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Power Cycling Mystery

I have a Meridian G68 that I use as a dac and preamp. I leave it on 24/7. Here's the mystery: When I power it off and then back on, it sounds better. I know that sounds crazy. Maybe I'm crazy. But I've noticed it a number of times over the last year.

I originally thought maybe it was heat. I turn it off, it cools down, I turn it back on, it sounds better. Hence it's the heat. But here's where it gets really weird...

If I power the G68 down and then turn it back on IMMEDIATELY, it still sounds better. So the change in sound can't be attributed to heat.

And it gets weirder...

The improvement lasts for WEEKS. Then, very gradually, things deteriorate. Eventually I notice a subtle harmonic distortion in the high frequencies and a general "haze" in imaging. So I power cycle the G68, and the distortion and haze go away. And things start all over again.

Is this even possible?

Bryon
bryoncunningham

Showing 4 responses by bryoncunningham

bryoncunningham OP
890 posts
 
Thanks everyone.

Vhiner - That's an interesting theory about the clock. If power cycling results in better clock performance, then it might also result in less jitter. That's consistent with the type of improvement I experience from power cycling -- less high frequency harmonic distortion and imaging haze, both of which I associate with jitter.

Hi Al - That's an interesting theory about RFI. I never thought of that. I will put the top back on and see what happens. Thanks!

bc
bryoncunningham OP
890 posts
 
Vhiner - I had the unit extensively modified by Reference Audio Mods -- new PSU, new clock, etc.. I believe he also replaced the fuse. I will take a look. Thanks for the suggestion.

Al - I put the top cover back on and I didn't hear any difference. Still puzzled about why power cycling would improve things, but of course I'm no EE! :-)

Let me ask another stupid question...

Could there be any connection between the beneficial effects of power cycling and the fact that, when the unit is powered down, it often emits a broadband pop/thump? Could there be some kind of "buildup," the elimination of which results in better sound?

bc
bryoncunningham OP
890 posts
 
V - Yes, I fell down the rabbit hole of power products some time ago. But I can't say that I've spent much time in Wonderland -- it's a confusing place, after all.

Currently I'm using a Shunyata Hydra 8 and several Shunyata Python power cords. Can't say I have an exact idea of how they changed things, except to say that, collectively, they SEEM to have made the system a little quieter and made the high frequencies a little sweeter.

If I were to do it again, I wouldn't spend so much on power products. I would, however, keep my dedicated power line. That is something I believe in. I keep the rest to quell my audio nervosa.

bc
bryoncunningham OP
890 posts
 
Thanks, Al. I guess I'll have to live with the mystery.

V - Good point. It's easy to take things for granted until they're gone!

Have an excellent holiday, gentlemen.

bc
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