Should I arrange my two power strips (extension blocks) for Digital & Analog OR for Linear & SMPS

Posted by: vintageaxeman on 08 August 2018

I have read quite a few posts on a number of forums where folk reckon it is better to split their power requirements.

The system comprises a number of Naim items, and some from other manufacturers.

I also have an Ikea remote controlled (dimmable) LED light strip & power supply.

I use TWO industrial quality extension blocks (no LED, no filtration, no switches) to feed everything.

The two extension blocks are fed from the same double wall socket, which is part of the downstairs ring main.

At this point in time, creating a separate circuit for the hifi system is not really an option for me.

So my question is this:

IF it is better to 'split' my various items between two extension blocks, is it better to arrange them as:

1. Power supplies for digital devices fed from one block, & power supplies for analogue devices fed from the other?

or

2. Linear power supplies fed from one block, and switched mode power supplies, wall warts, LED supply fed from the other block?

Of course some of my equipment (Naim CD player for example) has both digital AND analog circuits inside....so where does THIS plug in for best option.

As regards experimentation, I have 9 items to contend with, so the permutations for positioning are actually 8x7x6x5x4x3x2x1=40,320 possible combinations, so I am hoping that your advice will give me a head start!

I look forward to some recommendations from you guys!

Posted on: 08 August 2018 by ChrisSU

Not all SMPS are noisy, but in general, I would put the HiFi gear on one block, and everything else on the other. Not that you will get a huge amount of isolation by running all this from one double socket. 

I have found some LED lights to be particularly noisy. My dealer has some in his showroom, which he turns off when using the demo room next door. I would try turning off individual devices one at a time to try to identify the worst culprits. 

Posted on: 08 August 2018 by TOBYJUG

Is it possible to have all the essential audio on one and on the other one extraneous ?

when critically listening you could plug out the extraneous to negate any nasties interfering.

Posted on: 08 August 2018 by vintageaxeman
ChrisSU posted:

Not all SMPS are noisy, but in general, I would put the HiFi gear on one block, and everything else on the other. Not that you will get a huge amount of isolation by running all this from one double socket. 

I have found some LED lights to be particularly noisy. My dealer has some in his showroom, which he turns off when using the demo room next door. I would try turning off individual devices one at a time to try to identify the worst culprits. 

Thank you for that useful suggestion. I hadn't thought that by simply 'turning off 'undesirables', they would no longer interfere. I thought I would have to actually unplug them completely. Cheers!

Posted on: 08 August 2018 by vintageaxeman

I am actually using a couple of DC blockers...and a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet which is basically a Balun which separates connected items from the ring main, so I can rearrange things to follow your suggestion.Thank you!