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Power Conditioning: How Do You Know You Need It?

Like many, I have been considering whether to purchase a power conditioner (e.g., PS Audio Power Plant Premier), that sort of solution for electric noise. Accepting the premise that cleaning the AC will improve the sound, how do I know whether I actually have a problem that needs to be solved? That is, how do I determine whether the AC coming out of my wall outlets is actually dirty, before dropping two large on a device that I might not actually need? Living in Chicago, I would *assume* my electricity is as dirty as it gets, but how would I *prove* that before investing in a power conditioner? And I suspect the real issue may be noise occurring *inside* my home, like my WiFi router, energy-saving compact fluorescent lights, the 6-foot tall Tesla coil I keep running 24/7 "just in case" next to the hamster cage, etc.
jiminlogansquare

Showing 2 responses by zargon

zargon's avatar
zargon
453 posts
 
Jiminlogansquare,

That is, how do I determine whether the AC coming out of my wall outlets is actually dirty, before dropping two large on a device that I might not actually need?

The equipment to examine the frequency intensity and distribution on your AC lines is relatively expensive and complex. Even if lines are dirty, the end result depends on the ability of your componants power supplies to deal with it. I agree with those above that argue that there are substantial sources of noise within your home that most likely make the investment in power conditioning worth while.

For some systems, dedicated circuits do the job, and for others various power conditioning equipment is adequate. I have found that it is not necessary to spend "two large" on an all out solution. A combination of a dedicated subpanel, dedicated circuits and a used isolation transformer and do an outstanding job for far less.

Take a look at my system for details on this solution.
zargon's avatar
zargon
453 posts
 
I would not jump to that conclusion so quickly. First, you have all sources turned off. Second, equipment at rest does not have the same behaviour as when being driven. Third, the interaction between your equipment is not in play. I thought my system was quiet until I put in the iso and dedicated lines. The first time I listened and the music hit a momentary quiet spot, I felt like I was going to fall into the speakers. It was a dramatic change.
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