My power cords have remained stock (the standard Chinese "Well Shin" cords that Joule provides), and I have experimented with a few different configurations of giving them power. For a while I was using a Shunyata Hydra, but later sent that piece packing. Currently I have the system on a Cablepro bar (the latest one endorsed by Naim) which is made by Wavelength (the company out of Texas, not to be mistaken with Gordon Rankin's company). This Cablepro bar goes directly into the wall. For a while, in another room (with another system), I did have the Joule/Merlin system plugged into the Hydra, and later the Cablepro, which then fed into a PS Audio wall outlet.
With the exception of power cords, which as I said before, remain stock, all cabling is Audience AU24. My Joules are the latest editions, having been delivered in October of 2005, and I have experimented with the mute switch both on and off. The noise remains. Both channels have it, although the right channel maybe has it a hair worse. Sorry, I dont have an SPL meter in order to confirm how much of a differance the sound is between channels, but from my ears, I can tell you it is very very slight.
The power conditioning seemed to have little to no effect, but as I said, the only "conditioner" I've used was a Shunyata Hydra 4. I am open to any suggestions, but in your experience, is there just some noise with the Merlin/Joule combo that comes with the territory, or are they supposed to be very quiet?
-Jake