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Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: hilde45 on 12 Mar 2020, 11:11 am

Title: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 12 Mar 2020, 11:11 am
I'm putting a system together and am thinking through some of the factors which might contribute to the overall sound quality. I realize that testing things out as I go is the best way, so I'm asking this question not to get advice about what to do next but to understand how folks understand and weigh these factors.

Let's start with a predicted factor -- the speakers. From the speaker description:

Anticipated speakers: Salk SS 6M
Response +/- 3db — 35Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity — 90 db
Impedance — 8 ohms
Amplification — 50 watts (or 30wpc, tube amp)
Alignment — Front slot port
Dimensions — 9 W x 20 H x 14 D

Some have suggested that even a 60 wpc tube would be great for these speakers. So, here's my question —

Assume that I could get a very good 40 wpc tube amp to drive these speakers to sufficient listening levels (85 db at about 10 feet), for my kind of music (jazz, classical), and peaks in my (400 sq ft) listening space.

With these assumptions, the question becomes one of priorities. I could either spend additional dollars to (a) buy a more powerful amp or (b) spend that money on a power regenerator. Also assume that if I do *not* buy a regenerator, I'd still do *something* to improve the power (some kind of improvement but much less expense).

The question is: with those assumptions, what do you think would add more to the sound quality? More power or cleaner power?

Perhaps this is an impossible theoretical question to answer. If so, I'd like to know that, too!

Thanks!
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: abd1 on 12 Mar 2020, 05:46 pm
I used a Primaluna Dialogue One tube integrated with Song3's, which aren't as efficient as the speakers you're looking at. It's rated at 36 wpc, and only 18 wpc in triode mode. It had no issues driving them at much higher volumes in a much bigger space than what you're using your in. I also used a 48wpc Line Magnetic LM508 and it also had no issues with the Song3's. I think a 40wpc tube amp would be more than fine with these speakers in the size space you're looking at. Go with quality. The extra 20 wpc in the 60 wpc amp you mention won't matter unless you're really pushing the db's or switch to less sensitive speakers sometime down the road.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: witchdoctor on 12 Mar 2020, 06:58 pm
IMO don't commit $$$ yet, have an audition period. Audition amps with a return policy, one tube, one solid state, and one that offers room correction. Then pick the winner.
Yes, I believe power matters much more than WPC.

I think room correction matters more than power, by a long shot.

https://www.anthemarc.com/index.php
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: johnto on 12 Mar 2020, 07:16 pm
Some manufactures like Pass recommend against power conditioners.
I would see what other Salk users recommend with your particular speakers.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 12 Mar 2020, 11:01 pm
Thanks, all. I agree that 40 wpc might be just fine. I was thinking of going slightly higher to future proof.
Also agree about trying different amps -- taking time to learn the speakers' sound and then doing auditions. Great process. What does "one that offers room correction" mean? I are talking about something like the Parasound which offers a way to set the frequencies sent to both speaker and/or subwoofer?
And I'm definitely aiming for quality -- considering Quicksilver, e.g., or perhaps Octave, Black Ice Jolida, Parasound, Ps Audio, and a few others I can audition locally, plus a few online.

I was not thinking of a power "conditioner" but of a "regenerator." I also agree that room acoustics are probably something I should consider, and I appreciate the reminder!
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: witchdoctor on 12 Mar 2020, 11:39 pm
Read the link I posted about ARC room correction and it will explain it. Basically it will tune your speakers to your room. A very essential feature for receivers but mostly neglected in 2 CH sadly. This is an amp/streamer for 50% off that also has a sub out and can be connected via optical or RCA:

https://www.paradigm.com/en/wireless/pw-amp

Of course you always spend more:

https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/type=integrated-amp/model=str-integrated-amplifier/page=overview


Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 13 Mar 2020, 12:02 am
Thank you. Sorry to have missed the link!
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Early B. on 13 Mar 2020, 12:17 am
A good regenerator will cost a lot of money, and you don't know the potential benefit, if any. Although I'm a die hard power management guy, I'd recommend that you consider other component options before investing in a regenerator.  Likewise, I wouldn't suggest purchasing a more powerful amp, either.

