[eclein]

Not sure how to phrase this--I connected a linear power supply to my SB and the sound got much better- like alot, alot better!!
How do I translate that to the rest of my gear?? All my components are run of the mil big box store units that have internal power supplies
I'm assuming. So do I look at some type of UPS? or another power conditioning alternative? It stands to reason that cleaning up the power to all my gear would improve sound-right??

[eclein]

Lets try this-using existing outlets (apartment building) whats the best thing I'd could use to get clean power to my system??
Power Conditioning? ,a UPS? ,stack of car batteries?

[JohnR]

I'm assuming that with the SB you replaced a low-quality supply with a higher-quality supply... The same thing applies to all of your gear, you would have to replace a low quality supply with a high-quality one. If the supply is internal, then it is going to be more difficult than just replacing an external supply... sorry, I don't think there's any easy answer...

[eclein]

I didn't think so--Thanks John

[Wayne1]

Ed,

You replaced an inexpensive switching power supply with a linear. The switcher was supplying the SB with noisy DC and polluting the AC with high frequency noise. It was also probably transmitting RFI in it's area.

To clean up the rest of your system, first remove any more switching supplies. That means any computers, cell phone chargers, external hard drive PS, etc.

Now you can look at power conditioners. There are lots of different designs available. Paul Kaplan (Occam here on AC) has a line of power cables with conditioners built in. These are VERY good, but fairly expensive. BPT and Equi-Tech offer Balanced Power conditioners. These will treat all the components in your system and do a good job of reducing certain types of noise. If you look through the archives of AC, you will find other products ans people who swear by them.

Unfortunately, you are going to have to try each one out in your place as each system is unique. What works for one person may not work for the other.

If you are looking at improving the overall sound of your system, I would suggest you look at room treatment as your next step. Then start working on power conditioning. Treating the room is the best bang for the buck "tweak" you can do.

[eclein]

Thanks Wayne..

[Occam]

Ed,

If you're amenable to diy, much can be done for relatively little money. The Felix project allows you to build power conditioners for each component (if you choose to) which would provide both power conditioning and isolation between each component, something quite helpful for digital and/or switching ps components. Each individual Felix can be customized for the specific current requirements.
Simply search on 'Felix' and you'll find quite a number of threads.

Although you live in an apartment, I still believe changing the outlets for an industrial grade Hubbell HBL5262 (15amps) or HBL5362 (20amps) is the maximum bang for the buck upgrade, at $12 and $14 respectively. Simply get the outlet in the same color as your present outlet(s) and your landlord will never be the wiser....
http://www.stayonline.com/nema-3-wire-receptacles-duplex-straight-blade.aspx
The industrial 125v receptacles in the above url are available in black,brown and ivory.

FWIW,
Paul

[wushuliu]

Ed,

If you're amenable to diy, much can be done for relatively little money. The Felix project allows you to build power conditioners for each component (if you choose to) which would provide both power conditioning and isolation between each component, something quite helpful for digital and/or switching ps components. Each individual Felix can be customized for the specific current requirements.
Simply search on 'Felix' and you'll find quite a number of threads.

Although you live in an apartment, I still believe changing the outlets for an industrial grade Hubbell HBL5262 (15amps) or HBL5362 (20amps) is the maximum bang for the buck upgrade, at $12 and $14 respectively. Simply get the outlet in the same color as your present outlet(s) and your landlord will never be the wiser....
http://www.stayonline.com/nema-3-wire-receptacles-duplex-straight-blade.aspx
The industrial 125v receptacles in the above url are available in black,brown and ivory.

FWIW,
Paul

Seconded. My gf and I just moved into a new apartment, this has forced me to setup my audio gear step by step all over again. The good thing is I get chance to reassess what affects what. Just as I did in my previous place, I went to HD and bought a professional grade outlet. I also got a hold of a Furutech outlet in ebay for half price. I installed both last weekend and indeed there IS a night and day difference.

Fact is in an apartment the cheapest possible outlets are used and by the time your stuff is plugged in it's probably in poor shape and the contacts on the inside covered with whatever paint they used around it. I was surprised when I first pulled one out in my old place, it's amazing I got any power at all! It was entirely covered with white paint inside. You don't have to go boutique, just better quality. And clean the wires w/ Caig or similar. Get a $8 outlet at home depot, etc. try it out and then when your jaw drops you can think about other audiophile recced brands to try.

[eclein]

If I tried to do outlets I'd screw up your power, my power and the east coast of the US...LOL!!!
I swapped all my equipment power around this morning, one side of the room has my audio/video stuff and the other side has PC/Router/USB drive...its not ideal probably
but feels like a positive move...hehe.
 Now as I wait for my Grant Fidelity Tube DAC-09 to arrive Friday I will take Wayne's suggestion and explore room treatments.