[fado]

Sometime ago I read a brief explanation about why and where to put different components to minimize various types of interference - like where to put the power conditioner in relation to the power amp and where to put various other components such as CD players, DAC's, preamps, tuners, turntables, etc. in relation to the other components.

I think it may have been Dan Wright, ModWright Instruments, who posted a response addressing this issue but I am interested in any guidance for correct component  placement.
 Thank You

[JLM]

First, length of digital cable, interconnects, and speaker wire should be considered.

Second avoid running any of these parallel to power cords.

If possible, the best location for any of these components is out of the room (for best "non-contamination" of the soundstage and microphonics).  If not possible, keep them low and as far back as possible.  Again if not possible put them inside a vibration proof enclosure that is solidly anchored to concrete floor or substanial wall.

Keep big transformers (power amps) away from sources.

[frank111]

 JLM , you mentioned not running speaker wire parallel with power cords. With the set up of my room I cant escape that. Can I cover the power cords with anything to prevent any interference (although I cant sense anything right now. Thanks.

[JLM]

Frank:

Hey, if it ain't broke it must be ok   

Look for shielded cables.

Or just try to run the wire/cables at 90 degree angles to each other (think of a weave if you have enough lengths).  (The vast majority of setups, like mine  , don't have perfect cabling layouts.)

[boynamedsue]

Can you explain why it isn't good to have power amp near source components? I have my poweramp in my rack with my source components (pre-amp, DAC, computer). Thanks.

Keep big transformers (power amps) away from sources.

[JohnR]

It's less of an issue with digital sources than it is with vinyl. It's mostly that anything that conducts current will also radiate an electromagnetic field. If you suspect there's a problem, just try moving components away from each other. If you can't detect a difference, stop worrying about it.

[werd]

Racking companies have designed their whole industry around this. Especially as john has pointed out in TT placement. Good racks will provide ample placement and sheilded support from mechanical shake. Good racks also allow for individual placement of components straight up for minimum component footprint in your room.

That's a pretty standard response but still worth pointing out.

[Quiet Earth]

Not sure if I can go along with you and John on this one. My source components are on the same top shelf with my power amps, and sitting inches apart from each other. I have no issues with proximity induced hum. In fact, I recently had to swap the CD transport and turntable positions, putting the phono cartridge even closer to its neighboring mono block amp. Still no hum.

I would say that component positioning could be things to look at if you have a problem, but not necessarily rules that can't be broken. As JLM said many months ago, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Try turning the volume up as loud as you would ever listen. Then, pause the music and sit in your chair. Hear any hum or noise? If not, don't sweat it.

[JohnR]

I think we're in agreement here. I got inadvertently into the receiving end of a pile of shit a while ago because I dared to use an 8" piece of unshielded cable. Like I said, if you can't hear a difference between near and far, why worry about it?

[werd]

Not sure if I can go along with you and John on this one. My source components are on the same top shelf with my power amps, and sitting inches apart from each other. I have no issues with proximity induced hum. In fact, I recently had to swap the CD transport and turntable positions, putting the phono cartridge even closer to its neighboring mono block amp. Still no hum.

I would say that component positioning could be things to look at if you have a problem, but not necessarily rules that can't be broken. As JLM said many months ago, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Try turning the volume up as loud as you would ever listen. Then, pause the music and sit in your chair. Hear any hum or noise? If not, don't sweat it.

Yes but what's the stuff you have your Amps and TT on, sitting on your top shelf?

[Quiet Earth]

Ah yes, I see where you are going with this now. You are correct (I guess) about minimizing mechanical nasties. I was thinking electromagnetic. 

Although to be fair to myself, mechanical placement doesn't matter too much in my case, since my rack is an inexpensive non-audiophile jobber. The footers do help a little bit, but not really a night and day difference.