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Sound difference in where you plug in your rig?

post #1 of 16
2/28/07 at 7:10pm
Thread Starter 
I used to have my entire rig plugged up straight into the outlet in my bedroom. We recently got a rack for all our audio gear, and I've been able to move everything out by the computer. I plugged everything up into a power brick in the living room and, for whatever reason, the difference is rather striking. It still sounds good, don't get me wrong, but it actually sounds a bit more constricted and the treble is noticeably more harsh.

It makes me wonder about power conditioners and what have you. I haven't been lucky enough with the funds to try out different power cables, but I'm starting to think they may be in my future...

So, I guess my question is, has anyone else ever heard a similar difference in sound quality or signature when simply changing the location of their rig, or rather, which outlet/where they plug in their gear for power related issues?

khbaur
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post #2 of 16
2/28/07 at 7:21pm
maybe because the room is bigger/different size? (living room vs. bedroom)

i have no idea what i'm talking about, but that seems logical to me.
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post #3 of 16
2/28/07 at 7:25pm
Thread Starter 
But I'm using headphones.

I totally get what you're talking about, though. I had to move my speakers during this process as well from the ground to about ear height (when sitting in a chair) and they do sound a bit different. They didn't, however, change nearly as much as my headphone rig had by just switching out the outlet.
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post #4 of 16
2/28/07 at 8:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by khbaur330162 View Post
But I'm using headphones.

I totally get what you're talking about, though. I had to move my speakers during this process as well from the ground to about ear height (when sitting in a chair) and they do sound a bit different. They didn't, however, change nearly as much as my headphone rig had by just switching out the outlet.
oops. thought you meant speakers when you said "rig" in this section of the forums... my bad!

i guess i DON'T know of any more answers...
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post #5 of 16
2/28/07 at 9:19pm
I have actually heard a difference from the way the power plug is attached to the wall.
Our plugs are symmetrical so they can be used in two ways. And it actually made a difference by flipping it around 180 degrees in the wall.
Sounds strange but it's true.

I think I have read an article on the net about it to.
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post #6 of 16
2/28/07 at 9:25pm
And my father believes he can hear a difference in sound after ~10pm, because of "cleaner" electricity. (as fewer people are awake by nighttime)

So I believe there could be a difference. Though I think it's one of the less significant parts.
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post #7 of 16
2/28/07 at 9:36pm
A lot can depend what is on the leg that you are plugged into.
If you have compressors, fluorscent lights, dimmer switches, computers, transformers.... on the run , they can cause noise that you may be able to hear.
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post #8 of 16
2/28/07 at 9:37pm
We are not alone
Hear the guy after ~2mins into the film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs1aUws0Lrs

Great movie btw.
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post #9 of 16
2/28/07 at 9:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alucard View Post
And my father believes he can hear a difference in sound after ~10pm, because of "cleaner" electricity. (as fewer people are awake by nighttime).
Are you able to hear a difference?
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post #10 of 16
2/28/07 at 9:44pm
[QUOTE=883dave;2756615][QUOTE=Alucard;2756568]And my father believes he can hear a difference in sound after ~10pm, because of "cleaner" electricity. (as fewer people are awake by nighttime)
Quote:

Are you able to hear a difference?
In my setup no. But I haven't searched for any difference. Plus I almost always listen at night anyway. But I do think my RS2 sounds less bright after a while of playing, usually in the middle of the night. But I don't think that has anything to do with the power. Maybe that the amp has gotten warm, or that my ears are beginning to shut down after 3-4 hours of listening.
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post #11 of 16
2/28/07 at 9:56pm
it can be other things plugged into the circuit polluting the power, or the power strip itself causing bad sonics. Have you tried plugging your system directly into the wall?

Whatever it is, a good power conditioner should help. My living room has pretty dirty power. I have everythign plugged into a PSaudio Duet and it sounds better than straight into the wall.
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post #12 of 16
2/28/07 at 9:59pm
[QUOTE=Alucard;2756630][QUOTE=883dave;2756615]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alucard View Post
And my father believes he can hear a difference in sound after ~10pm, because of "cleaner" electricity. (as fewer people are awake by nighttime)
In my setup no. But I haven't searched for any difference. Plus I almost always listen at night anyway. But I do think my RS2 sounds less bright after a while of playing, usually in the middle of the night. But I don't think that has anything to do with the power. Maybe that the amp has gotten warm, or that my ears are beginning to shut down after 3-4 hours of listening.

My system sounds better at night than in the day time too. More people in the neighborhood sleeping = less appliances, electronics, etc powered on = cleaner power =
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post #13 of 16
2/28/07 at 10:08pm
Something that could change it is if you have a lot of noise in an environment. And I mean electrical noise such as that caused by halogen lamps and such.
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post #14 of 16
3/1/07 at 12:01am
Thread Starter 
Yea there's about 104395610348756876 other components plugged into the same outlet. I bet that's where the harshness and compressed sound is coming from. Thanks guys.

Do you think a power conditioner and new power cable could significantly help resolve the issue?
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post #15 of 16
3/1/07 at 12:21am
I personally found that using a lowly Furman M-8 ($40) helps. But there are others who will say that you should plug directly into wall because that is best.
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