So to answer your question directly -- neither option is likely to be the best next move. Tell us more about your existing system -- amp, preamp, source, cabling, and treatments (if any). You have to identify the weakest link and start there.   
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: witchdoctor on 13 Mar 2020, 12:22 am
Sure, ARC is a very good room correction, Dirac is another version and for 2 channel NAD offers it in the M10:

https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/nad-m10

I own the PW Amp and it is excellent, it just wraps you in a bubble of sound. At $500 it was a good deal but at 50% off now I think it is the least expensive quality amp offering room correction. Here is a review of the PW Link and check out what they say about the ARC feature:

https://www.techhive.com/article/3153229/paradigm-pw-amp-review-a-dts-play-fi-amplifier-that-will-bring-out-the-best-from-your-speakers.html

Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 13 Mar 2020, 12:23 am
Thank you for for the additional info, Witchdoctor.

Early B, here's some more to go on. I don't want to overspend, when there are so many elements to the system that should be taken account of.

So, I'm only settled so far on the Salk Speakers -- 90 db, 8 ohm. (Even they'll be on 30 day trial.) I'll want to power them with enough power -- where "enough" means plenty of headroom for a modest sized room of about 400 sq. feet, speakers about 10 feet away. I'll have a subwoofer.

I now have a CD transport and a streamer. I am still shopping for a DAC, preamp/amp, and also considering cables, power, room treatments. I have budgeted about 12-13k overall, and if I keep the Salks, that speaks for $4k and the streamer/cd transport have used another $1k. So, that's about $7-8k left to spend.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: witchdoctor on 13 Mar 2020, 12:27 am
As for the power regeberator I would start with changing out the wall socket, nice upgrade for around $75 and it impacts everything down stream, unlike a power cord which only impacts one component:



Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 13 Mar 2020, 12:33 am
Great! If I can do a dedicated line, I'll try for that, too.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: witchdoctor on 13 Mar 2020, 12:38 am
OK, so you will want probably an integrated amp with inputs for your CD transport and streamer. The Klipsch Powergate is an integrated amp that is only $150-$199 on Amazon and is shockingly good. It has an RCA in for your DAC and is rated at 100 WPC. Don't think because it is inexpensive its low quality, look at all the reviews on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0A7PH5?tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Early B. on 13 Mar 2020, 01:29 am
With your budget, you can create a killer system. Salks make a great foundation to build upon. In lieu of a regenerator, the dedicated line is a great choice and relatively inexpensive. Unless space is limited, get a separate amp, preamp and DAC if you want to maximize sound quality. For $8K remaining, I'd budget as follows for used gear:

$1,500 - amp
$1,500 - preamp
$1,000 - DAC
$2,000 - cables
$1,000 - power
$1,000 - room treatments

For an integrated option:

$3,000 - integrated tube amp
$1,500 - DAC
$1,500 - cables
$1,000 - power
$1,000 - room treatments

Once the system is built, save up for some dual subs and you'll be done. 

Oh, one more thing -- forget about the specs -- those Salks will likely sound better with more power. My speakers are 98 dB and I use 350wpc monoblocks.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: mick wolfe on 13 Mar 2020, 01:31 am
I'm putting a system together and am thinking through some of the factors which might contribute to the overall sound quality. I realize that testing things out as I go is the best way, so I'm asking this question not to get advice about what to do next but to understand how folks understand and weigh these factors.

Let's start with a predicted factor -- the speakers. From the speaker description:

Anticipated speakers: Salk SS 6M
Response +/- 3db — 35Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity — 90 db
Impedance — 8 ohms
Amplification — 50 watts (or 30wpc, tube amp)
Alignment — Front slot port
Dimensions — 9 W x 20 H x 14 D

Some have suggested that even a 60 wpc tube would be great for these speakers. So, here's my question —

Assume that I could get a very good 40 wpc tube amp to drive these speakers to sufficient listening levels (85 db at about 10 feet), for my kind of music (jazz, classical), and peaks in my (400 sq ft) listening space.

