Backup Generator transfer switch


In the past two issues of Stereophile, Michael Fremer has been discussing the disastrous results to the sound of his system after having a backup generator installed at his home. The system is not running on the generator, but he believes it has to do with the transfer switch that gets installed on the AC signal path.  He describes a pre-generator experience as "intense and emotionally elevating" afterwards "everything good was gone, two large ill-focused boomboxes had replaced absolute magic".  I recently moved and had been listening to my system prior to and after the installation of a Generac whole house generator, I did not notice any change in the sound, I can still sit and enjoy the music for hours with no sense of fatigue.  Perhaps my ears are shot or my equipment is not expensive enough.  Anyone here have any experiences with generator transfer switches?

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Showing 3 responses by pops

I had a backup generator installed recently and notice no degradation of sound.  I have also had dedicated lines For years, my system sounds tremendous.  
I do have my entire system connected to a Shunyata Research Denali V2 power distributor so maybe that’s the difference.

I had the PD before installation of my Generac 25kw stand by generator and as I said I noticed no difference.  Then again I have a mere mortals system compared to him.  

I am sure Mike F. Is not imagining the difference in his system.  Unless maybe he is, but he sounds convinced.