2. tech-talk
  3. 136892-1445

Alternate AC power frequency.. Higher than 60Hz

Watching a Paul McGowan utube video about "What’s the best voltage and frequency’I see he would go up to 400Hz for AC voltage frequency.
I use an older PS Audio P600 with an optional board which lets me boost AC from 60Hz up to 120Hz.
I use it at 111Hz to power my digital gear.
So far, over seven years, a few items died, Particularly Sony changer. ALso a Behringer DEQ2496 sounded better on 60Hz.  But other changers and DACs thrive and sound better with the higher AC frequency.
No no other (A few PS Audio P300 P600 P1200 with the optional board can do it) regenerators ’do’ higher AC frequency. But someone wrote the new PS Audio P20 will also up the frequency if so set.
Now not one word of this on PS Audio P20 owner’s manual. nor anywhere online.
Maybe I have to CALL Paul?
SO.. Anyone else hear of the PS Audio P20 being able to up the Hz from 60?
And yes I will discuss the benefits of this. Up to a point. If you know nothing and want me to educate you totally. Ahhh no, that is not gonna happen.
If you want tp view the utube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np--y3Kfy28
elizabeth
blueranger's avatar
blueranger
575 posts
 
The PS audio P1000 like I have can alter the frequency. I did try the higher frequencies to 110 and my Bryston BP 17 preamp got hot. On digital I think it helped some maybe. Does anyone know why a preamp would run hot. It only did that one time and I have had the frequency turned up since but now I'm conerned I could shorten the life of my preamp. Maybe I should call Bryston. They flip flopped on power conditioners years ago saying that they engineered all that is needed to filter out AC line impurities. Now they sell power line conditioners! Lol. I think any manufacturer will tell you don't experiment with the frequency. Why? 1. Because of products being damaged
2. Their product is engineered well enough that a higher frequency has no benefits.
3. They would rather have your stereo dollars go towards buying their products and not someone else's!!!
elizabeth OP
6,726 posts
 
Hard to say why companies do not want folks experimenting? My guess is they made it and know it does just fine as is, So why fool around, And then folks blame the company when fooling around screws it up! Same for all tweaks. The main place I use the higher frequency had been my old bought $250 used DA, and the $40 bought used five disc CD changers. Not much money on the table.     
On my own Bryston BP-26 I have not tried the higher Hz AC. but I have tried both 'Technical power'/ balanced power 60V/60V and normal 120V/0V from my Furman conditioner. The balanced power does also make the Bryston a little warmer. and the sound has greater clarity but slightly leaner. vs normal AC.  
                                                            
I have my Marantz Sa-10 connected to the AC via the 'Technical power' 60V/60V from my Furman REF 20i ... this means the HOT line is only 60V but the 'Neutral' line is also 60V (in the same way in US homes 240 is split and is 120V hot and 120V neutral to produce a total of 240V) Some devices have trouble with balanced power. Particularly tube with direct heater (so I have read.. I have no experience, but have run my own tube preamps with balanced power, no problems, just the same slightly leaner cleaner sound with 60V/60V.)
blueranger's avatar
blueranger
575 posts
 
Ok thanks for the input. Ive turned It back down to 60 hz. I do run my amp straight into a 10 ga dedicated line. Aahhh now company gone and I'm going to my music room
jeffstarr
23 posts
 
I would suggest that if you have a warranty issue, do not tell them about upping the Hz. Just tell them it's not working.
Post removed 
More to discover