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October 5, 2008 - 6:55pm
#1
Power Conditioning, Cables, and Interconnects
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You can put together a GOOD system without high-end power conditioners, cables, etc. but it will never be a truly GREAT system. As with anything else in life getting the details right make all of the difference in the world. Don't take my word for it though, listen to cables and power conditioners for yourself. When you stop hearing differences stop spending your money.
Nearly to a man I don't think that anyone on this forum WANTED to spend their money on these items, they were convinced by their ears. I doubted all of these categories, but one by one I've tried most of them and they do make a "difference." Now one man's better is another man's worse, which is why I chose the word "difference." However, I still consider myself an open-minded skeptic.
Welcome to Stereophile.
Yeah, 10 to 20% seems right. Consider an integrated amp to reduce the need for ICs. I'd start at the 10% range.
Dave
Man, that extra 2K could make for speakers of the next level.
I'd vote to focus on the gear, then once you have the gear, audition the IC's, cables, conditioners, speaker wires as upgrades.
That being said, I do think power conditioners are cool; but too many cables fail to deliver the goods as 'promised.'
I'd rather have a 5K speaker with 'normal' interconnects than a 3K speaker with 'special' interconnects.
When assembling a system, I think you get bigger bang for the buck at the level of speaker quality.
Obviously, you are about to run into myriad differing opinions!
Best wishes.
I vote with Buddha. Put the money into the hardware first, much greater yuck/buck ratio.
I like good power conditioning and I have played with cables, but they are frosting. Start with basic decent wire - entry level Kimber or the like. Upgrade the wire later if you feel like playing.
here is a thought for 2 very inexpensive power products that made noticible improvements. the first was a hospital grade wall socket (about $25.00) and the second is the "naim" wiremould power strip for about $59.00. these inexpensive items were my first foray into anything to do with the house a.c. together, they cleaned up and quieted things down a good bit.
this sounds like fun, good luck.
tom
If I were you, I would go to the dealer and listen to the system with and without the power conditioner, if I am able to tell the difference I would go for it...if not I would get good cables and invest on the system. Once I get used to the sound of my system I would consider the powerconditioner as an upgrade...meaning I would again try my system with the powerconditioner...if it sounds better I will buy it else I will be happy where I am.
Agreed with all of the above, and when and if you decide you want cleaner power, first get a dedicated line/circuit for your system. This was by FAR the biggest shot in the arm for my system I ever gave it. And it costs less than most power conditioners too!
Too much...Depending n how many cables you need, I would recomend PS audio basic $120 power cables, Kimpber PBJ interconnects and Cardis for speakers...'The Cable Store' sells used cables at around 1/2 price and I have had very good success with them. Put another way, the cables and power cords that come with most gear are pretty poor....a single step up to beter cable makes a big difference in many systems, mine included.