In other forums I read that a AC filtering power outlet, power conditioner might actually be bad for a headphone amp where the dynamic of the headphone could be limited. Some ppl suggested that power cable directly plugged into the wall plug is the best way to achieve good sound performance. Have any of you observed such phenomena? Yes or no, what are you guys using as the power supply for your audio system?

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clarvioson said:

In other forums I read that a AC filtering power outlet, power conditioner might actually be bad for a headphone amp where the dynamic of the headphone could be limited. Some ppl suggested that power cable directly plugged into the wall plug is the best way to achieve good sound performance. Have any of you observed such phenomena? Yes or no, what are you guys using as the power supply for your audio system?

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Cheap conditioners (Monster Cable) are ill suited to large power amplifiers because they can't supply the necessary current. Headphone amplifiers don't need much power though, in fact most probably use less power than reference level source equipment. In my headphone system I use a Balanced Power Tech BP-1 Signature, which has a 7.5 amp balanced transformer capable of supplying about 900 watts, more than enough for a headphone rig.
 
For headphone setups I think smaller transformers like the BP-1 or the Furman IT Reference 7i make a lot of sense. They are much more affordable than the reference level stuff from Audience and Running Springs, and they weigh a lot less and cost a lot less than the full size transformers used in the BP-3.5, IT Reference 15, Silver Circle, or Equi=Tech stuff.

Totally true clarvioson.  When I plug my amps into my power conditioner, the life is sucked right out of them.
However, sometimes plugging the source into the power conditioner can be a good thing.  Cleaner sound, bigger dynamics, etc. However, that is only sometimes, as it can also have the life sucked out of it.  It's like the power conditioner makes everything so smooth, that it's boring.  If you have one, obviously you just have to play with it and see what you like better.  If you don't have one, I wouldn't buy one based on my experience.
 
 

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bdh said:

Totally true clarvioson.  When I plug my amps into my power conditioner, the life is sucked right out of them.
However, sometimes plugging the source into the power conditioner can be a good thing.  Cleaner sound, bigger dynamics, etc. However, that is only sometimes, as it can also have the life sucked out of it.  It's like the power conditioner makes everything so smooth, that it's boring.  If you have one, obviously you just have to play with it and see what you like better.  If you don't have one, I wouldn't buy one based on my experience.
 
 

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what power conditioner was it?

 
 

I use a Furman IT-Reference 7i
 
http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=02&id=IT-REF_7i
 
Got it used for $400 at Vanns

 
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mwilson said:

I use a Furman IT-Reference 7i
 
http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=02&id=IT-REF_7i
 
Got it used for $400 at Vanns

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 and? how was it?

Quite good for the price. It didn't take away anything, and didn't introduce and coloration that I'm aware of. Dynamics are good.

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bdh said:

Totally true clarvioson.  When I plug my amps into my power conditioner, the life is sucked right out of them.
However, sometimes plugging the source into the power conditioner can be a good thing.  Cleaner sound, bigger dynamics, etc. However, that is only sometimes, as it can also have the life sucked out of it.  It's like the power conditioner makes everything so smooth, that it's boring.  If you have one, obviously you just have to play with it and see what you like better.  If you don't have one, I wouldn't buy one based on my experience.

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We had a discussion about this subject on a post. Based on suggestions, I recently purchased a Belkin PF60 Power Conditioner.
 
So I've been testing it out. I cannot test the both the V200 and Rega in my wall at the same time because I only have 2 slots and it's the only plug near my gear. I have one of those adaptors that would change the two to six but I don't want to use it as it may affect the sound and those aren't safe anyway. I'm using two Oyaide TUNAMI GPX-R cords.
 
I tried several songs out and while the Belkin is better than my power surge protector, it still seems worse than my wall. I noticed how lifeless the bass is on Daft Punk's Around the World compared to the wall. The mids and his don't seem be be nearly as affected as the bass.
 
What am I to do? I'd like to keep it in my wall but am scared. I accidently kept my TV in my wall for over a month but nothing happened. I paid $140 for the Belkin and that seems about right for something like that. I like to keep my equipment safe. So either safe sound or better sound. 

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devarika woulf said:

What am I to do? I'd like to keep it in my wall but am scared. I accidently kept my TV in my wall for over a month but nothing happened. I paid $140 for the Belkin and that seems about right for something like that. I like to keep my equipment safe. So either safe sound or better sound. 

