Power Conditioning: How Do You Know You Need It?


Like many, I have been considering whether to purchase a power conditioner (e.g., PS Audio Power Plant Premier), that sort of solution for electric noise. Accepting the premise that cleaning the AC will improve the sound, how do I know whether I actually have a problem that needs to be solved? That is, how do I determine whether the AC coming out of my wall outlets is actually dirty, before dropping two large on a device that I might not actually need? Living in Chicago, I would *assume* my electricity is as dirty as it gets, but how would I *prove* that before investing in a power conditioner? And I suspect the real issue may be noise occurring *inside* my home, like my WiFi router, energy-saving compact fluorescent lights, the 6-foot tall Tesla coil I keep running 24/7 "just in case" next to the hamster cage, etc.
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The easiest way to determine such a thing is to ask a local dealer for a loaner unit and install it in your system and if you hear improvements typically assocated with power conditioning equipment (quiter/blacker backgrounds, higher resolution, better soundstaging and imaging, etc...) then you know that you have a problem. A word of caution, though. Some power conditioners rob the music of its speed and dynamic range, almost thickening and slowing down the sonic presentation.
how do I know whether I actually have a problem that needs to be solved?

Try a basic power bar conditioner from Monster on your sources and preamp - they start at only around $100 - if it makes a difference then you should start investigating a proper conditioner. If it makes no difference then you at least have surge protection...
You should first consider dedicated lines ( if possible ) before any LC is added. Many LC will color your sound as mentioned.