Why does better power = better sound?

Hi Bruce,

If the lights that are dimming are not on the same 20A line as the system, then it suggests that a lot of the voltage drop is occurring in wiring that is upstream of that line, presumably on the input side of the panel. In which case adding additional lines between the panel and the system would not resolve a lot of the problem.

It was some of the others who mentioned the Furmans. I'm using a $259 Brickwall surge suppressor, that also provides a modest amount of EMI/RFI filtering and some degree of isolation between its four dual outlets. I've been happy with the results, although I suspect that I have better than average power quality, as I'm in a fairly small low density town that has no industry and almost no commercial development.

A minor correction: It's the 4th movement that you are referring to, not the 3rd, although the two movements are played with no pause in between. One of my favorite symphonies!

Best regards,
-- Al

Bifwynne, new Elite 20PFi is $1019 at Audio Advisor. I bought used for $600. New Elite 15PFi is about $699, used currently listed at Audiogon for $350.

Al, you know your Beethoven - I'm impressed.

Al and Kijanki, I have the complete Gardner Beethoven symphony collection. Recorded on the Archiv CD label. Playback is quite good. Gardner uses a tazer to keep the orchestra really hopping! One of the better redbood CD in my collection.

Al and Kijanki, assuming I go forward with installing 3 or 4 dedicated lines, will I need a power conditioner for each line? Just talking out loud here, I wonder if there's a single device that I can install at the circuit box that will condition and filter the AC power for multiple dedicated lines.

Hi Bruce,

I have no particular knowledge of an audio-oriented conditioner that would handle multiple lines at the panel. But in any event I would expect that installing conditioners at the system end of the runs would be preferable, because they would then be able to filter out RFI that may be picked up by the wiring between the panel and the outlets.

It would probably make sense to purchase one conditioner initially, and try it out on each of the different lines.

Not familiar with the Gardner "Pastorale"; thanks for mentioning it. My "go to" version is an imported Japanese CBS/Sony remastering, on LP, of Bruno Walter's famous 1958(!) performance with the Columbia Symphony. I purchased it during the 1980's. Wonderful performance, of course, and remarkably pleasing sonics aside from a bit of steeliness in the strings at times.

Best regards,
-- Al