Amazed by the results of power experiment

Tweakers' Asylum

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For about 14yrs I've plugged all my audio gear into an API power wedge and always prefered it when I compared to plugging direct to the wall.
However, I hadn't tried the comparison to direct plugging in my new home.
In a nutshell, the API proved dramatically - shockingly - better!
The comparison was somewhat flawed because while the power amp was plugged direct into a wall socket (twin wall sockets on dedicated 20A circuit), all the other line-level gear was plugged into a generic (but unswitched) powerboard which was plugged to the other socket on the 20A duplex wallplate. The API uses IEC sockets so different power leads were used - but just plain vanilla unshielded 3-core flex in both cases.
However, the difference was huge - much greater than I would have anticipated. Using the direct wall connection/powerboard (rather than plugging everything into the API) resulted in a dramatic loss of focus/transparency/soundstage size(height and depth), added graininess to the sonic picture etc. I couldn't beleive how the soundstage collapsed to the centre - images that once 'hung' palpably in space over the speakers with the API, were flat and squashed in with the 'direct' connection. Surprisingly the sound lacked 'drive' and power as well.
With everything plugged back into the API it sounded like a totally different system! Soundstage height/depth/width was restored, images far more palpable - the whole presentation more transparent and alive.
This is despite the API breaking all the 'Audiophile' rules. It has a filter box on the input feeding all sockets, line level gear is all powered from isolation transformers.....and all the transformer sockets are fused.
Maybe it's the generic powerstrip that's ruining the sound?
In a rush of blood I've ordered one of Chris VenHaus's 'Hotbox' powerboards to experiment. I've also ordered cable/plugs etc to make some of Bob Crump's Belden 19364 shielded power cords. This should give the direct connection a serious boost - though I'm dubious it will overcome the gulf to surpass the API.

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Topic - Amazed by the results of power experiment - Paul Tobin 21:09:01 08/09/06 (7)

Re: What model API PW did you purchase? (nt) - RadioWonder 10:33:28 08/10/06 (6)

Re: What model API PW did you purchase? (nt) - Sondek 06:19:35 08/11/06 (2)

Interesting - Paul Tobin 07:03:52 08/11/06 (1)

Re: Interesting - Sondek 09:06:09 08/11/06 (0)

I doubt this model is still current..... - Paul Tobin 17:34:39 08/10/06 (2)

Re: I doubt this model is still current..... - Duster 19:53:09 08/10/06 (1)

Re: I doubt this model is still current..... - Paul Tobin 00:29:19 08/11/06 (0)

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