I've been thinking about lately what component in our system represents the biggest bang for the buck? After all, the system is only as good as the weakest link.
Based upon my most recent listening experiences, the answer is unquestionable attention to the power being delivered to our audio systems. (in contrast to just a few years ago where choosing a PC or PLC was choosing the lesser of two evils.) Certainly where one lives greatly impacts the final result but AC outlets, AC power cords, power line conditioners--and even for the most fortunate around us that own homes wall panels--can literally make or break the sound of a high-end audio system. While there is perhaps a bigger upfront cost to getting the AC quality under control than buying components, the benefit lasts with you no matter what piece of equipment you have in your system!
The benefits? Lower noise and less masking of information. More transparency. Instruments pop out of empty space and the edges of instruments are better defined. A greater sense of space. Hearing instruments you never heard before playing subtly in the background. Much better dynamics and less harshness (say depending up the quality and CONDITION of your AC receptacles). Everything just sounds more musical and less congested.
What say ya?
Based upon my most recent listening experiences, the answer is unquestionable attention to the power being delivered to our audio systems. (in contrast to just a few years ago where choosing a PC or PLC was choosing the lesser of two evils.) Certainly where one lives greatly impacts the final result but AC outlets, AC power cords, power line conditioners--and even for the most fortunate around us that own homes wall panels--can literally make or break the sound of a high-end audio system. While there is perhaps a bigger upfront cost to getting the AC quality under control than buying components, the benefit lasts with you no matter what piece of equipment you have in your system!
The benefits? Lower noise and less masking of information. More transparency. Instruments pop out of empty space and the edges of instruments are better defined. A greater sense of space. Hearing instruments you never heard before playing subtly in the background. Much better dynamics and less harshness (say depending up the quality and CONDITION of your AC receptacles). Everything just sounds more musical and less congested.
What say ya?
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