Power Re Generator capacity questions


I am looking into purchasing a power re generator for my surround setup.  I have heard many reviews of its benefit in a system.  I do not understand the size of the unit I would need, wattage wise, to handle the system and not get over loaded from too much being put into it.  I suppose the biggest question is does the WPC of each amp translate into the total number needed for that particular component?  For instance, I have three large load components included in my system.  I have a 2 channel and a separate 3 channel amp - each one rated 200 WPC into 8 ohms as well as a 512 watt into 8 ohms powered sub.  The combination of those 3 components would appear to mean that I need a re generator that handles approx. 1500 watts for just those 3 pieces alone.  I would then have a universal player, plasma tv, set top box, tube pre amp and a small surround processor to add in after that.  Am I understanding this correctly?  Do I need to look for a unit that handles 2500 watts or so to cover all of my gear or are these wattage numbers from my gear the wrong numbers to calculate in the first place?  Any help would truly be appreciated.

llippman

Showing 2 responses by almarg

P.S. One additional thought:

4)Keep in mind that a regenerator will in itself consume power. For example the PS Audio P10, which can supply up to 1500 watts, has an efficiency rating of ">85%" when supplying large amounts of power. Which means that on brief dynamic peaks in the music which may result in 1500 watts being briefly demanded from a P10 by the system, the P10 itself would consume as much as 265 watts. 1500/(1500 + 265) = 85%.

So 1765 watts would be drawn from the wall outlet(s) under that condition, in addition to the draw of whatever components are not being powered by the P10.

Regards,
-- Al

Llippman, I'll just add the following thoughts to the excellent inputs and analyses you've been provided with above:

1)Before deciding how to proceed, I would suggest that if you don't already have one you obtain a good quality multimeter and measure your line voltage, preferably during the day and during the evening, on both a weekday and a weekend.  The further removed it is from 120 volts (in either direction), at the times during which you generally listen, the greater the likelihood that a regenerator will be beneficial, IMO.  The reason being that in most cases components sold in the USA and other countries where 120 volts is standard are presumably designed to sound their best at that voltage.

2)Estimate and take into consideration the length of the house wiring between the outlet(s) which power the system and the breaker panel.  For example, if that length is 50 feet, and the breaker is rated at 20 amps, chances are the wiring is 12 gauge, and an increase in power draw of say 1500 watts that may briefly occur on dynamic peaks in the music would then result in a corresponding brief voltage drop of 2 volts, due to losses in the wiring.  If that length is 100 feet, a 4 volt drop would briefly occur on that dynamic peak.  The greater that fluctuation in voltage, the greater the likelihood that a regenerator would be helpful.

3)Keep in mind also that if the system is powered via a single 20 amp breaker, the maximum amount of power that is available from the outlet(s) is/are approximately 20 amps x 120 volts = 2400 watts.  Although power demands above that value resulting from occasional very brief dynamic peaks can presumably be supported without the breaker tripping.

Good luck.  Regards,
-- Al