Power cables and power conditioners
I've searched this topic, but didn't find any clear discussion of my question. If there is one, feel free to point me to it. Otherwise, I'm curious. Having just purchased a new amp and rearranged my cables, etc, I'm wondering if there is value in having a high end PC for my power conditioner(s). I have Ice Age Audio Frankencables for all my gear running from the power conditioners. Well, sort of. I have a PS Audio PowerPlant 12 and a Panamax M5300. My amps, streamer, preamp and sub are connected to the PowerPlant, while gear with wallworts or fixed plugs (MiniDSP EQs, cable box, old CD player) are connected to the Panamax.
In particular, I'm wondering is there a benefit to connecting the PS Audio PowerPlant to the wall with a high quality PC? As a 'regenorator' and not a power conditioner, it is converting my house current to DC and then back to AC.. It seems to me that doing would negate the usual benefit obtained from adding a high quality power cord (but I certainly could be wrong).
And on what I presume to be the opposite end of the spectrum, it seems to me that the gear attached to the Panamax with low quality power cords would negate any benefit (if there even is one) to having a high quality power cord from the wall to the Panamax. But, again, I could be looking at this all wrong.
Enlighten me. Thanks.
I saw an interesting video with a top person at benchmark. He said the order of things which were most important for good sound were, from top to bottom: 1. Room 2. Speakers 3. Amp 4. Preamp, DAC 5. Cables, power. Have you got 1-4 as good as they can be? If not, it's not yet time to worry about power. |
@hilde45 - good advice. I have ##2-4 covered, at least as far as my budget and desires are concerned (my new amp, e.g.). As for the room, I have it addressed it as well as I can; it’s not an ideal listening space in several regards, but the problem areas that exist are architectural ones I can’t change (like a large open archway). So now I’m down to #5. |
@hilde45 - good advice. I have ##2-4 covered, at least as far as my budget and desires are concerned (my new amp, e.g.). As for the room, I have it addressed it as well as I can; it’s not an ideal listening space in several regards, but the problem areas that exist are architectural ones I can’t change (like a large open archway). So now I’m down to #5. |
Generally speaking, in high-end audio the more transparent the audio chain, the more high quality audio cables matters. Transparent components have lower noise floors which usually comes with a higher cost. Lower ambient noise helps as well. So a better PC would likely produce better Sonics, but no guarantee Maybe try a used PC then sell if Sonic uptick is lacking. |
+1 @carlsbad2 I have two PS Audio units (PP10 and PP12). I called tech support about the cable coming in from the wall and was told that at least 12 awg minimum. And if the wiring gauge in the wall is heavier, then match the power cord to that gauge. They also confirmed the key was amperage and not low noise, etc. so @mbarrett635 , your thought about not spending $$$ on high end power cable to the wall was correct. Paul McGowen confirmed this in one of the PS Audio forums as well. I'm using a couple of Pangea AC9's that I had purchased used years ago and they are working fine.
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