Moscode 401HR vs Pass Labs X150.5

Tvad's idea is solid, but if you are mortified of electricity like me, most power products, including the PS Audio, are available either direct or from resellers that will offer a generous return option. If the device doesn't fix your issues, just return it. You could be out shipping charges, though.

You guys are great! The electrician is coming Tuesday with a multimeter and we shall see what the story is. Regrdless, from what I have read on the PS Audio Premier Power Plant, I have no doubt that would both protect my gear AND noticeably improve the sound. But first things first. Its just a question of where my limited funds are best spent now.

Well, the electrician came by today and tested all the outlets, circuits and breakers.... Long story short, he will be replacing the breaker that controls the circuit on which my equipment is running. And I am going to run an extension cord from my power strip (into which I have all of my source compnents plugged in; TV, Comcast box, DVD player, CD player, Laptop, External Drive, Wii, and Squeezebox) into an outlet which runs on another breaker in another room.

Bottom line. My electrical is fine for an apartment building, which by its very nature has inferior voltage stability to a freestanding home). He said I may have too many things running on the same circuit. So, I will leave the amp, the Integra pre-pro and the Nova (preamp/DAC) running on the current circuit with a new breaker. And the rest will run on another circuit. This may improve things. It certainly shouldn't hurt.

I can always buy that PS Power Plant... Or buy another amp and see what that does.

UPDATE: So... after receiving my Peachtree Nova back from service two weeks ago, I am happy to report the following;

1) On the advice of Johnny Rutan and Wally from Underwoord Hifi, I attached a cheater plug on the end of the power cord of the ARC 100.2 in an effort to squash the annoying buzz/hum that has been plaguing my system since the amp's arrival. And....SUCCESS!! Dead nuts quiet. Cost: $5.99 from Radio Shack.

2) I purchased a pair of higher quality interconnects from Paul and Judy Speltz at AntiCables with the Eichmann bullet plugs (all copper), and boy what a difference. But still, my system was still hovering in the "average" zone, albeit the high end of that zone. Cost: $150

3) Finally, I purchased a French-made Phillips 6922 tube from Brent Jesse per Brent's recommendation to replace the stock tube in the Nova, and - I TRULY can't believe this -... I don't know how else to say this.... but HOLY F--KING SH-T!!! Suddenly, the bottom end and mid-bottom range opened up, deepened, sharpened - I could hear the subleties of every note coming from every bass instrument on every recording I played, The soundstage expanded to fill the room, the dynamics were explosive, the texture of strings, harmonies and voices floated through the air and resolved naturally into space. It felt at times like the entire band was playing in my room, and at other times, like just a single performer was singing or playing from like seven feet away, five feet off the ground and maybe three feet left of center. It was eerie! It was AWESOME!! Thank you Brent!!! (Of course I am neither affiliated with or related to Mr. Jesse in any way, haha!!) Total cost: $110.

I would say to every Nova or Decoo2 owner out there, (so much for pleasantries) you are an IDIOT if you don't swap out the tube in the Nova with this one! For an extra $100 it is like I now have a high end tube preamp that is allowing the rest of my system to shine through. For the time being, it appears my worries and frustrations are over. Thank the Lord - and thank ALL of you for your kind, thoughtful and helpful suggestions in my quest for audio nirvana. The Audiogon community ROCKS!!

I now surrender the podium. Happy listening to all, and to all a good night.