Hi Robd2.
Regarding the Denali and your system. VAC pre-amps are generally harder draw pre-amps than other models, so applying that to the HC outlet would without question improve the performance in that area. For those with a stereo-amp and a pre-amp, I generally recommend the amp and pre-amp go through the HC duplex on a Denali.
For the bigger picture, understanding instantaneous current sensitivity and the relationship peak current has on sound and system-performance has been our primary design focus since the inception of our company. Virtually everything we do, first considers preserving the original electrical signal
For us, maintaining DTCD performance is our primary design directive well ahead of noise reduction, which is why we measure and test that aspect of parts and materials relentlessly. This is the reason we chose a passive electrical system design approach with no chokes, coils, transformers or other active devices that can degrade peak-current. For these same reasons we designed our own solid copper outlets, solid copper AC connectors, low-measured impedance wiring, massive buss systems and the Patented QR/BB module.
Having done all of that, we can also say definitively that there is no getting around contact-resistance; meaning _literally_ any additional electrical junction (no matter how perfect or pure) that sits between your amplifier or higher draw pre-amp will add some form of contact-resistance. Depending heavily on the component/s design, contact-resistance may not be noticeable at all, or may be notable when compared to a direct connection.
The vast majority of Tv3/Typhon QR owners we speak with for example, have zero complaints and run amps through that system with no downside. In fact many found the performance in the area of dynamics improved. Some Tv3 system owners say there's a trade off when comparing amps on their own dedicated lines versus all through one AC line on the Tv3 (with the rest of the system). That makes sense, because they are comparing the entire system on one twenty-amp line, versus placing each amp on its own, or together on another separate line-- essentially comparing the entire system on 20A, versus spread over 40A or 60A of isolated current. That will likely favor the dedicated line system approach in terms of dynamics for high-draw monos.
There is no company I'm aware of that put's less in front of instantaneous current or spends more time and money on parts-design, measurement and tech development (11 Patents) that we do in the interest of preserving the original signal and eliminating the effect of contact-impedance on audio systems.
For those that want more info on DTCD and our study of current dynamics, here is a link to one of Caelin's posts from another forum:
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threa...plained.16172/
I've been helping customers dial in their perfect connections based on their system and what they wish to achieve for almost 20 years, so if you have questions about what to connect where based on your AC, or the best products for your system and budget, Richard and I are always available as is Caelin in a consulting role.
Feel free to e-mail or call if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Grant
Shunyata Research