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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
arnettpartners
312 posts
 
I've got several cheap Furman power conditioners that I have picked up on ebay for under $50. The challenge is how cheap can I get them. They do improve the sound. So would it pay me to upgrade? Would it pay to go for $200 worth? Don't be concerned about restricting the dynamics in my case. I'd probably be happy in an anechoic chamber.
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uru975
684 posts
 
Al as usual gave a wonderful answer

To view it a bit differently think of electricity or power as water and your electronics as living creatures needing it.
Believe it or not there are only 5 water systems in the U.S. that do not need or are required by state or national standards to use chlorine or other items to clean the water(New York City and San Francisco are two of them). When you don't have to spend time getting things cleaned up so that water can be used it is more energy efficient and easier on all around. Power works the same, when it is cleaner either by power cords, conditioners, magic, or whatever everything flows much more easily and the electronics can finally do the job they were designed for with ease.
meiwan
399 posts
 
If you accept that better quality components (power supplies, caps etc.) lead to better resolution, imaging etc., it is fair to accept that choking or polluting the power required to operate the equipment will diminish the potential. Providing clean power is just allowing equipment to operate at its full potential.

Remember you are trying to retrieve everything from your source. Less 'resistive' components all through the chain will allow that. Better quality just means less bad, since everything takes away.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Great comments -- but what is a practical way to deal with this issue. As a threshold matter, I was thinking of runnning a couple of 20A dedicated Romex lines from my circuit box to feed my gear as soon as my wife visits her mother on the West Coast. But as far as "power gremlins" are concerned, is there a moderately priced solution out there??

I've heard similar comments about power regenerators mentioned by Al -- loss of dynamics. Also power regenerators are da*n expensive. Suggestions would be welcome. Lookin' for quality electrons.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,394 posts
 
Bifwynne - I use Furman Elite 20PFi, a power correcting 20A conditioner with non-sacrificial over/under voltage protection. I don't see any difference in dynamics possibly because in addition to large inductor in series with power outputs it also has huge capacitor. They claim 55 amperes of available peak current. There is some change in bass performance making bass more musical (more even), but the biggest improvement is in purity of the midrange. It also gives me sense of security protecting all my components during thunderstorms.
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