Power conditioning, is it worth it for Audio?

Whaleman

Whaleman

Hi-Fi Rescue Mission
Got a hold of some almost dead server power conditioning smart units. They need new batteries and are beyond service life for critical file servers.

I am wondering if it is worth it to spend money on new batteries and if I decide to use them on an audio system, would one notice an improvement of some sort. These are beefy units and I've seen the same brand (APC) making lesser units for hi-fi.

Thanks.
 
Register to hide this ad
My understanding is, you have to pay a lot for replacement batteries for these things - so unless you are experiencing repeated brown outs, or other severe mains disruption then don't bother. These units are normally used to support computer systems/rooms just long enough for alternative external power source to be switched in, so they are not the answer to a total outage for any appreciable length of time. Although if you have a 'beefy' one say 3Kw - this might last for quite a time providing power for a modest setup in the case of a complete outage. Smaller ones are just for supporting the above kinds of systems long enough so they can be shut down gracefully, - Windows is quite fragile in this respect - if not shut down gracefully - ah bless :D

In addition the old batteries have to be disposed of responsibly= expensively.

As for sound improvement - I doubt it - (above reasons excepted) unless someone knows different?

Surge limiters are a good idea - the bigger the 'Joules rating' the better.

Just my 3 ha'pence worth.

John
 
Last edited:
Simply put, concerning all power conditioning, it depends on how bad your power is. If it is clean, conditioning will probably not do you any good.

If it is full of noise it can really help.
 
The "power conditioning" within an APC battery back-up is not what most audiophile type people would consider "power conditioning." It would, however, keep your equipment running in the even of a power failure, and some nicer APC items actually help during brownouts, as they have voltage attenuators that can draw straight off the battery should one occur.

This in no way acts as an isolation transformer or ground isolator, or anything like that.
 
If it's "server grade", then it should produce a true sine-wave output when the inverter kicks in. One that produces a "modified sine wave", which is basically a stepped square wave output can introduce noise and stress your component's power supplies. The voltage regulation of the incoming power can be a good thing too, though I agree it most likely doesn't have the filtering needed for best noise rejection, but only your ears can be the final judge of that.
 
An "uninterruptible power supply" is not the same as a "power conditioner", or a "voltage regulator".
 
jhal said:
True, though some units can perform both functions.
Click to expand...

Right. Some of the APC UPS units do function as power conditioners. I don't know how they compare to the "audiophile" conditioners; but depending on the unit it may very well clean up the signal to some degree or another.

If you can let us know the model number, I might be able to help you track down batteries at a more reasonable price.

Some of the APC units I've opened just have 12vdc 7.5A/hr batteries tied together in series.
 
This is what I have. It has a bunch of electronics inside, chokes, transistors, etc., so I'd think it does some type of power conditioning. The best price I found for the batteries is about $95 for both. The model numer is SU1400NET.

Thanks.

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • apc.jpg
    apc.jpg
    68.9 KB · Views: 85
I'd bet you could use the transformers as isolation and/or ground lifting as another poster mentions.

But....... And I emphasize this, lifting the safety ground could lead to death.
 
Whaleman said:
The best price I found for the batteries is about $95 for both. The model numer is SU1400NET.
Click to expand...

From what I can find off hand, it looks to be 2x 12v 18A/hr batteries.

These *should* be a suitable replacement: http://www.factoriesonline.com/ProductInfo.aspx?id=1899606


But you'd still have to get two. Not sure on the shipping charges, no affiliation, never done business with the site, etc etc. Average lifespan is about 3-5 years.
 
I just bought an industrial grade surge protector and active tracking filter. Those two items, a switch, a led votltage display, and four wall socks only cost me a bit over $150.00 All these components are used in very tough factory conditions to protect very sensitive monitoring computers. I'll post pics when I get it set up. Cheers.
 
That's an uninterruptable power supply. Probably don't need to keep your stereo playing during a blackout.

Personally, I'm amazed at why people would think power conditioning is necessary. They might help with really dirty power with high voltage spikes but a complaint to your utility would be a better solution.

Remember, the power supply inside your component completely disassembles the incoming power to create DC. A good internal power supply will be internally isolated, have big power capacitors, and bypass capacitors across the rectifier diodes.

I'm not likely to spend any money on one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom