Since we're also discussing power line accessories, I'll share what I've done...
--Dedicated 20 amp line with VH Audio's Cryo'd 10 gauge Romex. I routed it myself to minimize distance and to avoid crossing any other AC power lines.
--Shunyata Hydra 8 power conditioner (for preamp, amp)
--PS Audio Duet power conditioner (for computer)
--3 Shunyata Python power cords (hydra, preamp, amp)
--5 PS Audio power cords (everything else)
--Outlets: Shunyata, Synergistic Research, PS Audio, Maestro (winner: Maestro).
--Preamp: custom power supply w/ Rubycon capacitors, custom rectifier, SMD ultra fast diodes
--Preamp: removed IEC filter
--Preamp: replaced internal wiring to power supply with DH Labs 14 gauge silver plated wire
--Preamp: shielded power supply w/ copper, steel, and TI Shield
--Silver Hifi Tuning Fuses for preamp and amp
--6 Highwire Powerwraps on various power cords
--About 70 (!) ferrites all over the house wiring, on all appliances and electronics outside the audio system, and on some devices within the system
--Fairly extensive experimentation with grounding schemes, as described here
I haven't had a manic episode in several months, in case you were concerned.
One of the results of all that insanity is that things sound a lot better: Lower noise, more headroom, more resolution, more realistic timbres, better imaging. Now I'd like to know why the things I've done to address power have resulted in those specific improvements. The conversation about intermodulation is a pretty good explanation of how better power can result in better instrument timbres, in my underinformed opinion.
Maybe I can extrapolate explanations for headroom, noise, resolution, and imaging, though I have to confess a certain amount of mental murkiness. I have a weird thing where I feel like I don't understand something unless I understand it at its lowest level of explanation, which in this case is the level of FLOWING ELECTRONS.
(I know it gets lower, but hopefully we can avoid using the word 'quantum').
Bryon
--Dedicated 20 amp line with VH Audio's Cryo'd 10 gauge Romex. I routed it myself to minimize distance and to avoid crossing any other AC power lines.
--Shunyata Hydra 8 power conditioner (for preamp, amp)
--PS Audio Duet power conditioner (for computer)
--3 Shunyata Python power cords (hydra, preamp, amp)
--5 PS Audio power cords (everything else)
--Outlets: Shunyata, Synergistic Research, PS Audio, Maestro (winner: Maestro).
--Preamp: custom power supply w/ Rubycon capacitors, custom rectifier, SMD ultra fast diodes
--Preamp: removed IEC filter
--Preamp: replaced internal wiring to power supply with DH Labs 14 gauge silver plated wire
--Preamp: shielded power supply w/ copper, steel, and TI Shield
--Silver Hifi Tuning Fuses for preamp and amp
--6 Highwire Powerwraps on various power cords
--About 70 (!) ferrites all over the house wiring, on all appliances and electronics outside the audio system, and on some devices within the system
--Fairly extensive experimentation with grounding schemes, as described here
I haven't had a manic episode in several months, in case you were concerned.
One of the results of all that insanity is that things sound a lot better: Lower noise, more headroom, more resolution, more realistic timbres, better imaging. Now I'd like to know why the things I've done to address power have resulted in those specific improvements. The conversation about intermodulation is a pretty good explanation of how better power can result in better instrument timbres, in my underinformed opinion.
Maybe I can extrapolate explanations for headroom, noise, resolution, and imaging, though I have to confess a certain amount of mental murkiness. I have a weird thing where I feel like I don't understand something unless I understand it at its lowest level of explanation, which in this case is the level of FLOWING ELECTRONS.
(I know it gets lower, but hopefully we can avoid using the word 'quantum').
Bryon