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The Belkin is suited to protecting computers and printers, and is not "for serious audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts", I don't care what it says on the box. "Phase 6 PureFilter™ Circuitry with isolated digital, video, audio, and HiCurrent™ filters blah blah blah. It's a cheap series filter like all the rest. They always say "special high-current outlets allow for unrestricted current for even the biggest amplifiers!" and that's always, always a lie. Series conditioners and amps do not mix.
 
Wrong:
 

 
Right:
 

 
Also correct:
 

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davebsc said:

The Belkin is suited to protecting computers and printers, and is not "for serious audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts", I don't care what it says on the box. "Phase 6 PureFilter™ Circuitry with isolated digital, video, audio, and HiCurrent™ filters blah blah blah. It's a cheap series filter like all the rest. They always say "special high-current outlets allow for unrestricted current for even the biggest amplifiers!" and that's always, always a lie. Series conditioners and amps do not mix.

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When I posted today, my ears were not lying to me. Not at all. So, determined to figure this out, I screwed with Isone Pro and it's EQ to see if I could get the bass to have the same power as the plug from the wall. I even messed with Winamp's EQ. Nothing could match the same power that wall offered.
 
So, disgruntled, I read the manual again. Certain duos of plugs in the back are meant for certain devices. Two for Digital (HDTV etc), one for Videos (TV/Monitors etc), two for Audio (CD Players etc), and one for High Current Amps.
 
So I put the plugs in the High Current slots. and tested them a bit. The Rega sounds identical to the wall now. In-fact, the drums may actually a little bit louder on some songs on the PF60. If there are differences, they are subtle and not anything that couldn't fixed by EQ (which was not the case before).
 
I tried the V200. I got the idea of putting the the V200 in the Audio Filter 1 as it sounded better than in the High Current for some odd reason I don't remember. I just tried it again and, it does sound better out of there. The High Current one has been used a while so I don't understand this. The wall and High Current sound the same with the V200, but in the Audio Filter 1, it sounds better than the wall. Confused?  I am too. 
 
My ears were telling my the truth before and I believe they are now as well. I put my PC in here before and moved it a different slot as well moving other ones around too. Maybe that did something? Now I am getting the heavy bass that I was talking about before.
 
I would like continue testing for a while before I would recommend it or give a review. Ears are funny things. They can trick you. They need rest and relaxation. I don't trust my ears very much right now but this is what I'm hearing on several different songs. Will try again tomorrow.
 

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devarika woulf said:

The wall and High Current sound the same with the V200, but in the Audio Filter 1, it sounds better than the wall. Confused?

 I am too. 

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Not really a surprise. Series conditioners like the Belkin reduce AC line noise, with a side effect of restricted current. Source components and other low power devices such as headphone amps probably won't mind this, and there may be an improvement in performance compared to the wall. The only thing they can do for the "high current" outlets is reduce the filtering, which in turn reduces current limiting. Those outlets sound the same as the wall because they aren't really doing anything. This only works up to a point though, even those so called high current outlets will still crush the performance of a big 500 watt amplifier.
 
For that sort of thing you need something like either of the two units I pictured above - a massive balanced transformer with phase cancellation, or extremely high-end caps that can send the noise to ground.
 

Jawohl, I second what Dave said re. phase filtering, big transformer or obscene capacitors.
 
Here's what my Furman 7i looks like on the inside (hand shown for size reference)
 
 

 
 

Here's mine. Technically the photos are of a 3.5 Signature, but my 1 Signature is the same except there's a 900VA transformer (about the same size as what's in the Furman) in place of the 70lb. 2400VA monster in the 3.5. Otherwise it's the same - Piltron transformer, lots of damping, EMI filters, and Auricaps across each outlet to help isolate them from each other.
 


 

here's mine...
 

 
375+ pounds total, 190 pound 'Q' transformer, model 10WQ 10kva Equi=tech wall panel system.
 
whole system balanced isolation transformer. 10 dedicated #10 gauge Romex circuits, with Furutech GTX-D(R) duplex outlets.
 
the room also has conventional non-isolated outlets that allow easy comparison to the isolated circuits. it is laughably better thru the isolated circuits. much lower noise, more micro and macro dynamics, a more complex harmonic presentation, more vivid and life-like presentation. it's like an upgrade to every piece of gear. they run 'easier' and less stressed. more linear.
 
there are less expensive similar products to the Equi=tech but some are not UL approved so present challenges to legally install.
 
 

It's a frustrating situation. I'm trying to find a good solution without breaking the bank but it doesn't seem possible. I've pretty much decided to keep it protected rather than unprotected with better sound.