What should I plug my system into?

I have a high quality system capable of high resolution and have tried many different power strips including the $5-10. variety-- they generally sound terrible. If you must use a power strip for its many outlets, look for a good one, ie I now use a Monster HTS 1000 ($100.) for accessories, and short term have used it for components. It does not seem to color or degrade music quality/character.

That said, I use Synergistic Research Master Couplers (power cords) plugged into Hubbell Audio grade outlets that are the end of my dedicated AC system. All of this promotes a very low noise floor, quickness, deep tight bass, a pristine mid-range and smooth grain-free treble. You probably need a high quality system to take advantage of cleaned up AC system though. But it ALL contributes to final sound quality. Take it one step at a time, and listen, listen, listen. Good Luck, and Cheers. Craig

Bomarc; Where do you get this "snake oil I keep hearing about? I assume it's a stereo "tweak" of some kind;>). Is it expensive enough to be suitable for audiophiles? Actually, in my youth, some friends and I ate a rattlesnake and found it to be, smooth, and sweet with a delicate flavor-- no oil, or oily taste either. Audiophile food I think;>). Cheers. Craig

NAIM recommends something called the Wiremold power strip. There's an interesting piece about power conditioning etc. on their website. See http://www.naimusa.com/power.html.

Check out Equitech products. They are the best company for balanced power sources. Balanced power is anything but "snake oil." Equitech's web site can explain it to you in detail. However, the first step (and I believe it the most important) is to make sure your audio system is on its own dedicated circuit(s). Adding a circuit or two is fairly cheap (and not very hard to do if your at all handy and have a basic understanding of electrical systems). You can go as far as you like with other things like UPS's (uninterruptable power supplies), surge protectors, voltage regulators, etc. but for most home systems (other than those for the obscenely rich audio perfectionists with a lot of time to listen on their hands) dedicated circuits are probably all you need. The second step would be balanced power (which usually also includes surge protection, and noise filters). The third step would be voltage regulation. THe fourth step... well after that who cares, at that point you've already gone extremely far. Why not spend whatever you have left on upgrading your system. You'll get more "bang for your buck." Good luck... hope it helps.

At the very least get a reasonably decent power strip: Wireworld has one with a detachable AC cord for about $40 available from Cable Company www.fatwyre.com
If you've noticed a sonic improvement, then you can move up from there. A relatively cheap Chang Lightspeed 3200 has 6 filtered outlets for about $250 (but isn't recommended for a large current hungry power amp) just for source components &/or smaller amps. There are already so many threads on the subject; I suggest you look at the archived threads, make a few choices to pick from, then experiment a bit until you find what will work well for you. There is no one absolute answer, & are probably quite a few reasonably affordable approaches.
Next thing to do: you could & likely should look into some upgrade AC cords. Again there are numerous archived threads on the subject to get you better acquainted.
And anyone who tries to tell you that none of this makes any difference has their ears completely stuffed full of silly putty.