With these assumptions, the question becomes one of priorities. I could either spend additional dollars to (a) buy a more powerful amp or (b) spend that money on a power regenerator. Also assume that if I do *not* buy a regenerator, I'd still do *something* to improve the power (some kind of improvement but much less expense).

The question is: with those assumptions, what do you think would add more to the sound quality? More power or cleaner power?

Perhaps this is an impossible theoretical question to answer. If so, I'd like to know that, too!

Thanks!

Your main priority should be finding an amp that works extremely well with your speakers. If you don't get this right, all the power management tools on earth won't help.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: witchdoctor on 13 Mar 2020, 02:49 pm
With your budget, you can create a killer system. Salks make a great foundation to build upon. In lieu of a regenerator, the dedicated line is a great choice and relatively inexpensive. Unless space is limited, get a separate amp, preamp and DAC if you want to maximize sound quality. For $8K remaining, I'd budget as follows for used gear:

$1,500 - amp
$1,500 - preamp
$1,000 - DAC
$2,000 - cables
$1,000 - power
$1,000 - room treatments

For an integrated option:

$3,000 - integrated tube amp
$1,500 - DAC
$1,500 - cables
$1,000 - power
$1,000 - room treatments

Once the system is built, save up for some dual subs and you'll be done. 

Oh, one more thing -- forget about the specs -- those Salks will likely sound better with more power. My speakers are 98 dB and I use 350wpc monoblocks.

That is an interesting approach, are you an installer? I pick a component first and then shop for the best value before deciding how much to spend. For example I got my DefTech Active speakers marked down 75% after DefTech was acquired by Sound United. Instead of spending $1600 for 4 speakers I spent $400 and had an extra $1200 left in my budget.

https://hometheaterreview.com/definitive-technology-w9-and-w7-wireless-tabletop-speakers-reviewed/

Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Gyosa on 14 Mar 2020, 03:48 am
How about MORE CLEAN power .....

Parasound A21 , A21+ , Van Alstine SET 400 , PS Audio Stellar M700 monoblocks ...
All about the same price ....

Personally , 200 watts per channel 8 ohms is the minimum I like to play with ....

I use either an A21 or B&K ex-442 or ps audio S300 with my Salk supercharged songtowers - I mix ‘em up ....

All are great ....

Bk

Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: nickd on 14 Mar 2020, 04:55 am
I might suggest picking up a previously loved Lyngdorf TDAI 2170, spend a few bucks on high value wire and put what is needed into source and or or room treatments. The TDAI is an integrated amp that has changed the way I think of gear.

Early B knows a bit about my taste for exotic gear and knows I only go for extreme quality and value. I originally bought the Lyngdorf to Downsize, get mono amps off the floor etc.

I honestly didn’t think the level of transparency and low noise floor were possible in an in integrated. It shocks me every time I listen. I still read about mega amps and DAC’s that cost as much as a nice car in the mags, but I don’t lust after them anymore.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: witchdoctor on 14 Mar 2020, 11:16 am
Good call, the Lyngdorf has Room Perfect room correction :thumb:
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 14 Mar 2020, 11:33 am
Thanks, Gyosa, for those recommendations and I'm really enjoying the various answers folks are providing.

I had originally thought that the question would force a choice  -- between spending money on a more powerful (good quality) amplifier or spending it to clean up the power. Of course, when people evade the direct limits of the question, they wind up teaching me a lot, so it's all good! Still, to those who got creative, I wonder what you'd do if someone came up to you and said, "I'll give you a chunk of cash, but you can *only* spend it on *either* more power in your amplification OR some way to get cleaner power to your system. Otherwise, you get nothing." Some here have already answered this question, but this was the original forced choice I was hoping to convey.

