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Why does better power = better sound?

Why does improving power quality improve sound quality?

I’m not asking to start an argument about power cords or wall outlets. Please let’s not go there. I’m asking because I’m hoping to learn some technical explanations for the effects of power quality on sound quality. I think I already understand how…

1. greater current availability = greater dynamic range
2. reduction of RFI/EMI = better signal to noise ratio

…but what about these…

3. ???????? = greater perceived resolution
4. ???????? = more realistic instrument timbres
5. ???????? = more precise imaging

Are differences in resolution, instrument timbres, imaging, etc. somehow reducible to current availability and/or powerline noise? If so, HOW are they reducible?

Again, I’m hoping to get into technical specifics, not polemical generalities.

Thanks in advance.

Bryon
bryoncunningham
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,849 posts
 
"They laugh at what we spend to improve the power, yet they aren't getting the sound from their gear that they paid good money for.
They would rather flip amps and gear on a continuing basis,never having really heard the gear they own running the way it should."

Agree clean power only helps and it can be a very cost effective tweak.

I would not go so far as to say that all power related tweaks are necessarily good nor cost effective though.

Like everything involving technology, usually, the devil is in the details. Many may not understand what works and what doesn't when it comes to clean power and shy away. Others that are more educated on the topic probably do.

Buying and selling used certainly can help take a lot of the risk out of trying something just to see even if you have no idea what to expect.
dayglow
2,069 posts
 
Lacee-Well said!!! The power cord/conditioning/outlet debate should have been settled years ago.
bryoncunningham OP
895 posts
 
I agree with you, Lacee. I'm a big believer in improving the quality of AC power. IME, it can have a wide range of positive effects on sound quality, including lower noise, larger dynamic range, greater resolution, more realistic instrument timbres, better imaging focus, etc.. The improvements can be summed up as greater "naturalism."

Bryon
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
IMHO, there is no denying that cleaner power = better sound, the question comes to how far one is willing to go. I went to a fellow audiophiles home to buy an amp and he was kind enough to show me his various systems. WOW!! The most incredible setup I've ever seen in my life!! It made my $100K system feel modest by comparison.

He had even gone to the trouble of installing commercial grade isolating transformers in his basement. These puppies weighed over 500 pounds each!! He claimed that after he installed these he could no longer hear any sonic differences between power cords. Hmmmm.

His analog setup is a story for a whole other thread.
bryoncunningham OP
895 posts
 
500 pound isolation transformers? Awesome!!
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