Practical Power Approaches


I am something of a power skeptic. I've heard some differences in sound depending on whether a particular component is plugged into a power conditioner vs. directly in the wall, and between basic home-made power cords.

But I'm reluctant to try expensive power accessories because it seems like the prices are insane.

I'm not interested in theory about why these things do or don't work unless it's actionable and not brand-specific.

I'm wondering if any cheapskates has cost-effectively optimized the power delivery end of things. I already have a fairly basic "power conditioner = surge + noise suppression" and a vanilla surge protector for my monoblocks that sound better that way than through the conditioner. I've also got my system on a dedicated 20A circuit.

What else is worth doing for minimal expense while saving up for acoustic treatments?
auxetophone
I recommend an industrial isolation transformer like I use. You can find them sometimes on Ebay or through surplus stores at a higher price like this: http://www.surplussales.com/transformers/IsolationXmers-3.html.

I have found that the ideal transformer seems to be a 5.0 kVA .0005 pF.

Chuck
Elizabeth is a true Pangea "fangirl".She uses them not only on her audio system but also on her computer,printer,refrigerator,freezer,table lamps,blow dryer and curling iron!!!!!!! :)
2nd vote for what Chuck said & for not feeding the crooks silly money.
My approach, dedicated circuit, Richard Gray power conditioner (bought used here), walmart or wherever I shop 1st 12 gauge extension cords as needed, stock pcs.
Insane?

Please... explain exactly what is not insanely priced in high end audio?

My exp has proven to my ears that the more one puts into one's system.... anywhere.... the better it can perform.

The VD Power III is a very straight forward dynamic power cord.

Voodoo Cable LLC offers many very capable ones at reasonable costs. I've owned/own both. I'm quite pleased with them too.

I own more pricey ones too. They indeed outperform any of the lower priced cords I've tried out. Easily.

So perhaps you should define just what "insanely priced" means to you.

you might just want to begin with installing a better outlet on your ded ckt first. They go from $35 & up.

The post on adding a 5KW inline commercial iso former is a good thought too.

I've found as well, addressing either end of the system far more beneficial too.... address the middle last. Sources and amps seem to achieve higher levels of performance more handily than inserting something pricey into the middle if it's power oriented of course.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze22yzp/id10.html
(links may not work properly now)

This is what I did, before I found that site. Have a 5 KVA and a 2 KVA that cost about $100 each, not including shipping. They're in a closet with a subpanel. They are fed 240V into the 480V taps. It's sometimes possible to feed them with 120V but, if they complain by getting hot and noisy, STOP that. For safety, I use hospital grade GFCI outlets. I even bought a regulated 1000W Sola MCR portable for $20 but those are noisy. For CDP's or other low power draws, a simple Hammond 500W is plenty, although not balanced. Balanced output derates the output current by half.

There is NEC provision for balanced power but not CSA. Grounding remains intact.

I've got 3 amps, crossovers, etc. and not a hint of noise or ground loop. Got a couple power cords from Ultimate Cables.

Some background with a wee bit of bias from Furman.
http://www.contractorsav.com/article/2006/11/07/ac-power