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Hi, I'd like some opinions if someone using a vintage (refurbished) McIntosh MC-225 with Dynaudio Excite 12 speakers and a Mc-c24 vintage preamp would benefit by using a power (line) conditioner. My buddy lives in a Manhattan apartment with multiple apartments using the power. He is afraid the line conditioner will do more harm than good and will not prolong the life of his tubes. What is your opinion?
Thanks!!
Follow Ups:
I would agree with unclestu - and add the following:
if the concern in the apartment bldg is that there is much noise and ripple on the ac mains due to the power distribution system in the bldg - then some form of conditioner is warranted.
I would however suggest that you get a simple DMM and monitor the voltage over a period of time, and possibly a frequency counter to monitor the AC frequency - then you will have a better idea of the degree of degradation that is present and that needs to be corrected.
I would also repeate unclestu's comment - do not get an UNDER capacity unit - it will cause new problems...
Happy Listening
I doubt either a VM or frequency counter will be of much help in diagnosing potential 'dirty' power.
Instead? I'd recommend a scope.
My line frequency meter NEVER moves. Not just seldom.....NEVER.
And my line voltage is fairly stable. And predictible, to some extent. Right this minute, my voltage is near the high side of the cycle at about 119v. This summer? I can expect as low as 110 during peak demand....at which point I start shutting stuff off.
The meter to get?
Get a 'Kill-a-Watt' meter. Inexpensive and adds power used and POWER FACTOR....a concept you should get used to.
I wouldn't be TOO worried about apartment power unless it was located close to some manufacturing or light industrial...where they can potentially have machines which will really mess up power. I lived near a water plant once.....and the lights would get BRIGHTER for an instant when the pumps kicked off.....No outright equipment damage, though.
Too much is never enough
IME, have your friend seek out a Mac owner's forum and post the question (s) there. He is sure to get positive responses.
Many use an underpowered PLC and that does deteriorate the sound particularly in dynamic range. I find that PLCs should have a separate tier of filtering per component with a current rating of 5 times the current draw o that compoenet ( check the line fuse to determine current draw).
It's not likely to be cheap but it works for me. If finances limit, find a good PLC for the front end and leave the amp for later. The PLC even helps my TT.
stu
2x, generally.
A currently limiting PLC will 'suck the life' out of most amps.
Even my Panamax with dedicated hi-power outlets......and a retail price of over a grand, was subject to this. I eventually went with a dedicated line and PSAudio 'soloist' outlet for amp and sub ONLY.
Too much is never enough
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