Why does better power = better sound?


Why does improving power quality improve sound quality?

I’m not asking to start an argument about power cords or wall outlets. Please let’s not go there. I’m asking because I’m hoping to learn some technical explanations for the effects of power quality on sound quality. I think I already understand how…

1. greater current availability = greater dynamic range
2. reduction of RFI/EMI = better signal to noise ratio

…but what about these…

3. ???????? = greater perceived resolution
4. ???????? = more realistic instrument timbres
5. ???????? = more precise imaging

Are differences in resolution, instrument timbres, imaging, etc. somehow reducible to current availability and/or powerline noise? If so, HOW are they reducible?

Again, I’m hoping to get into technical specifics, not polemical generalities.

Thanks in advance.

Bryon
bryoncunningham

Showing 2 responses by jmcgrogan2

Bryon, when you speak of power quality, I assume you are talking about the quality of the AC line, correct? The age old question about why our systems sound better at night? When there is less stress on the power grids and the electricity is better quality? Or dedicated lines taking things like refrigerators or air compressors off the lines of our audio equipment?

If so, I think the answer is just the equipment is better able to perform to the best of it's ability when it is driven with better, cleaner power. When fed dirty power, any piece of gear can struggle. That is why some manufacturer's believe that a battery supply (DC) is the only way to provide true clean power. I believe the answer to your questions 3,4 and 5 is simply that with cleaner power, the equipment is getting what it needs to reveal it's potential sound quality.

I suppose it is similar to how a car performs using different octane levels of gasoline. Yes, in cars too, some manufacturers believe that a battery is the best source for clean power.

Cheers,
John
IMHO, there is no denying that cleaner power = better sound, the question comes to how far one is willing to go. I went to a fellow audiophiles home to buy an amp and he was kind enough to show me his various systems. WOW!! The most incredible setup I've ever seen in my life!! It made my $100K system feel modest by comparison.

He had even gone to the trouble of installing commercial grade isolating transformers in his basement. These puppies weighed over 500 pounds each!! He claimed that after he installed these he could no longer hear any sonic differences between power cords. Hmmmm.

His analog setup is a story for a whole other thread.