Thanks everyone and stay safe.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Saturn94 on 14 Mar 2020, 03:11 pm
More power.  :thumb:

IMO, avoiding clipping will yield much better results than a device that “cleans” the incoming power.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 14 Mar 2020, 03:31 pm
Assume for the sake of argument that you could avoid clipping. Would you want even more headroom vs. more cleanliness in your power?
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Hydro on 14 Mar 2020, 03:50 pm
I always go for more than enough power. Getting enough power for 90db efficient speakers is easy, but they might not be the last speakers you will ever need to power with that amp. I run a pair of 92db Exotica R's with 35 watts of tube power and it is adequate, but the same amp is just enough for 87db Ht-2's. I run the Ht-2's on a Van Alstine 400R with great results. Also, how many people are on your electric service transformer. If it is like my neighborhood there is only four houses on our service. I haven't heard any improvement with conditioners. You will always hear differences with any change you make with your system, just because it sounds different doesn't always mean better. 
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: PSB Guy on 14 Mar 2020, 03:56 pm
I would always go with a more powerful amp, rather than trying to clean up the power. I also believe that any properly designed amp should be immune to most power anomalies by virtue of its power supply.

Cornelis
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: JLM on 14 Mar 2020, 03:56 pm
Power aberrations (the proper technical term for "dirty" power) are localized phenomenon by location and time.  I've heard it in an older light industrial neighborhood and heard it stop after 11PM Friday night when nearby factories shut down.  But have never heard it at home, in both a 50 year old house with a rat's nest of wiring  and a new home with near ideal settings.  A friend brought over his expensive power conditioner to my older house and it made almost no difference.  Expect power aberrations in older power grids, buildings, and home mechanicals/appliances.   

I had a 40 wpc tube integrated and 40 wpc solid state mono-blocks with 90 dB/w/m 8 ohm speakers in an 8ft x 13ft x 21ft room and had plenty of power (even with the tube amp power cut in half (triode mode).  But that's my old fart tastes.  As always you want enough power to provide a commanding grip on the speakers for better dynamics, detail, and imaging and of course to avoid clipping. 

So go ahead and try a power conditioner (all hours of the week) but only if you can return it.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Saturn94 on 14 Mar 2020, 04:17 pm
Assume for the sake of argument that you could avoid clipping. Would you want even more headroom vs. more cleanliness in your power?

Believing “power cleanliness” isn’t much of an issue, assuming using quality gear with proper power supplies, I would still go for more power.  Cleanly producing peaks such a drum whacks and such, requires much more power than many realize even if the average SPL isn’t very loud.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Early B. on 14 Mar 2020, 04:20 pm
I might suggest picking up a previously loved Lyngdorf TDAI 2170, spend a few bucks on high value wire and put what is needed into source and or or room treatments. The TDAI is an integrated amp that has changed the way I think of gear.

Early B knows a bit about my taste for exotic gear and knows I only go for extreme quality and value. I originally bought the Lyngdorf to Downsize, get mono amps off the floor etc.

I honestly didn’t think the level of transparency and low noise floor were possible in an in integrated. It shocks me every time I listen. I still read about mega amps and DAC’s that cost as much as a nice car in the mags, but I don’t lust after them anymore.

Go for it! 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649599475-lyngdorf-tdai-2170-a-mint/

Better price from Canada:  https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649568823-lyngdorf-tdai-2170-integrated-amp-see-photo/


Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 14 Mar 2020, 07:50 pm
Thanks, Hydo, PSB, Saturn. More power, future proofing makes sense. I'll try to go for 60 wpc tube at least.
JLM, good advice. Thank you.

The PS Audio videos from Paul McGowan had basically convinced me that I definitely needed to get a regenerator. His explanations were good and he was clearly saying that it could help many levels of system, not just the high end. I don't think he was hard selling it, and he did leave some wiggle room, but the effect of listening to a couple of these was to move me toward buying a regenerator.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: grsimmon on 15 Mar 2020, 06:07 pm
More power.  Save your money and spend elsewhere.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Chris Adams on 15 Mar 2020, 07:26 pm
The PS Audio videos from Paul McGowan had basically convinced me that I definitely needed to get a regenerator. His explanations were good and he was clearly saying that it could help many levels of system, not just the high end. I don't think he was hard selling it, and he did leave some wiggle room, but the effect of listening to a couple of these was to move me toward buying a regenerator.

