So no question power cables have a great impact on sound. Now what I discovered recently is that where they have the greatest impact is not on the boxes that draw the highest current (this may be true in the analog world for the amplifier) but rather on anything that is digital instead. For instance the digital input PS for the nd555 (for those who use 2 PS), and then the router, streamer switch and so on. Initially I never considered this but when I started moving the cables this was clear. Probably because digital generates a lot EM noise and so the premium power cables address this. The powerlines are still very good but essentially for the analog world?
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I’m curious as to whether there are any power cables that are designed to address the issue of internally generated EM noise in the box it powers. I’m no electronics engineer, but I wouldn’t have thought a power cable was the obvious place to address such an issue?
Yes, there’s no doubt, all the network is hugely sensitive to the power cables used
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What the OP describes is something I determined 20years ago.
Since then I have been using audio grade power conditioners and audio grade power cables on each of my Naim boxes (9 in total) as well as my internet devices -
One Netgear XR500(openWRT) router, two Netgear 16 port gigabit switches and two Netgear XR700 Access Points. Each has an audio grade power conditioner.
Each of my Naim digital devices ND5xs2 and nDAC and the PS555DR(even though this only feeds the analog side of the nDAC) have the most specialised audio grade power conditioning and power cables.
This concept has been highly controversial amongst many in this forum, but now I see Naim having moved in with Powerline cables , and sophisticated power supplies which is reflective of my individual findings about seeking the best power supplies.
I do perform with/without test cases, and each time my chosen audio grade power conditioning components benefit the Naim sound in my home.
Just so that there is no misunderstanding- there is no modifications to Naim boxes. These devices are just delivering clean 240VAC to each component.
These components were designed and built by an avid audio enthusiast electrical engineer (friend) who also built and sold high end CDplayers, and 500w mono amps. Sadly he passed away 10 yrs ago.
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Naim do have sophisticated power supplies as you said, but don’t use and / or recommend power conditioners.
DG…
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Can you describe the sound quality differences you experienced with the specialized power cables, relative to standard power cables? I am looking to make such an upgrade and am curious what to expect.
The changes were done as a combination of power conditioner and cable types with many hours of testing.
Unfortunately the products are no longer available after the death of the cottage manufacturer. So detailing the musical improvement I can only summarise by the following analogy:
as being similar to adding a PS555DR to the Naim nDAC. Musically enjoyable with no fatigue.
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I agree, and improving the mains quality for sensitive stages has had a significant positive impact also in my experience. So much so that I now believe a good mains block and power leads to my streamer and DAC make external PSUs almost redundant or at least I no longer feel contributing enough to be worthwhile the (significant) extra costs and shelf space. If the main benefit of an external PSU for a streamer/DAC is noise reduction then this can be achieved significantly before it arrives with a good block and mains cables. Of course, there remains the added benefit of the internal PSU usually switching off when an external PSU is added.
For my NSC222 I ended up with the Shunyata Delta NR V2 after some patient comparisons and together with my SOtM mains block (both with passive noise suppression) I feel the system is essentially as good or possibly better than with poor quality mains components and an added NPX300. I do think part of why I did not feel the XPSDR added anything much to my NDX2 was because I had decent mains management in place (but not the Shunyata at the time, really recommended in spite of the cost).
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My apologies. I think I was too brief in my explanation.
Adding a PS555DR to a nDAC is a significant improvement.
Adding audio grade power conditioners/appropriate cables to the above, gives in my case another significant improvement. (Double improvement)
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I recently added a wattgate 320 evo iec plug to my mains lead for my cisco ethernet switch. It gave a decent uplift in sound. Ive always found paying attention to the mains reaps great rewards.
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Cables I use currently for the network infrastructure are: Titan Eros Signature, Fifth Element Supreme, Naim Power line and basic Puritan Classic. All are performing well at their places
Just go get yourself a balanced transformer and put it before your dedicated hifi consumer unit.
Clean, balanced, and noise cancelling mains, and the unit is cheaper than one powerline.
It’s what gets used on anything that needs very clean mains, so why not just do the same for your hifi.
I did and very happy with the results.
Depends which one - Torus and Plixir will be much more expensive
Airlink, job done.
But then i guess you could also bring in the Nordost Odin 2 at over £25000 into your thinking 
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No need to pay hifi prices for what is exactly the same. Like most things hifi, say it’s for the audio file and up the price, as most are suckers.
Balanced is Balanced 120 volt down both live and natural, simple.
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Which Airlink model Dunc?
G
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Well you have to buy the right one for your system.
You add up the transformer out put in everything you are powering from it, and then double it.
You then pick the one that’s nearest it, without being lower. This is to guarantee that you won’t lose any dynamics from the system.
As said it’s cheap, you don’t have it anywhere near your system. The airlinks have different input connectors to better match your incoming mains, as in 220,230,240, etc. This helps as well.
But really i recommend it to anyone that has a dedicated mains supply just for your hifi. It will sort out most of your mains needs in one easy, cheap solution.
I certainly wouldn’t look at the vastly more expensive ones that you sit buy your hifi, and plug into it.
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If it only was that simple, transformers themselves are hugely variable like those inside the devices
Well it does look simple when you look inside the airlink. A huge transform sitting in sand, and a few connections above it for different voltages.
So really not much too it.
Just wire in your tails to the right connections for your voltage. Then wire the outputs to your consumer unit.
It comes with its own built in trip switches as an added safety to the ones in your consumer unit.
I would certainly have a balanced power supply over any of the so called hifi multi block plugs, that some try to charge thousands for.
Have you tried one or just guess the outcome?
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I’ve tried many mains solutions up to date, balanced transformers, mains blocks, various cables, some filters and conditioners. It’s all to a significant extent system dependent. For Naim good mains block is a must for me
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Airlink are a helpful and knowledgeable bunch, give them a call and they will be able to advise.
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