Dedicated outlets vs Power Conditioner


Would like to know opinions of people who have compared plugging components into a dedicated outlet vs a power conditioner. I currently have 2 dedicated lines, one line is shared by my monoblocks, the other I have an MIT Z center conditioner. The transport, Dac, turntable, and preamp are all plugged into the MIT. I have the option to add another dedicated line, if so I am considering plugging all directly into dedicated lines and remove the MIT. Has anyone done this before? I could do the evaluation myself except my power cords are currently too short for my preamp and dac to reach my dedicated outlet. Also has anyone ever had equipment damaged from a power surge? Thoughts on this would be appreciated.
128x128dmailer
Bob speaks wisely because Bob speaks from experience. Much like Sugar, he has "felt the heat" from lightning strikes / surges first hand. Ask him about the $4K amp that went "bye-bye" last summer....

Glen, out of curiosity, do you or other members have some type of voltage monitoring device running at all times ? If so, what are you running ? I have randomly ( VERY randomly ) checked voltages here and found that it hovers right around 122 - 123 volts most of the time. Since i typically leave multiple systems plugged in and running most of the time, i probably should pay more attention to such things.

As to the original thread, the answer is "YES". Use both but experiment to see what works best plugged in where. While the dedicated lines do produce a "buffer zone" of isolation from other electrical noise generators within the house, they are all tied back into a common feedpoint. Besides that, there will still be noise coming in from the outside line feeding your service entry.

The obvious considerations when using some type of PLC is current draw and current limitation. As such, most PLC's can limit current, especially on brief but intense peaks. Besides that, anything that uses a switching power supply or digital circuitry is putting noise back into the line. If you can isolate those from the "non digital" devices, you may also help things out. Since digital gear is typically pretty power efficient, you may not need a PLC rated for much power at all to get the job done with those specific devices. Sean
>
I agree the answer is a combination of everything. This includes using parallel filters like those made by Audio Prism, Richard Gray and Blue Circle. You need to figure out for yourself using your own ears what that combination is. I don't have a dedicated line (yet) but the only thing on the circuit with my main system is the outside porch, garage and inside front foyer lights. Since these lights are never left on, the audio system is the only thing running on that circuit. The other wall in that room has outlets on another circuit, so my lights in that room, etc and are plugged in there.
Hey Sugarbrie I'll bet your electronics get a real jolt when you trigger the 1/2 hp garage door opener.
Sean,
I just put my fluke meter on the breakers last weekend after I finished running some dedicated circuits. Everytime I do it reads off the chart. I'm thinking of rigging a meter that would plug into one of my dedicated outlets to give me a constant reading. I swear the power is totally wacked around here.
I think that Rat Shack used to offer some type of voltage monitoring device that was designed to be plugged in at all times. Had an LCD display that was easily visible and was housed in a little "project box" type cabinet. Anyone know of something similar and reasonably priced ? Sean
>