Line Conditioner or New Power Cords?

I disagree with Marakanetz. "dirt cheap?" forget about price. Poor power conditioners can add some evil little nasties. I'm not a "Monster" fan, and it is a monster. Your most cost effective start to electric nirvana are dedicated lines for your analog and digital. Start there..

I would try CD/Dac/Pre into power conditioner.

Amplfier direct in the wall.

Build from there.

I would try all variations. With our SET amps, I've yet to find a power conditioner that didn't smooth over the sound, and that includes $300-5000 models. Didn't like the effect at all. With a 50W push/pull triode amp, however, the high end conditioner worked wonders. Separation and depth that were astounding. Currently, we have our CDP and preamp running straight into the wall, which is how we like it best. If we had different components, a different room, different ears...who knows? Only you can decide what works best, according to your preferences.

A dirt-cheap line conditioner will do better job than mega-priced powercord.

I've yet to find a universally applicable opinion in this hobby, including this one, with which I disagree.

Speaking of a "dirt cheap" ones that won't add any extra power noise are the hospital grade industrial ones.

These are available at digikey.com and depending on the power and number of outlets needed they could start from $50.

For line conditioner/surge suppressor I would look into the API line..."power wedge" for the inexpensive line conditioner and go up from there!

For power cords I am sold on VH Audio... flavors 1 through 4...great sound for a reasonable price, and Chris is a great guy to deal with!