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Power Strip Question - PLEASE HELP

I need to power my audio system and various electronics from a single duplex outlet. Although this is less than ideal, I need some advice on how to avoid degrading sound quality.

Essentially, I want to buy 2 power strips for the duplex outlet. The first will be used exclusively for my audio system, while the second will be used exclusively for other electronics. Here is the breakdown:

1) Wiremold L10320 Power Strip (9 outlets, 6 foot cord):
- Naim Nait 5i-2 integrated amplifier
- Naim Nait 5i-2 cd player
- Pro-Ject Tube Box II phono pre-amplifier
- Pro-Ject Debut II TT (weak link, I know)

2) XYZ Power Strip:
- Alarm clock
- Phone charger
- External HD
- Laptop computer

My main concern is with the second power strip. I'm worried that these common electronics, being powered on the same line, might degrade the sound quality of my audio system.

Is there any way to limit the interference of these electronics, thus preserving sound quality? For instance, would a power strip with a surge protector limit the interference that these electronics may produce?

If possible, I would like some recommendations for power strips from Allied Electronics, since I will be buying the Wiremold from them (http://www.alliedelec.com/).

I don't have any strict requirements, but I would prefer an inexpensive unit (<$10, if possible) with a short cord.

Thank you so much for the help!
jferreir
clio09
3,355 posts
 
1) If the non-audio electronics are plugged into a separate power strip, but are not operational (i.e. off), will they still cause interference and degrade the sound quality of my system?

2) If I use an extension cord running from a different duplex outlet to power my non-audio electronics, will this resolve the issue?

The answers are yes, and possibly.

Have you evaluated all the elements that are on the same circuit as the outlet you are using? It's easy to test. Just turn of the breaker switch that controls that outlet and see how many other outlets and light switches are affected. If other outlets are affected whatever is plugged into those outlets could cause noise pollution on the circuit. Ditto if there are dimmer or high noise light switches controlled by this circuit.

If you do the extension cord tweak, and it seems to be your best option as far as I can tell based on your budget, you need to make sure you select an outlet that is as isolated as possible. In my scenario I have my gear plugged into two outlets on the same circuit, none of which has any light switches controlled by it and the unused outlets on the circuit have nothing plugged into them.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
Here is an interesting link to someone knowledgeable about the extension cord tweak. Outside of building your own cord, you may want to look into this further:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?fcabl&1242899532&openflup&38&4#38
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,306 posts
 
Honest1 - missed the OP's later post about temporary housing and landlord restrictions.
Jferreir - My thought was to leave one duplex receptacle available for your amp (i.e., plug it directly into wall). Plugging a strip for non-audio devices into the H-10 would take advantage of any isolation the H-10 provided.
theduke
372 posts
 
Dlcockrum is right. You need a conditioner with duplexes which are separate from each other. A perfect choice would be a PS Audio Quintet. Plug your components into each separate power duplex. Plug your non audio stuff into a power strip and plug that into the other wall socket. Also, please don't dismiss conditioners out of hand. The PS Audio one is excellent as are others. Experiment! You can achieve a cost effective solution!
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
The PS Audio would be the best. Just plug everything into the wall listen, have fun, and forget all the stress this is causing you. Life is too short!
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