Make sure, if you try a regenerator, that there is a return policy. I know they have worked well for some so I'm not dissing them. I have an EMI meter and my lines measure 1500 to 2000mV of EMI on a regular basis. I bought a PS Audio regenerator and it did absolutely nothing to diminish the noise. I sent it back. I then picked up a used PI Audio Group UberBuss and it knocked the noise down to below 300mV and substantially reduced the midrange glare I was hearing while listening to music.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: MMcGary on 21 Mar 2020, 04:11 pm
No issues using my amps with the SALK SS 6M speakers....I own a pair of SS 6M speakers. Any speaker rated at 4 ohms can be safely connected to either the SA1 or SA2 amps using the 4 ohm output binding posts on the amplifier(s)...
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: rollo on 21 Mar 2020, 05:41 pm
   I would suggest 100W/ch of tubed power 50W class "A" tubed power. Install three dedicated lines of 20A. One for digital one for preamp and one for Amp. Conditioning may not be required. If it is use three one for each dedicated line.
   Not all power conditioners are neutral to the source, especially regenerators. Most have a sonic signature. Separating the digital from analog alone will be a big plus.
    You can never have too much power. Mating the proper amp to ones speakers is the key to great sound.  Have fun trying.


charles
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 21 Mar 2020, 06:17 pm
Wow, Rollo -- 100 wpc tube. I had gone from Salk wow1 (84db) to SS 6M (90 db) to try to *not* have to get so much tube wattage. But, I'm open to hearing more. Why has 100wpc been the right amount for you? Very much appreciate your account and I'm listening.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: rollo on 21 Mar 2020, 07:00 pm
  Effortless reproduction from extra headroom.  No strain during complex passages., less noise and better bass.   Salks like power, clean power.  It is NOT the wattage per say it is the quality of the wattage. If one has extra power of high quality the Holy Grail. Jim used a 150W amp to demo with.


charles
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 21 Mar 2020, 07:15 pm
Thanks. I was hoping 60 watts would do that; I'll reconsider. I'm strongly considering Quicksilver, Octave, BlackIce Jolida, Cary but I have yet to hear all but the Quicksilver. Open to your opinions on this, too, especially as they combine with the Salk SS 6M.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Early B. on 21 Mar 2020, 07:23 pm
Thanks. I was hoping 60 watts would do that; I'll reconsider. I'm strongly considering Quicksilver, Octave, BlackIce Jolida, Cary but I have yet to hear all but the Quicksilver. Open to your opinions on this, too, especially as they combine with the Salk SS 6M.

Consider higher quality tube amps from niche manufacturers who provide better build quality than many of the brand name amps. You can often find them in the same price range as the amps you've listed.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: rollo on 21 Mar 2020, 07:27 pm
Thanks. I was hoping 60 watts would do that; I'll reconsider. I'm strongly considering Quicksilver, Octave, BlackIce Jolida, Cary but I have yet to hear all but the Quicksilver. Open to your opinions on this, too, especially as they combine with the Salk SS 6M.

  If it were me I would consult with Jim Salk. Let hime know your sonic desire, either neutral, warm/lush, bright/detailed etc. Jim will direct you accordingly to a proper match.


charles
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 21 Mar 2020, 08:50 pm
Thanks, Rollo. When I last talked with him a few weeks ago, I asked about wattage for these speakers; he recalled a show where the tower speaker Salk SS 9.5 (similar tweeter but 87 db) sounded fine in a 30x30 room with a 30 wpc tube amp, so on that basis he felt 30 wpc  would be fine (or better) for the SS 6M that are even easier to drive at 90db. I was thinking I'd be safe with 60 wpc. So, when I heard 100 wpc, I wanted to know more.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Saturn94 on 22 Mar 2020, 02:19 am
  Effortless reproduction from extra headroom.  No strain during complex passages., less noise and better bass.   Salks like power, clean power.  It is NOT the wattage per say it is the quality of the wattage. If one has extra power of high quality the Holy Grail. Jim used a 150W amp to demo with.


charles

This!

