[Shure or bust]

Hi, I recently moved my audio gear with only 2 wall sockets in the new location. Needless to say I plugged the DAC and amp into the wall and am running a surge protector for monitor and desktop. Will I lose any audio quality by running my desktop off of a surge protector ? I am using a optical cable for audio. Thanks.

 

[cdsa35000]

Unless there is a groundloop can cause hum, but optical audio don't have groundloop problems.
I use 3 serial powerswitched boxes/outlets, no any differences can be heard.

Maybe if you have high-end gear, power conditioners, silver fuse, golden cables etc, then maybe SQ can differs?

 

[Shure or bust]

I'm sure there is no difference. Most important part is DAC/amp are getting power from wall outlet. I keep getting a clicking noise every hour or so. Maybe I am going crazy.coming from amp ? Either its amp, PSU, or DAC.unless surge protector is turned off too and DAC is unplugged. Amp is plugged in. Hmm

 

[cdsa35000]

That clicking/plopping could come from the refrigerator/freezer when they cycle power on/off, there's a power peak/surge in the mains causing clicking/plopping noises in power amps.
http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/refrigerator-noise


Maybe this could help or switch polarity of the power plugs?
http://www.smarthome.com/act-af120-15-amp-plug-in-noise-filter.html

 

[Speedskater]

As above, it's best to tackle that type of problem at its source.
Try turning off circuit breakers one at a time to pin it down.
It may be outside or next door.

 

[Shure or bust]

I guess i'll go one by one to figure it out. I'm sure its the amp plugged into the wall outlet.

 

[westom]

 Will I lose any audio quality by running my desktop off of a surge protector ? I am using a optical cable for audio.

What do you think a protector does?  Anyone who made a recommendation without numbers should have been ignored.
 
For example, a 120 volt protector has a number on its box.  Its let-through voltage is typically 330 volts. That means it does absolutely nothing until AC voltage well exceed 330 volts.  How often does that occur in your dwelling?
 
Clicks are probably single digit volts.  What (that ignores anything below 330 volts) will do anything for clicks?
 
Another said what should have been obvious.  A noise is best eliminated at its source.  And not by magic boxes marketed to naïve consumers.  First the source must be identified.  Solutions come much later.
 
What happens inside your electronics?  120 volts is massively increased to over 300 volts.  Then converted to high frequency spikes.  IOW electricity is made as 'dirty' as possible.  Then existing and superior cleaning circuits (filters and regulators) clean what was intentionally made so dirty.
 
So what does cleaning AC mains do?  Nothing.  Because cleanest AC power is converted into dirtiest.  Then cleaned by superior circuits already inside electronic appliances.

 

[Shure or bust]

All last night and this morning I haven't had a single noise anywhere. Hopefully it stays that way. It is heating up here.

 

[Shure or bust]

Amp is clicking when plugged into ac.