QnA - Should I use a Power Conditioner?

Rick shares some thoughts on power conditioners.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• power
• conditioner
• audio
• stereo
• audiophile
• virtual
• dynamics
• hi-fi
• hi-end
• cables

[zotos777]

Can a power conditioner help in reducing hum from a valve amp. Or allowit to operate silently?

[virtualdynamics]

@zotos777

If the hum is created by a ground loop (and it likely is) it very well may help, however you have to actually try it to be sure. Most high-end audio stores will lend you one to try out for a few days. Alternatively you have to try lifting the ground on one of your components some even have a switch built in to them to allow for this. Try to put it upstream of your amp on pre on CD or both first to see if you can avoid having to use it on the amplifier.

[evillemonkey]

would it be recommended if your doing shows at different locations?

[virtualdynamics]

@evillemonkey

I have tried them and have used them on occasion in show conditions so yes have a good one handy I suggest the bigger the better if it is transformer-based product.

[NoMoreVanilla]

In most cases, a power conditioner is not going to make any system sound better. The power supplies on most pieces of equipment are perfectly capable of delivering clean DC from normal power. The purpose of the power cond. is to deal with ABNORMAL power: spikes, harmonics, surges and dips that the power supply was never designed to tolerate. A power cond. is like insurance on your audio/video equipment. If its working properly, you shouldn't even know it's there.

[NagrusD4Prez]

power conditioner < $30 power bar. thanks for the great vid!

[marcreevesmusic]

great video, very informative! Thanks!

[ModernGameChangers]

@NoMoreVanilla

I agree, especially since most energy companies do not create power in the best means. For example here in NV our power company NVenergy tells the population that their power is not clean and in fact is dirty and everyone should use a conditioner of some sort, if not that then definitely a surge protector. I have thus far not ran into any system that didn't benefit from a power conditioner. when suing one the sound stage quiets and opens up greatly.

[MrAndersmou]

Thanks for all the info. Finally a straight answer- as "straight" as it's gonna get at least:)

[thecompletejake]

were you on your way out? why are you wearing a jacket?

But in all seriousness...thanks for this...good info.