To Plug Power Amps Direct in to Wall or Not ??

It's perfectly safe to plug the amps straight into the wall, especially on non-shared circuits. I prefer that approach to most "power conditioners" that tend to screw up the detail or the dynamics or both. However...

I have discovered that an IsoClean power filter can improve the sound even on a dedicated circuit. They're just filters though, so they don't do regeneration or surge protection. However, given the quality of the power in most of North America these days I wouldn't worry about the really bad stuff too much. Unplug the system during wind or electrical storms and you should be OK.

If you are a worry wart, then so am I.

Bob, The issue is also SOUND. Maybe start there! In my experience, various amps react various ways to various power conditioners or regenerators (helpful, huh?) I had a tube amp in our last house on a Power Plant (PS Audio PP600)and it was better that way. Here, in our new house with dedicated circuits, I thought the amp was better into the wall (Porter power ports for plugs.) Having tried several Class D amps, I found they also preferred the wall to the PP600.

I share your concern about power problems. But as they say - there's always something. I don't listen in thunder storms, and kill the circuit breakers.

Maybe think about a Shunyata 2 outlet deal for your amp - I believe it has protection - or a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet or whatever else they have for that purpose.

Good luck!

Bob Wood
http://www.GreatHomeTheater.com

Of course we want to protect our investment, yet not degrade our sound.

Brickwall PW2RAUD is highly recommended. I'm in no way affiliated. Check 'em out:

http://brickwall.thomasnet.com/item/audio-surge-protectors/two-outlet-high-current-audio-surge-protectors/pw2raud?&forward=1

Its a rare occurrence for an amp to get fried from a surge, but it DOES happen. There was a guy who's entire system was fried from a lightning storm when he was not home. In my experience there is no solution other than taking the risk (which, again, is rare) or compromising the sound to some degree. I tried a Brickwall surge protector designed specifically for amps. It did not constrict dynamics, but there was an ever so slight loss of clarity. The Brickwall had two plugs and I found that only one component could be plugged in or the sound became too veiled. The loss of clarity is ever so slight, but the protection it offers is beyond compare--so I live with the compromise. Brickwall used to offer a 30 day trial period, but not sure if they still do; you may want to check it out. The only real downside/limitation with the Brickwall is that it does not allow for a change of its power cord (something I didn't even think about when I bought, but now wish I did; of course, but you could always DIY it to accept different power cords by installing an IEC receptacle, but this would void the warranty). I have tried many surge protectors and would recommend the Brickwall out of all those I've tried, but it does come with compromises just like the rest of them, just less. Lastly, there are some that say there are ordinary spikes that occur on a daily basis that don't necessarily hurt your amp, but do add stress to your components and can shorten the life of equipment. Just thought I throw that in there to give you (and me) one more thing to worry about. I too am a worry wart