I use to own a pair of ADS L1290 (a 3 way design I enjoyed over 25 yrs :D ).  They were rated 90db.  I drove them with a 35 watt amp, then a 100 watt amp, then finally a 250 watt amp (all SS).  With each power increase, the sound improved as described by Rollo.

Clean headroom is a good thing!  :thumb:

Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: oem-wheels on 22 Mar 2020, 03:17 am
I believe you should concentrate on your DAC, preamp, amp, and speakers first.. Everything else are "tweaks".. Once you get the first four sounding great together (enough headroom, tight bass, no brightness, etc...where it sounds good to your ears) then go ahead and tweak the system with a regenerator, acoustics, cables, and so on..  Your foot will most likely be tapping sooner by doing it in this order first..
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 22 Mar 2020, 11:12 am
Thanks, OEM-wheels.
I have a budget that I'm trying to work with, and those other items are all clearly portioned out and I'm doing research to try to get the best quality within each range.

The reason the present question came up was because I do have some money apportioned for "power" and I'm trying to get a sense of how much to spend there. Obviously, in any budget, some money can shift from one category to another, and so this question of "more power or cleaner power" is about figuring out how to judge these two categories against one another.

My conversation with Jim suggested that a very reasonable amount of power for these speakers would be 30 wpc, and others I have spoken to with a lot of knowledge has said that doubling this amount of power to 60 wpc would give me a lot of headroom. The recent suggestions (of 100 wpc and even more) are probably correct in theory, but I have a budget which needs — as you point out — to pay attention to DAC, preamp, etc. To keep adding power, way above and beyond what the speakers needs *at the cost of the other categories* is only an option if I have an unlimited budget — which I do not.

I would suppose your suggestion of what to concentrate on does *not* imply to spend zero on power, cables, room tweaks; so I guess I would be curious what proportion of your budget you spent on those things, if you kept track or remember.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: Early B. on 22 Mar 2020, 02:14 pm
More power doesn't mean it costs more money. With your budget, you can buy whatever size power amp you want. However, there's a better way of looking at "more power vs. clean power".  The first priority for clean power is a good quality component with a beefy power supply. Good components typically provide cleaner power. Instead of focusing on a separate power component right now, you'll be much better off if you buy components that already have "clean power." Buzz words to look for are "black background" or "dead quiet."

Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: oem-wheels on 22 Mar 2020, 11:38 pm
What I'm trying to say is get the amp that's going to help your system sing first, whether or not you'll be able to afford the regenerator or not after the new amp.. And if there's enough room in your budget to get that regenerator then get that too.. If not then I'd live without it..  But if you can't go without a regenerator then disregard my post.. If I threw a curve ball then I'm sorry..
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 23 Mar 2020, 03:29 am
No, oem, no curve ball! I appreciate your thoughts.
I plan to get an amp that will make them sing.
My only goal, really, was to tease out people's theoretical intuitions.
In other words,
IF one had sufficient and clean power in their amp,
AND one had money for (a) even more good clean amp power *versus* spending money on (b) cleaner electricity, which would be more important?
I think many have given their answers and I've learned a lot.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: mick wolfe on 23 Mar 2020, 05:07 pm
Power requirements (as always) will depend on room size, how loud you listen and what types of music you listen to. This will also dictate both speaker and amplifier choice for that matter. In either case and as others have said, solve the amp/speaker interface issue first.  As I've mentioned before, no power conditioner (if you find you'll even need one) will correct a mismatch between a speaker and an amplifier. Don't put the cart before the horse.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: charmerci on 23 Mar 2020, 06:03 pm
Both When I got an SurgeX (unmodified) from Dave of ZenWave Cables here on AC. I noticed a slightly better sound on my system, which you can see by clicking below my avatar. I wish I could afford one of his modified ones.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: hilde45 on 23 Mar 2020, 06:48 pm
Gotcha Mick. The question is posed as if all those things were *already* done pretty well.
Thanks, Charmerci, I'lll take a look.
Title: Re: More power or Cleaner power?
Post by: charmerci on 23 Mar 2020, 06:57 pm

Thanks, Charmerci, I'll take a look.
They're pretty expensive new but they can be had much less on eBay.