Should I use a power conditioner for a tube amp?

[jonny reddish]

well, its a Mcintosh 2275 integrated tube amp... i generally do not use conditioners for my main power amps (601's), only for the pre/sources.

but what about the 2275, it seems that without a conditioner it sits completely exposed to the 'world'.

do tube amps need as much instant draw on the juice as their SS brotheren?

[jonny reddish]

oh, thanks in advance.

[Msegal]

Originally Posted by jonny reddish

well, its a Mcintosh 2275 integrated tube amp... i generally do not use conditioners for my main power amps (601's), only for the pre/sources.

but what about the 2275, it seems that without a conditioner it sits completely exposed to the 'world'.

do tube amps need as much instant draw on the juice as their SS brotheren?

I am no sure of the instantaneous current draw of a tube amp but all that heat your amp is making is "used" watts.
Individual components have varying degrees of sensitivity to power supply depending upon the robustness and design of the power supply. I believe Cary Audio and Musical Fidelity's use of choke power supplies made them less sensitive to power supply noise. That said, "everything matters". So a cleaner power supply should provide a benefit. How much benefit, at what cost and with what audibility will depend on many factors, not the least of which is ones ability to hear a difference.

I suggest trying and decide if it is right for you.
I think there will be a benefit to the right power conditioner but there are others who would disagree.

Mike S.

[jonny reddish]

thanks mike, i have some richard greys sitting around, im gonna try it.

[PMCH]

I think it depends on which sound you prefer and how much you care about protection. I had my MC601's pluged into one unit that gave conditioning and protection and prefered the MC601's plugged directly into the wall ( or course no protection or conditioning then). I now have my MC601's pluged into a power conditioner that I like the sound of but it is without protection. Had a large lightening storm 2 nights ago and turned off the breaker to the dedicated line that fed power to the conditioner and everything connected to it.

My HT system has conditioning and protection on it, so I just left it on.

[AM123]

I had a MA2275 and without the power conditioner, the unit opened up.

Since I unplugged that power conditioner and heard the difference, I will never use a power conditioner or anything other than going straight into the wall with an AMP.

[Al Nico]

I have an MC275 mk 5 being powered by high current balanced power and this easily surpasses being directly connected to the wall with much improved bass articulation/definition, midrange prowess and clean silky highs.

Of course, all of the outlets in my system have been changed for different versions of Oyaide all depending on listening tests and mating performance desires with Oyaide AC male plugs. High current balanced power is hands down the best upgrade I've implemented in my system(s) over the years :-)

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by PMCH

I think it depends on which sound you prefer and how much you care about protection. I had my MC601's pluged into one unit that gave conditioning and protection and prefered the MC601's plugged directly into the wall ( or course no protection or conditioning then). I now have my MC601's pluged into a power conditioner that I like the sound of but it is without protection. Had a large lightening storm 2 nights ago and turned off the breaker to the dedicated line that fed power to the conditioner and everything connected to it.

My HT system has conditioning and protection on it, so I just left it on.

Paul.......Just so you know, turning off the circuit breakers that feed your stereo gear is not failsafe protection. The neutral and ground wires are still connected to the transformer that feeds your home and as long as your gear is plugged into a wall outlet a surge can come in on either of those paths as easily as the hot wire. A panel mounted surge protector will protect both A and B phases, neutral and ground. Of course nothing protects your gear better than unplugging it from the wall during a storm.

[Masterlu]

I don't own a piece of gear that isn't protected thru a conditioner/protector. Full protection on all electrical panels too.

[PMCH]

Dan, now that you mention it, it does make sense, that the neutral and ground are still connected. I keep meaning on installing a whole house surge protector and keep forgetting to do it. Your reminder (kick in the butt) should get me moving on it. I would have unplugged the power conditioner (which everything is plugged into) but it is a pain to get to it. Good thing we don't have many thunderstorms around here.