Circuits, Chords, and Conditioners

[schneice]

I'm beginning to think about tweaking my power.

Right now I have a single dedicated circuit for my all A/V needs. Which means my 2 channel sharing with the rest (TV, etc). I've put everything else into 1 power strip which I unplug for serious listening. Also using stock cords.

For budget, I need to make trade-offs between
+ Power chords
+ Distributor/Conditioner
+ Additional circuits

Any rule of thumb on where to start?

[audio bill]

The consensus seems to be that you should start by having a dedicated circuit installed if possible, since it makes a significant improvement for a relatively modest expenditure. I would then suggest that you try to arrange for in home auditions of various power cables and conditioners since their effectiveness varies widely depending upon the connected gear and the quality of your power. You have some very nice gear that should benefit from these upgrades by running on cleaner power.

[Masterlu]

Change out the builder grade receptacle first, if you haven't already.

[Glisse]

All good ideas. I suspect providing an additional circuit for the stereo system should be the first building block. If any of your AV components make a connection to the stereo system, there is a potential for a ground loop. Try and get the additional circuit to be as close as possible to the same length as the dedicated circuit currently in place so the ground potential is the same.

It is an interesting system you have, as a Ref 5SE / Ref 250 seems extreme to be driving 805's. Just a suggestion, but a Ref 75 would probably do an even better job with those speakers, and might free up funds (I am not familiar with US pricing) for both the new circuit, quality wall sockets, and a healthy arsenal of Shunyata power conditioner and power cables. I suspect the end result would be a big improvement.

[schneice]

Originally Posted by Glisse

It is an interesting system you have, as a Ref 5SE / Ref 250 seems extreme to be driving 805's. Just a suggestion, but a Ref 75 would probably do an even better job with those speakers, and might free up funds (I am not familiar with US pricing)

Definitely in flux...my interpretation is that I need new speakers...expect an announcement soon

[GrantS]

Hi,

Great system you have there. We use ARC gear in our own systems and they use many of our products, so I am certain there would be exceptional synergy.

Having said that, I think your best investment would be in exploring one, or better, two additional dedicated lines as an electrical base-line for the system. This would allow you to separate the two channel from the AV system number one, and separate the high-current (amps) from the rest of the line and source components in the two channel system.

Although much gets made of separating analog from digital; the more critical separation in terms of performance is separation of low-current from high-current components. We have an instruction document that highlights suggestions for optimizing dedicated lines and breakers for best performance. If you e-mail me at grant@shunyata.com, I'd be happy to send you a copy. This can be used for your own information as well as instruction for your electrician. Glisse is correct, all lines should be of equal distance and wire-gauge and as Ivan suggested, any stock wall outlets should be replaced with better. Even a Hubbell 5362 Spec grade would be an enormous improvement over what you typically find at the wall from the builder.

We'd also be happy to provide phone support if you have any questions after reading the electrical guide.

In terms of optimized electrical service, the dedicated lines give you a starting point. As a second stage, I recommend determining your main power distribution unit before power cords.

Power cords you can do one at a time in order of importance, i.e.--power distributor to the wall, amplification, main source; but the main distributor, because it supports multiple components, should be the first goal after dedicated lines. For your system, I recommend considering the PS-8 for the AV gear with a Defender. For the 2-channel, either a Hydra AV or a Hydra Triton. The amps could run direct with good quality power cords to an upgraded wall outlet--the Alpha HC's are what I currently recommend for those amps. If you wanted to add protection on that line, install a quad-plex (two joined duplex) and add our Defender protection unit. That way you have protection without any added connection for the amps.

Once you've settled on speakers and are ready to look at AC, feel free to contact me directly. I can send you the AC Guide and offer suggestions that may make sense for the system.

Best regards,

Grant
Shunyata Research

[schneice]

Thanks...amazingly helpful. Not where I would have started!

[audio bill]

Grant's post above truly demonstrates what a classy operation Shunyata runs. Offering such helpful advice and documentation to someone who may not even buy any of their products just makes good business sense and is an example that some competitors could learn from. I have no connection to the company, but they have earned my utmost respect!

[Masterlu]

[Glisse]

+1

And it isn't just for show in a public forum. The friendly attitude and helpful advice continues in private communications. Whilst these guys are obviously running a business, what comes through in every contact is the passion for the end result. Better sound. Wish there were more like them.