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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.
jiminlogansquare
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
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...
valleyplastic
149 posts
 
You should first consider dedicated lines ( if possible ) before any LC is added. Many LC will color your sound as mentioned.
lifeengineer
55 posts
 
Start at the beginning,ie circiuit panel with a environmental potentials 2050.Look at their website and it says that probably 90% as you suspect comes from your own house.I have this unit and its a great place to start as it also helps with all of the other electronics you may have as well as surge protection,etc.,especially for those who are running tesla coils for educational and recreational purposes(ha).
fafafion
190 posts
 
you might get the answer here;

http://hifi-unlimited.blogspot.com/2009/09/power-of-silence-more-adventures-with.html
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Does your system sound better at night? If so then I would first suggest dedicated circuits (if possible) first. I just had dedicated circuits added and all I can say is WOW. A couple of weeks later I added a Topaz isolation transformer. I honestly can say the transformer made little to no difference. I do not mean to say the transformer isn't doing its job but the dedicated circuit made the biggest difference. According to the Topaz specs it does reduce normal mode noise (hot to neutral) by -65db and common mode noise (neutral to ground) by -146db. So an isolation transformer is another option. It is strictly for isolation and does not limit current (except for what it is rated at). It has no filters.
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