Something to ponder...

I recently happened across a web site for Russ Andrews who specialises in all sorts of power gubbins for Hi Fi equipment.

Having a lot of electrical stuff in our house (like everyone nowadays I guess ) I read the info they sent me (with some scepticism) and was mulling over buying some stuff.

Anyhow being dragged around Homebase last weekend, saw a single socket surge protector/RFI filter plug for £30. Bought it thinking if it makes no difference, I'll use it for the PC....

It does make a difference - the picture is miles better! I have a Scan player which was pretty cheap (so power supply regulation is possibly not the best) but the change is remarkable!

The book "The Power and the Glory" which RA also sent me makes interesting reading and is free!

Worth thinking about if you are getting into hi-fi/home cinema - a hobby almost as expensive as Scooby ownership!

Thanks

Gavin

(200 DVDs and climbing...)

 

Are you using the surge control only on the tv or have you tried on the amp also. If so, what did you think ...

 

Bajie,

The order which Russ Andrews recommends mains upgrades is:

1. CD/DVD player
2. Processor (Dolby Digital/DTS) or CD DAC
3. Amplifier
4. Tuner

I got two single plug ones for the DVD player and processor.
The rest of my kit is in an eight-way surge protected trailing socket.

By far the biggest improvement was the DVD player

Thanks

Gavin

 

The "special" power lead for my amp is £80 - I don't think so!
Looks just like a standard kettle lead.

 

Biggest gain, for hi-fi anyway, is to run a separate (fused ) tap from the mains coming into your house and making sure nothing else is plugged into it.

I did this with good results on a mid-end system when I was younger/sadder/single/Scoobyless

But for a quick increase in sound quality, try using metal polish on the banana connectors between amps and speakers (do the sockets too)....or re-stripping the cable if it's direct connected.

If you notice a difference, then be real sad and clean all the power plug pins, fuses, fuse holders, etc. Don't stop there, open up the components and clean all the fuses/holders too. Even remove all the internal connectors and directly silver-solder the leads.... I could go on.

I'm cured now though

Richard

 

Father Jack,

Yes, the prices are "different"... They sent me their catalogues and some of their other wires cost £1000+

Dowser,

I'm not sure I like the "sad boy" inferences.. but for a pretty simple process (plug the surge RFI/filter between the socket and DVD player plug) - it seemed to work a treat .

Wiring a dedicated spur (or ring main) is a much more major job.

For anyone interested in this (sad ) sort of thing, I would recommend calling them to get their "The Power and the Glory" booklet as it is interesting.

I do suspect that you can get some of the benefits from using PC mains filtering products instead...

Thanks

Gavin

 

Well I have put a surge plug on the tv, amp and dvd player.
The picture quality is improved [I really didn't think it would be] but thought it worth a go.
I'm gonna watch a bunch of dvd's later and crank the power up on the amp tomorrow if I can get the wife and littl'un out of the house.
I originally spent a lot of money on interconnect cabling between DVD player and Amp and Amp to TV. Never considered the power supply before to be honest.
All I can say is ... thanks

 

A fellow sceptic turned (sad) believer!

Let me know what you think after you conduct a thorough test....

Thanks

Gavin

 

Hey Gavin

It was a reference to me, not you! I was *very* into hi-fi when younger and used to spend 3 hours every month doing the above procedure Probably still would be, but the wife would get a bit narked if I took the spare room for audio and disappeared most nights

I started off repairing kit, then modifying it to sound better (could never afford the expensive stuff). Then read something Peter Belt wrote and started playing with mains supply.

It's similar to star point earthing for me or, say, biwiring speakers - it sounds better because you're providing dedicated return paths, which gives better clarity.

Peter's other stuff also works - but no idea why Just thinking about this again means I'll be cleaning everything this weekend.

Richard

 

Richard,

No worries - just teasing...

I've done the same as Bajie and spent loads on wiring for interconnects and scarts - on top of the cost of components themselves!

I had completely ignored the power side of things though and it does make quite a difference!

Thanks

Gavin

 

Gavin

Get the cleaner out - you *will* be surprised

Richard

 

Dowser,
Wasnt Peter Belt the chap who used to recommend sticking silver foil everywhere. I also seem to remember him going on about using an odd number of legs on tables etc. There were many other 'ideas' he came out with.

 

Yep - he's the one. While everything he comes out with sounds whacky, a lot worked...or at least changed things they had no right to

Richard