[George Hincapie]

When you drop the noise floor you increase dynamic range.

If one can hear a difference. That will vary from person to person.

I personally believe power conditioning is the foundation of a great system. It's more talked about in the 2-channel world. But I believe needs to be discussed more in the Head-Fi world.

How can one determine whether such a device is needed? Is there a way to measure any existing noise floor that does not require expensive equipment?

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Actually, Mrs. Cowen should be thankful : Atticus being a closed-back prevents the household bombardment by Manson noise. …

So wait, who's supposed to be thankful again?

Helter, skelter, and not a drop to drink...

 

[gimmeheadroom]

How can one determine whether such a device is needed? Is there a way to measure any existing noise floor that does not require expensive equipment?

It's a good way to spend money. As long as you don't make things worse, at least you might get some surge protection.

There are instruments to measure power quality but the good ones are not cheap. And measuring it, like anything, still doesn't bring a decisive conclusion other than it's better or worse, on paper. Alternatively, you could put a scope on your headouts or speaker outs and take some measurements to see the affect on the whole chain- if any.

The other way to look at it is that better power is never a bad thing. So it comes down to budget, priorities, the rest of your chain, etc. along with whether you trust the manufacturer's claims.

 

[Chastity]

For me, my biggest source of noise comes from the PC, via the 5V Power it supplies. I use a dongle to block that, so only data lines are used. My external DAC is self-powered, however, the USB supplied power would still add noise, so it needed to be isolated.

 

[AnalogEuphoria]

How can one determine whether such a device is needed? Is there a way to measure any existing noise floor that does not require expensive equipment?

So you can use a mains noise analyser like this

Close to zero is what you want to aim for, use it for testing out power filter strips and devices before and after. some products actually cause more noise so ymmv.

 

[AnalogEuphoria]

For me, my biggest source of noise comes from the PC, via the 5V Power it supplies. I use a dongle to block that, so only data lines are used. My external DAC is self-powered, however, the USB supplied power would still add noise, so it needed to be isolated.

idefender from iFi?

 

[tameral]

I still have room for improvement but enjoying the process so far.

I definitely recommend Envy for Susvara / Utopia set ups. Euforia seems more suited to my ZMF Atticus, in the end.

 

[EDWARIS]

Does the Puritan actually do anything you can hear?

yes, it is a little better than gigawatt strip I had before. especially at evenings when the power network is busy. at 3 AM it doesn't really matter)

 

[EDWARIS]

Do you plan to try other tubes on ENVY?

Hi Tezka)

I just have got these beauties)

You can come and hear it if you wish, I am nedaleko )

 

[George Hincapie]

yes, it is a little better than gigawatt strip I had before. especially at evenings when the power network is busy. at 3 AM it doesn't really matter)

They are the next county over from us; I have asked for a home demo. I want to hear for myself first.

 

[Chastity]

idefender from iFi?

Yep, I have the earlier one iDefender3.0. You can also just use a modded USB cable with the 5v pin removed / taped over if you don't need the option to feed it an external 5v power source. I bought the dongle because I like the convenience, and for having 3.0 passthru. A lot of cheaper options only do USB 1.1. (I'd be happy with 2.0 passthru)

 

[jonathan c]

 

[riffrafff]

 

[jleewachter]

I know this is a full-size forum, but I'm on an Ety kick right now...

 

[haasaaroni]

Killer photo, Jonathan! New camera? I've seen pictures of your setup before, but this makes it seem like I'm seeing it for the first time. Love how much tube love there is.