FYI...
No distortion. Only music.
The components in my modest system have been the same for the last five years. Yet, the SQ has continually improved. Thanks to continually cleaning up the power - via power conditioning, upgraded linear power supplies (LPS's), quality cabling, grounding, etc, More info here:
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The audio signal is delicate. It can easily be distorted. There are several indicators. Vocals can sound grainy or harsh. Midrange is a bit fuzzy - too much harmonics. Bass can be muddy.
My system has substantial power conditioning to clean out noise carried within the circuitry wiring. Aka - conducting EMI. This commentary is specifically about noise being emitted from the components themselves - and the wiring itself. Aka - radiating EMI.
1) Large transformers inside component cases. e.g.: Amplifier, isolation transformer, balanced power transformer, power regenerator.
2) Cables: too close together - and/or - in parallel - and/or - even crossing at 90 degrees.I discovered that more attention was needed for component & cable management than I initially thought. I relocated the large transformer-based components to opposite sides of the equipment rack - away from the cabling and source components. I organized the cables into a 3-D rat's nest in order to separate them from each other with more space in-between.
Results: Blacker background, improved tone, timbre, imaging, etc. Subtle noisy artifacts were mitigated.
Note: Priority #1 should be building a system where the components & cabling synergize well for a pleasing SQ. Organizing the rat’s nest of cabling behind the equipment rack is for fine-tuning only. The benefits wouldn't be heard until the system is up to snuff.
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Interesting articles about:
EM waves - radiating: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_radiation EM fields - near & far: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_and_far_field
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Re: Power Conditioning - dirty power within the system circuitry.
Dirty power comes from 3 primary causes: (1) the utility company (2) assorted appliances shared on the household circuitry: HVAC, computers, fluorescent lighting, dimmer switches, washer/dryer, refrigerator, etc. (3) the stereo components themselves - especially the digital ones - digital components regurgitate noise back into the system circuitry - which affects the SQ of the other components. Galvanically isolating them is important.
Some say that all power conditioners restrict dynamics. Nope! Some do. Some don't. It depends on what kind of conditioner is being used - and how it is being used. One size does not fit all.
Non-current limiting means that a power conditioner is designed to work with heavy loads. For example, a powerful amplifier - or an entire audio system. A true non-current limiting conditioner will not restrict dynamics. The specifications do not mention maximum Watts or Volts/Amps (VA) since it doesn't apply.
Many power conditioners are designed to work with light loads - for source components only. These conditioners could possibly limit the current if a heavy load is plugged into it - such as an amp. Dynamics could be restricted. It depends on what component is plugged into it. When the specifications of a power conditioner state the number of Watts or Volts/Amps it can handle, that number represents its limit. And it's always best not to max out to the limit in order to allow headroom.
A system can have a mix & match. One type of conditioner can be used for source components - another type for amps. Also, one conditioner can be used for analog - another for digital. (Highly recommend!)
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Types of power conditioners include:
- passive
- active
- regenerative
- balanced
- isolation
- others with proprietary technology
Different manufacturers have their own approach to each of the above. Some conditioners can be daisy-chained - and play nicely together.* Some don’t. The only way to know is to audition them in your system. A trial period is a wonderful thing.
The same for cabling. System dependent.
*For instance, I've discovered that my balanced power conditioner daisy-chains well with filtering types of power conditioners.