Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register
Decware Audio Forums
10/16/25 at 00:25:47 



Most recent 50 posts

Pages: 1
Send Topic Print
Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors (Read 492 times)
Bluzrover
Verified Member
**




Posts: 42
Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
07/23/25 at 22:37:32
 
Spent a couple hours reading through the numerous ZLC threads this afternoon hoping I would find the answer I seek.  But alas, I did not.  

The ZLC, as well as most other conditioners/regenerators, has six outlets.  What I gather from the comments in the various threads, most of you who have a ZLZ or some other conditioner/regenerator plug your sources into those receptacles.

But if you have additional components, as I will now that I’ve decided to add a CD player, ZSB and ZROCK3, among other things, what do you plug those other components into?  Do you buy an additional ZLC?  Or is there an audio grade surge protector you use?

Any suggestions/experiences will be greatly appreciated!
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 26745
Re: Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
Reply #1 - 07/24/25 at 00:29:06
 
In the system that I use the ZLC within I have several PS Audio "PowerBases" in use--I plug one of those into the ZLC and that gives me outlets for two components, and also further electrical isolation--a win win.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Crazy Bill the Eel Killer
Seasoned Member
****


Tubes Rule !!

Posts: 252
Re: Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
Reply #2 - 07/24/25 at 14:54:58
 
Take a look at Furman. They offer many different power conditioning strips that would fit your needs

Cheers,                Crazy Bill
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
1stwattlife
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 192
Re: Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
Reply #3 - Yesterday at 15:34:50
 
Clearly, one option is to get a second ZLC. However if you are not exceeding the amperage limit of the ZLC with your added components it is an expensive bit of overkill. The number of needed outlets plays into an ultimate solution, as does what you are plugging in to it. To my understanding the ZLC decouples its outlets from the main grid separating it from all of the other noisy things on your circuit, and more generally the noise that is present on the raw mains power. That being said, adding components with switching power supplies to a ZLC may be counter productive, so I move all of those wall warts and the like to a separate plug. I guess ideally it should be another circuit, but many rooms don't offer that option. Furman is a pretty respected brand for additional conditioning, I have heard Steve recommend TrippLite isolation transformers as well. I got a deal on their smallest model and it powers my cassette deck and EQ quite nicely while providing the isolation and smoothing that we are looking for.

I have also seen some available power strips with hospital grade outlets. A big part of dealing with power line issues comes from the outlets. A solid connection is a must, and the hospital grade outlets take care of that. That is why ZLC outlets are orange ( and have the isolated ground symbol on them)...  I have seen some articles on refurbishing old metal power strips with new high grade outlets and may try that, we shall see!
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 26745
Re: Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
Reply #4 - Yesterday at 16:19:49
 
The Tripplite isolation transformers didn't work well with me and my system years ago.

I found two of these Furman conditioners on eBay for 70 dollars each (way cheaper than list) and though each only provides two outlets, they really work well for electrical isolation.

Furman AC-215A

https://furmanpower.com/products/ac-215a
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
MM
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 343
Re: Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
Reply #5 - Yesterday at 17:26:37
 
I agree with Lon’s comment on the Tripp Lite isolation transformers. They can be an improvement over nothing but also make your system dull once it gets to a certain level.

This is kind of a tangent, but regarding 1stWatt’s comment about a solid connection being a must- what do people think about the SDFB? The IEC connection on mine practically falls out. I’ve tried generic plugs and high quality Furutech connections, and experience the same poor fit with all. For all the good done using a sluggo in place of a fuse it seems there is something to be gained on the loose connection?
Back to top
 
 

Cambridge CXN100, DSR3 Interconnects, SEWE 300b, ZSTYX SC, Lii F15 & W15 in open baffle.
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 26745
Re: Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
Reply #6 - Yesterday at 18:19:28
 
I have not had connection looseness with the SDFBs (four) in my systems. I'm using PS Audio AC-12 power cables before and after and I guess those plugs are tighter fitting perhaps than others may be. In the past in one component I put a strip of electrical tape around the female IEC plug which helped tighten a connection between a power cord and the IEC inlet.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
MM
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 343
Re: Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
Reply #7 - Yesterday at 19:28:32
 
Thanks, Lon. I tried your electrical tape trick and it certainly helps hold the connector in the socket.

It still makes me wonder about the electrical connection within; my experience with Furutech connections with Furutech outlets is the physical metal to metal connection is extremely tight, which speaks to me as having a good, firm transfer of electrons. I’m still a little skeptical of the strength of the physical electrical connection at the SDFB, although I’d still say they are a win-win sonically over using a fuse.
Back to top
 
 

Cambridge CXN100, DSR3 Interconnects, SEWE 300b, ZSTYX SC, Lii F15 & W15 in open baffle.
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 26745
Re: Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
Reply #8 - Yesterday at 19:36:31
 
Well, I guess I'm just not skeptical. All electrical functions seem to operate superbly, and as you say the sound is a decided improvement. All IEC plugs are not equal. . . power cords vary in their fit I know. . . I've kept the best fitting ones over the years.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
RPEPPER
Verified Member
**




Posts: 26
Re: Audio Grade Powerstrips/Surge Protectors
Reply #9 - Yesterday at 22:43:44
 
Funny timing.  Last night I was looking into buying a Hospital Grade Receptacle and found the following on Amazon one a little over $5 the other around $17.  A friend of a friend is an electrician who would be installing it and  I am not sure he is acquainted with audio needs and issues.  I thought maybe I should buy the receptacle inside of him doing so.

Would these be sufficient?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ATVN68/ref=as_li_tl?tag=dixon41431-20&ie=U...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KKNJ8U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_D9DT1W26P0E5JM8EWZ6...

Thanks!
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Pages: 1
Send Topic Print