What's the principle? Isolating Digital Vs Analog


Hello,

My System (which changes weekly it seems like!)

Fisher FM1000 tuner
Musical Fidelity X-Ray CDP
Perpetual tech P-1A, P-3A and Monolithic PS
Musical Fidelity X-P100 Pre
Musical Fidlity X-10D Doohicky
Manley Neo-300B SE/PP Monoblocks
Quad ESL-57's
Bybee TAD Power Block
IC's are Wasatch and Tara
Cables are Kimber and Wasatch

I am confused about which components I need to isolate from which.

I was thinking that I should isolate my analog/tube tuner from my digital sources (CD, DACS and PS) Do I also need to isolate my Amplifiers from the digital components. Does this include my MF Pre? ALso...I have on order a Tektron (tube) Preamp. Will I need to isolate this as well from my digital pieces. etc.

ALso...I have heard that I should try and get my amps as close to the speakers as possible and use a shorter speaker cable. But does that still apply when you have electrostatic speakers and large step-up trasnformers that produce up to 6000 volts! Or would these be considered "digital" as well?

If someone could explain or point me towards a web page/thread that has some good info I would appreciate it. Also...does isolation mean distance, or can I simply "shield" my components by placing a lead/wood/plastic "block" or something between them (around them?)

You get the idea!

THANKS
waldenpuddle

Showing 1 response by subaruguru

Quickie:
Physically isolate interconnects from power cords and speaker cables, and cross at right angles if proximate.
Electrically isolate RF sources (CDP, DAC) from ALL else by using a different dedicated line (best), or at least a different line (preferable) or different duplex(minimally) to increase loop distance from RF/EMI source to pre.
RSVP for more details. Cheers. Ern