amplifier power consumption

It sounds to me like what you need is not a ups per se, but a power regenerator.

As was said earlier, some higher-end ups's will provide that function, by converting the incoming ac to dc, and then converting the dc to a clean 60Hz sine wave.

Something like the PS Audio Power Plant Premier will also do that, without providing the battery backup function. But a cheapo ups will not do that, as has been said, and also creates a risk of damaging your equipment if the ac drops out.

Also, I'm wondering if the buzzing might be due to a ground-loop issue, or to rfi pickup that is specific to your new location. Are you using the same interconnect cables as at your former location? If they are unbalanced (rca) cables, and if they are either significantly longer than the ones you had been using, or if they are a different make or model, that might have increased the likelihood of ground loop issues.

And if there are any nearby dimmer switches, try turning them off as they can introduce distortion on the power lines as well as rfi.

Regards,
-- Al

Hi again, Al

No, no new cables... cables are routed cleanly... standard cable with rca ends... no dimmers...

yes, i was under the impression that both these people were talking about a power regenerator built into a ups (or that all ups' were power generators, more specifically).

I also make a point to turn off everything - even shut off my fridge at the fuse box - just to to get the best sound...which ends up still being mediocre at best anyway.

Are you sure the buzzing is not due to a ground loop issue? The way to check it is with a ground isolator plug adapter (isolates the third prong). Your condo electrical system may not be wired or grounded properly.

Tonywise -

funny you should mention that. I was sitting around, trying to 'enjoy' some tunes the other night..fiddled around w/ the wiring a bit...Turned the amp off for a few moments and when it was turned back on, the left channel began crackling. Upon touching the volume knob to turn it down, there was a static discharge that made the left channel cut back in.

I talked about this with both an audiophile friend and an electrician; the audiophile mentioned the possibility of ground look, so i'm going to go grab a cheater plug and check things out. Beyond that, the electrician suggested lack of grounding in the condo and offered to check it out for me.

Something is definitely amiss and, after all your comments and my further observations, it seems as though i was originally barking up the wrong tree.

This is definitely an exercise of my patience. At least I have something to work with at this point.

Is there a way to calculate or estimate an amplifiers consumption with the specs posted by the manufacturer about it? I'm looking for a number either @ idle or ballpark consumption when it has a load. The reason I ask is that I'm looking at a Vincent Audio SP-993 amplifier but I can't power consumption specs about it. I went onto Vincent's site and couldn't find anything either. Normally I just use my Kill-A-Watt but where the amp is I can't easily go there and measure it myself.

Thanks in advance.