How can I improve my electric power situation.


My current set up is:
N804's
Krell KAV 300i
Krell 250 cd/2
Ayre QB-9
MD 100 tuner
Shunyata Research Hydra-6
My problem is that my system is too far (25 ft.) from an electric outlet. I am using two long extensions (hardware store) to supply elec. to my components. I live in an apt. and can't do any rewiring. Can I improve this situation?
atj2
that's a tough one.

You need to make sure your outlet is supremely good and your cord is rock solidly connected to the outlet (PS Audio Soloist, Porter Ports, or the like). Then I would get a reasonably priced shielded cable from Signal Cable for the full length you need and run that to a PS Audio Duet (4 ports). I would not plug anything into the other port at the source, and find out what else is on that circuit, and take those off if at all possible.

from the PS Audio Duet I would plug in power amps directly, and I would sell the Hydra and buy an APC S-20. It is great conditioning, and back up. That means you never run out of juice, even when the power goes off you can power things down one at a time. In fact, looking at your system, you could just go a PS Audio Soloist at the wall, to the Signal Cable power cord, to the APC s-20 and plug everything into that. I think you would see a huge improvment.

I have not used them, but I have buddies who live in apartments and swear by the PS Audio Noise Harvesters to help knock out noise in situations with multiple wiring.

Good luck
While not a solution to your problem, I'd get a 'Kill-A-Watt' power meter.
This will give you power line voltage, current draw, power factor, VA / Watts and total power drawn by system while plugged in...with an hour meter.

These things are very cheap. like 25$ or so.

At least you will be able to satisfy yourself that you are not dragging the line down. Also, in an apartment, you are not likely to be able to crank it to the point of putting a dent in what power you CAN get.

Use premium extension cords. 12/3 would be where I started. The cheesy 14/3 stuff won't cut it.

I HAVE and use the PSAudio Soloist outlet...had an electrician install it. Good stuff, but I don't know how that helps you.
Thanks for your input. I am going to check those options out, especially the Signal Cable power cord. I also noticed, or did not notice, any improvement in my system after I got the Shunyata unit (6 years ago). What advantage would the PS Audio Duet have over the Shunyata 6? My system can sound rough, or edgy, but I think it is my amp. And I need some additional room treatment. I appreciate your thoughts and ideas. Gives me some direction.