2. misc-audio
  3. 1176134471

Tweak your AC mains for better performance, free

If you haven't done this before or recently, try it. It will improve the performance of your audio system, particularly if you have an older circuit panel in your home. Go to the AC circuit panel. You'll have a main breaker that runs power to all the circuit breakers in your home: turn that breaker off and back on. This will shut off all the power to your home, momentarily. Then turn all the breakers on your panel off and on. By the way, electricians recommend doing this once a year. I hadn't done this in several years (I always forget) but, I happen to remember it because one of my breakers had shut off. Anyway, after I performed this simple on/off task, the next time I turned on my audio system, the sonics really improved. The soundstage had opened up with more width and depth, fullness was improved, and so was the overall resolution and presence of the system. I noticed it immediately, and then remembered that earlier I had flipped all the breakers on the panel. I don't have a dedicated line yet, or any fancy custom audiophile breaker panels, but the results of this simple task proved once again the dramatic affect AC delivery has on what you hear from your sytstem. I can only imagine what one can hear with dedicated lines, custom breaker panels, and audio grade outlets. For me, the best I can do now is a power regenerator that I just ordered a conditioner and a few good outlets. My system: LSA DK Signature Integrated, Modwright Sony 999ES (tube rectified PS 9.0), Acoustic Zen Reference Matrix II IC's, Jolida JD 100, Acoustic Zen Satori Speaker Cable, Shunyata Hydra 4 PLC, various aftermarket PC's, FIM 880 outlets.
foster_9
reb1208
518 posts
 
Could be that the wiping action of the contacts in the breakers are responsible for the "improvement" you hear.
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Reb1208: that's what I thought too.
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
The improvement you perceive is simply what you want to hear. Creating a clear path from your circuit box to your system is important, but resetting the current from your service to your equipment by interrupting the current is nothing more than switching it off. Nothing magical occurs. Making the path free of obstruction with good wire and connectors is important, but switching it off is irrelevant.
jerry_gt3rs
82 posts
 
On the other hand, you could not pay your electric bill for a while, I am sure they would be happy to cycle you switch...perhaps having it in the "off" position longer would have even greater benefits than just the the momentary interruption...just a thought....
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Tgrisham, as Reb1208 suggests, the wiping action of the contacts in the breakers (especially after a couple years of oxidation) created better surface contact and created a better electrical connection. (I assume this is why electricians suggest this be done at least once a year) That's where the improvement in electrical delivery originated and that improvement ultimately affected system performance in my opinion.

You're being dismissive and presumptuous. I guess that's your style.

It's definitley not a case of a person hearing what they want to hear. I know my system and room extremely well and the change in performance afterwards could even be heard a room away.
More to discover