To Plug Power Amps Direct in to Wall or Not ??
My Pass dealer told me to do so (right into the wall), as recommended by Pass. Sure enough, all surge protectors or AC filters I tried made my X350 sound compressed. I have discovered the same is true with my Edge NL12, which is now also right into the wall. (My source components, however, benefitted from being plugged into my Hydra 8.) I have never had a problem in my house with this arrangement. |
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. |
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 |
