A further thought about power regenerators. My guess is that the root cause of the reduction in dynamics that they are sometimes reported to cause is simply that the 120VAC or whatever that they put out is different (and most likely lower) than the voltage at the wall outlets.
A voltage reduction can make a difference in several ways, to a greater or lesser extent depending on the design of the particular components, especially the amplifier. It could reduce dynamic headroom, reduce maximum power capability, change internal operating temperatures, change bias points, and increase distortion on high volume peaks that approach the reduced clipping point.
On the other hand, if the line voltage happens to be lower than what the regenerator puts out, the voltage increase provided by the regenerator at those locations could decrease distortion on high volume peaks that approach the clipping point. That decrease in distortion could conceivably be perceived as a reduction in dynamics. In a different context (that of SET amplifiers) Atmasphere has commented in the past that since the 5th, 7th, and 9th harmonics of a note's fundamental frequency are significant determinants of our perception of loudness, an increase in those distortion components that occurs primarily on high volume transients will result in a subjective perception of increased dynamics.
Uru, thanks for your comment. Lynne (Arnettpartners) and Bruce (Bifwynne), given the unpredictability and system dependency of it all, I have no particular suggestions beyond what the others have said. Bruce, dedicated lines certainly seem like a good idea, that is amply backed up by anecdotal evidence. I finally got around to having one installed last year, but I upgraded my amplifier at the same time so I don't know how much difference it may have made, if any.
Best regards,
-- Al
A voltage reduction can make a difference in several ways, to a greater or lesser extent depending on the design of the particular components, especially the amplifier. It could reduce dynamic headroom, reduce maximum power capability, change internal operating temperatures, change bias points, and increase distortion on high volume peaks that approach the reduced clipping point.
On the other hand, if the line voltage happens to be lower than what the regenerator puts out, the voltage increase provided by the regenerator at those locations could decrease distortion on high volume peaks that approach the clipping point. That decrease in distortion could conceivably be perceived as a reduction in dynamics. In a different context (that of SET amplifiers) Atmasphere has commented in the past that since the 5th, 7th, and 9th harmonics of a note's fundamental frequency are significant determinants of our perception of loudness, an increase in those distortion components that occurs primarily on high volume transients will result in a subjective perception of increased dynamics.
Uru, thanks for your comment. Lynne (Arnettpartners) and Bruce (Bifwynne), given the unpredictability and system dependency of it all, I have no particular suggestions beyond what the others have said. Bruce, dedicated lines certainly seem like a good idea, that is amply backed up by anecdotal evidence. I finally got around to having one installed last year, but I upgraded my amplifier at the same time so I don't know how much difference it may have made, if any.
Best regards,
-- Al