Zaikesman: Thanks for the very thoughtful response to my question -- I've been helped by your comments here on audiogon more than once in the past, and your thoughts here were very helpful as well. My "electric improvement" project began this fall and the final step is the upgrade to power cords. Until I actually started loooking at the logistical requirements of my system in contemplation of new cords, I had not thought about the double cord requirement created by the PODs -- but when I realized it would double the cost of a cord upgrade it got my attention. My 185's came with the PODs so I've nver really thought about their role in the chain. It makes sense to experiment as you suggested, and that will be my next move -- I've never tripped a circuit breaker with anything in my house, so maybe that bodes well for eliminating the PODs from the chain. I'll let you know what I discover. And thanks again for your response.
VTL POD's
I'm planning on upgrading the factory power cords on my MB 185's. I've got the Power Optimizer Devices in the AC chain, which doubles the power cord requirements. Do I really need the POD's -- what's the downside (if any) to removing them from the chain? What's the upside (if any) to keeping them in the chain. Or are they just a bad idea across the board? If it matters, I have dedicated lines for my gear. Thanks in advance for your thoughts, suggestions.