conditioner does not limit dynamics at all, as long as you get the proper size transformer for your system. As a dealer, we have tried many power conditioners, but the ones that we sell are very effective.

That being said, if you live in the middle of nowhere, and have no electrical noise on your line, you can get very nice sound by plugging your amplifiers directly into the wall.

Of course you can and should use a power conditioner but it does depend on which one. I can recommend the Audience power conditioners or at a less expensive price the Puritan PSM156. Which does DC removal as well.

The main reason I don't think amps should ever be plugged into a power conditioner is that I enjoy having them repaired after lightning strikes.

Packing up my 60 to 150 lb. beast, putting in the car, paying for shipping, waiting on the techs to diagnose and get me a repair estimate is something I really look forward to.

I especially look forward to getting a temporary amp, hauling it into my rack or it's place on the floor and then removing it and replacing it with the repaired unit.

Putting the repaired unit back into my rack makes me feel like I just got a brand new amplifier, and yet I only paid half that in repair and shipping bills!!

A total win in terms of money and effort for me.

The main reason I don't think amps should ever be plugged into a power conditioner is that I enjoy having them repaired after lightning strikes.

@erik_squires  , are you making a case for surge protection or for power conditioners?

I use a PS Audio P-12 PowerPlant on a dedicated circuit for my Pass Labs 150.8. There is a noticeable improvement in soundstage depth when in use. I tried a number of “conditioners” and all had a detrimental effect as compared to the PowerPlant and direct connection to the wall.