Will power conditioning really help?


Been reading alot about SB2 etc and how having clean power really makes an impact on sound quality. Can someone go in depth for a newbie and explain why this is so? Do I just need a power conditioner or is there work to be done on the actual oulets and power system? How should I incoporate these benefits in my current system?

Totem Rainamakers
Nad c320bee
Modded SB2

P.S. Due to room constraints and lack of space I do have both my computer system and audio and t.v cable box. What can I do in this situation to improve power?

Thanks everyone.
daimbert
i would ask you this,what made you think you needed help with power issue's in your system to begin with,i mean are you trying to correct a noticed issue within the way the system sound's or looking for a dramatic sonic benifit as some have described.

unless you hear something that you attribute to power issue's then i would reccomend to either be happy with the gear you have or upgrade a component instead with the cash.
Daimbert,

Let me see if I can point you in the right direction. I have a similar situation with space constraint. I have a 2-channel set-up, with a TV and cable box in the same room (not connected into the audio set-up). Unfortunatley these are not dedicated and won't be since I rent. In fact, one 20 amp circuit breaker controls 7 duplex outlets, including two in my listening room.

I also live in CA which is electricity hell. Lots of surges and noise on the lines, not just from the lines coming into my home, but since I live in a triplex, my immmediate neighbors. Here is what I have done so far:

1. I use a Running Springs Audio Haley for power conditioning that is plugged into the duplex outlet closest to my system. It has enough outlets for all my equipment, including the amp, is non-coloring and non-current limiting.
2. I use a RidgeStreet Audio Z-der block on the power conditioner. This is a power correction device that ensures among other things, that current does not lag behind voltage.
3. For the TV and cable box I use a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet that is plugged into the another duplex outlet in the room.
4. I just ordered the Electroclear products from Quantum. I am going to put these on the spare outlet on the duplex my refrigerator is plugged into, the duplex outlet closest to where the power comes into house, and on the spare outlet on the duplex that my power conditioner is plugged into.
5. Lastly, I am looking into a variac. This is a device that allows you to monitor the voltage coming in from the wall and adjust it to match the voltage of the audio component(s). Implementing this will be a bit of a challenge, but it is doable. The issue is I have to find a quiet variac so that it doesn't add to the problem while trying to solve it.

Power regeneration devices like APS, Exact Power and PS Audio operate similar to a variac in that they take the power from the source and regenerate it to 120 volts. Some of these devices like the PS Audio allow you to set the voltage. The problem with these is that they can be current limiting, limit the number of available watts, and/or color the sound.

As Tvad stated this is a good time to do some research here. First, establish a budget, then read about the various types of solutions, then try before you buy. Many of these vendors offer trial periods on their products, especially PS Audio. Take them up on their offer and see how the products affect your situation.
It is simply the garbage in garbage out principle.

Electricity come in from the wall, and your audio gear converts that electricity, which goes to your speakers causing them to move and create sound. If the electricity has a sound already (noise), then that will affect the conversion that happens in the audio gear.

Plug a television into the same wall plug as a refrigerator while it is running and see what happens to the picture and the sound.
I used a PS Audio UPC 200 in my system on and off for about 12 months; did not like it. My system sounded more veiled with the UPC 200 than without it; so I sold it.

Chuck