Do I need a line conditioner?

skizzerflake

skizzerflake

Audioholic Field Marshall
I second that; lightning can travail miles through the air, the few millimeters between contacts on an open switch will serve no impediment.
Yep. Even after lightning has been weakened by reaching ground, the charges induced in nearby wires can jump for many inches. Switches just won't suffice in that situation. You have to isolate the component from the nearby conductors. I once witnessed somebody talking on a phone and saw a spark jump about 3 inches from the receiver to the person's lips. No injury, but that was quite a surprise.
 
zildjian

zildjian

Audioholic Chief
I once witnessed somebody talking on a phone and saw a spark jump about 3 inches from the receiver to the person's lips. No injury, but that was quite a surprise.
"shocking..."

(said in my best 007 Sean Connery voice) :D
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
I recently set up an Acurus A200x3 amp to power my Opus speakers. There's an annoying buzz that's quite loud. A friend's troubleshooting guide for his amp says that amp based buzz/hum is due to AC line noise. Ideally the hi-fi stuff should not be on the same circuit as halogen lamps, light-dimmers, large appliances (esp. with motors, frige, microwave). If that's not possible, there are power conditioners that can be bought.

However, my apt has 20 separate circuits, so the washer/dryer, fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher, etc. each have their very own separate 20 amp circuits. There are two separate outlet circuits in the kitchen, both 20 amps. The rest of the apt uses 15 amp circuits for outlets and lights.

I suppose the kitchen circuit that I have the amp plugged into might also serve the halogen lights mounted on the ceiling. However the buzz is there even when the lights are off. Argh.

I'm hoping a power conditioner will solve this problem. I looked at specs on a Rotel power conditioner, and its output is only 12 amps, and I need 15. So I need to do some research on what the best conditioner would be for my purposes and for the money. I'd rather not spend more than $120 or so.

Anyone have opinions on these Furman conditioners? I can't see what the difference is between the $55 M-8, and the $159 PL-8 II.

If your apartment is on the new side, 10 years old +/-, then code requires all those circuits you mentioned, and a few more 20A in Living/family room.

But, since you have the problem with the halo off, you have other issues.

Before you try a power conditioner, highly unlikely that you have power noise, other than from active dimmers in use, I am willing to bet that it is the cable TV since that is the vast majority if the causes.
Is this buzz, mechanical or in the speakers?
Do you have a powered sub?
Also, why not unplug the cable TV from the wall, not the TV, and if you have a cable box, unplug that too and report back if you still have the issue.
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
None. Allstate was very generous and when I explained that the Carver amp was old and a classic they increased the payout and gave me its original value (rather than the price of a 20 year old depreciated amp). Unfortunately, like most people, I assumed that I would never need it and didn't have suppressor insurance. I ended up pretty much breaking even on the deal. No complaints on the payout but since that incident, I have arranged power and plugs so I can unplug in an instant.
That is good news about your home owners insurance. They usually don't hassle you. Did the surge suppressor maker pay your deductible?
 
Fastnbulbous

Fastnbulbous

Audioholic
Before you try a power conditioner, highly unlikely that you have power noise, other than from active dimmers in use, I am willing to bet that it is the cable TV since that is the vast majority if the causes.
Is this buzz, mechanical or in the speakers?
Do you have a powered sub?
Also, why not unplug the cable TV from the wall, not the TV, and if you have a cable box, unplug that too and report back if you still have the issue.
Buzz comes from the speakers, only when amp is on, not the receiver. I have a powered sub and Comcast DVR, will try unplugging tonight. If it is the digital cable box, what would that mean? A conditioner won't help? I can't just not use the DVR.
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
Buzz comes from the speakers, only when amp is on, not the receiver. I have a powered sub and Comcast DVR, will try unplugging tonight. If it is the digital cable box, what would that mean? A conditioner won't help? I can't just not use the DVR.
If the buzz goes away when you totally isolate by disconnecting the cable Tv and box would indicate a ground loop issue, the most likely suspect, and can be cured by a cable TV isolator:

http://www.cencom94.com/gpage.html8.html

If the buzz is still there, you may still have a ground issue but it would be in the amp. Is this a sub and its amp?
 
skizzerflake

skizzerflake

Audioholic Field Marshall
That is good news about your home owners insurance. They usually don't hassle you. Did the surge suppressor maker pay your deductible?
I wasn't yet a believer in more expensive, insured surge protectors (it will never happen to me...). I learned that lesson the hard way.
 
Fastnbulbous

Fastnbulbous

Audioholic
Everything but the Acurus amp were plugged into a power strip, which I unplugged (including Comcast HD-DVR, TV, HK 645 which is serving as pre-amp, and subwoofer). Buzz was still there. I should note that the buzz is most audible when I first turn the amp on. It reduces slightly and is really only noticeable if I'm less than a foot from the tweeters. So it's not horribly loud. I don't know if I'm being overly sensitive, but I never had this problem just using my receivers. I hear that distortion/unclean power source can damage speakers, and I hate to put my new Opus 3s at risk.

Another possibility is the Acurus is faulty. I guess I'd have to get another amp to compare. Or just try a power conditioner.
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
... I should note that the buzz is most audible when I first turn the amp on. It reduces slightly and is really only noticeable if I'm less than a foot from the tweeters. So it's not horribly loud. I don't know if I'm being overly sensitive, but I never had this problem just using my receivers. I hear that distortion/unclean power source can damage speakers, and I hate to put my new Opus 3s at risk.
.

Well, if you have to be that close, then you are hearing amp noise, nothing more.
No, distortion or line noise will not damage the speaker at normal levels anymore than any music. Some music, after all, is almost noise and distortion:D
No, the speaker doesn't care or know if the signal is distorted, only you know that.

Yes, you may want to experiment with another amp or a conditioner.
 
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