or to get more money out of your wallet
Good point. I want to achieve the best performance and appropriate mains solution.
To re-iterate: I have a decent panel, no real issues, extreme storms occasionally, and one major power outage in the last three years.
I don’t think a lightning strike is likely at my house, but a sense of security around my investments is always good.
What’s a good way to measure and diagnose or find if there are any issues?
I agree with the AVOptions Wiremold with Tibia+12 PC recommendations. It closely resembles the old CablePro NANA (Naim Audio North America) Noisetrapper that is sadly no longer made. I used it for years before discovering power regeneration. I feel, based on your OP, it is exactly what you are looking for without the power conditioning or wild expense. Much of this is going to depend on what your goal is.
I only have experience connecting my Naim amps to an APC 5 outlet surge protector and a Wireworld Matrix 2 strip. The surge protector made the sound worse. It was removed after about a week of listening. Percussion sounded smeared with skewed tonality and the overall sound was uninvolving, lacking drive and life. It just didn’t sound right.
Although the WW Matrix 2 is not really audiophile quality, it managed to alleviate most of the shortcomings of the APC surge protector. I would suggest replacing your current surge protector with some of the suggestions on this thread. The WW Matrix 2 strip is the minimum I would consider for Naim gear. It is not stellar but it’s surely better than a surge protector, in my system and to my ears.
I have one and I’m happy with it. I had a Wiremold for a long time, then swapped it out for a CablePro Noisetrapper about 15 years ago. I changed to the Audience about 7 years ago, and I don’t foresee changing it again.
If I was in the market now the AVOptions strip would be at the top of my list. They claim it’s better than the Audience, which they previously endorsed (and sold, iirc). I’m sceptical of that claim, but their current strip is certainly much better VFM.
Coincidentally, I posted about my Audience in the “last bit of gear” thread a few minutes ago:
My experience is just about the same as Corry’s. I borrowed a CablePro from my dealer and asked if I could spend a week checking it out. He said, “No, you will hear the difference immediately.” He was absolutely right. I was hearing instruments which hadn’t been there with the Wiremold–all that from a power strip. The Audience brings more swing and general musicality than the CablePro. It cost a bundle, but it was good VFM in my 52/500 system. I don’t have any experience with the AVOptions Wiremold, but I would bet it’s the best VFM.
It appears AVO isn’t selling this one any more. Perhaps lack of parts/sales.
Yeah checked into it, didn’t see this one on their webshop.
Agreed, based on the majority of recommendations here, I went ahead and ordered the AV Options Wiremold with Tibia+12 & C7 bundle.
Definitely, from my other thread about the Fraims/IsoBlue racks. I currently have a TT stand, it’s a Salamander Synergy cabinet.
It’s not the worst, but I’m looking to upgrade that soon regardless.
Never owned the Fraim(s) (yet), but I have had the IsoBlue rack (six and a base in Ash) for years and find it quite an elegant design. I’d love the Fraim, but it would take considerable monies to acquire them. Perhaps in time. Anyway, I highly recommend IsoBlue if you foresee staying with Naim for years to come.
Still seems to be available, Audience website lists it at $2000
Does anyone know what the advantages are of this product over a power strip?
Went from Wiremold to an Audioquest Powerquest 2, noticeable improvement. Now demoing an Audioquest Niagara 1200 and it’s a big step up. Set up at home demos of whatever strips you’re interested in and listen.
Don’t forget.
Don’t just plug the components into the strip in a haphazard manner.
If I remember correctly, sources (cd player etc) closest to the power inlet, next pre-amp, lastly the power amps.
But my memory isn’t that good these days, so it could be the opposite.
I always forget too, but the AV Options manual specifies the opposite. Power amp at end with cord, sources at opposite end.
This looks interesting. I can’t do a dedicated spur b/c I’m leasing but I do have the hifi on its own line. I wonder if this will bring improvement over my Ultra HBL strip?
I’ve just dragged my power strip from behind the television cabinet. You are correct.
Took the opportunity to remove every plug and re-insert.
And has it made a difference?