Mains lead for my imac

Why not try it and see - Russ Andrews allow you to return the items if you dont get on with them ?

James

You would be better off getting a UPS.

Thanks to both. garyi, I'm afraid I don't know what a UPS is. Is it something that helps traditional hi-fi kit sound better?

It just seems to make sense (to a non scientist) that if the sound of CDP or amp can be affected by a lead, then so can that of a computer or its external hard drive.

Actually, I wonder if there's a gold mine here for the right firm - I hereby assert my rights over the word i-powerline.

I can't see how it could possibly make a difference - I would keep the computer kit's switched mode power supplies as far away from your audio as possible.

Here is UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply



Ugly so-and-so and they quite often hum a bit.

IMHO the best way to connect a Mac is not to connect it - if you can: that is if you have a MacBook then charge it up and unplug it from the mains while you are using it: run it on the battery.

Of course, I've not tried a power lead on a Mac - so try it and let us know if it works. I have tried a UPS on a valve amp and the valve amp was fine, after I had it repaired - probably coincidence.

Good luck

ATB Rotf - still using a wait and see approach to computer audio.

quote:

It just seems to make sense (to a non scientist) that if the sound of CDP or amp can be affected by a lead, then so can that of a computer or its external hard drive.

I could see it having an effect - more so from the slight attenuation of noise going back into the supply with certain mains leads rather than improvements feeding through and affecting the digital output. In the end the digital output of the computer is affected by noise within the machine on its power supply lines so improvements in power supply, minimising processor loading etc should make a small difference. One of my projects (when time allows) is to try a linear 18v DC supply for my Mac Mini, just to see if the power supply does have any bearing on its performance when playing music.

James

ROTF - thanks for explaining UPS and I share your aesthetic assessment of the beast.

james n - thanks, but I'm realising how little attention I paid in physics at school. I'm afraid I don't know what a linear supply is (I'm pretty sure it's not straightening kinks out of the flex but that's it) and I don't know how a MacMini could run on 18v when we normally use 240. I think I'll wait and see what the outcome of your project is.

Would changing the lead to the external hard drive make a difference? Obvious answer is 'try it and see', I suppose.

The mini has an outboard power switch mode supply which takes the mains voltage down to 18v - The Imac has the power supply built in. Linear is a just a normal transformer based power unit (like most naim supplies). Most computer supplies are switch mode - smaller, more efficient but can be noisier and tend to put a reasonable amount (within the EMC regulations) back into the mains so are not loved by audio enthusiasts. Saying that they can be made to work very well (Chord, Linn etc).

Cheers

James

I am guessing it will have exactly the same effect as "special" leads for hifi..... whatever that improvement, or lack of, is for you.

Some cant hear a difference with special leads, other claim they do.

One thing for sure is it usually makes the person at least feel better about their kit, regardless of the actual perceived difference.

There was a review in Hi-Fi News once that said putting a Russ Andrews mains lead on a PC made the reviewer's Internet access faster

The Mac has a switch-mode power supply and Naim kit is supposed to be allergic to such things sharing their mains, but I've no idea if it makes an an audible difference - I'm just guessing it would be better to run the Mac off its battery.

Even so, it is good to use the Mac off its battery as it prolongs the life of the battery according to Apple.

A Powerline should make it better.

I cannot hear a difference between having my MacBook under power, or on battery with the PS unplugged from the wall. I do use a different circuit than my Naim gear, but the PS is a couple of feet away (behind the rack).

If I had a Powerline, it would be on my Lavry or maybe the Hicap. OTOH, if several reputable posters report.... Nahhh. I am just too skeptical about that one.


Charlie

PS: I was once a skeptic about wire, points, etc. So who knows....

Some computer companies offer high quality external power supplies and leads for HTPC computers, for example the mCubed EF28, don't know if they offer something similar for Macs.
They claim this PSU contributes for better sound and vision.

Thanks to all for your advice - I think I'll try various spare leads and see if I notice anything.