Okay, seems like a conclusion is appropriate:
1. A dedicated mains radial for hifi can make a noticeable difference, but there seems to be a wide variation in experience so...
2. Do a test first to determine whether it's worthwhile. Either turn off/unplug all other equipment on the same ring main as your kit, or if your cooker circuit has a socket try plugging an extension lead in there to run the hifi from. Listen. Then listen again. Then listen with mother. Then listen again.
3. Use (and reviews) of mains regenerators suggest that sources and preamps have the most to gain from a "clean" electricity supply, power amps less so.
4. If going ahead with an installation get a qualified electrician to do it (and certify it if you live in the UK). Electrocution plays havoc with sound quality perception.
5. A popular approach seems to be a 10mm2 t+e from the consumer unit (MCB) to the unswitched socket(s) although 6mm2 has been suggested as being a lot easier to work with. A good quality mains block (home-made or bought) may optionally be plugged into the socket.
6. If a new radial is desired, but not possible there are other actions which can be done to help - see this post
7. Otherwise power regenerators such as PS Audio and Torus offer a power solution in a box and seem to test well, but deep pockets are required
8. Finally, if these options are unsatisfactory, then take the millennarian approach, flee to the hills and generate your own power. Don't forget the ammunition, hunting knife and bandanna.
Thanks to all who contributed.
Junk
1. A dedicated mains radial for hifi can make a noticeable difference, but there seems to be a wide variation in experience so...
2. Do a test first to determine whether it's worthwhile. Either turn off/unplug all other equipment on the same ring main as your kit, or if your cooker circuit has a socket try plugging an extension lead in there to run the hifi from. Listen. Then listen again. Then listen with mother. Then listen again.
3. Use (and reviews) of mains regenerators suggest that sources and preamps have the most to gain from a "clean" electricity supply, power amps less so.
4. If going ahead with an installation get a qualified electrician to do it (and certify it if you live in the UK). Electrocution plays havoc with sound quality perception.
5. A popular approach seems to be a 10mm2 t+e from the consumer unit (MCB) to the unswitched socket(s) although 6mm2 has been suggested as being a lot easier to work with. A good quality mains block (home-made or bought) may optionally be plugged into the socket.
6. If a new radial is desired, but not possible there are other actions which can be done to help - see this post
7. Otherwise power regenerators such as PS Audio and Torus offer a power solution in a box and seem to test well, but deep pockets are required
8. Finally, if these options are unsatisfactory, then take the millennarian approach, flee to the hills and generate your own power. Don't forget the ammunition, hunting knife and bandanna.
Thanks to all who contributed.
Junk