I have two Power Plant Premiers and would like to use them both in one of my systems (I have a PP 15 in the other system).
I have heard that if one is to use two regenerators, it’s optimal to have the higher current components (preamp, amp, etc.) connected to one of them and the source components connected to the other.
Accordingly, I have two questions. First, is it advisable to use two Power Plants, and, if so, is the aforementioned method of connecting each of them optimal?
Thank you for any advice you can offer me in this regard.
I have always separated source components and power amps across different power plants in this way. It has worked well for me although I haven’t experimented with mixing them except I ran sources, preamp and a bass amp on one P20 with no problems that I heard. The P20 has separate sections for ordinary components and a high current section for amps.
I don’t know the capacity of the premiers but my choice would be to keep amp(s) on one premier and sources and preamp on the other. And if possible put the premiers on separate circuits.
Can not think of any reason why segregating supply to low consumption for one and high demand for the other would have a downside. That is how I have two P3 units set up for my system (I added the second P3 when I situated my M700 amps near the speakers).
Thanks, Jerry (or Gerry?)! That’s exactly what I’m going to try.
By the way, I have a pair of REL subs in each of my systems. Paul McGowan claims that it’s unnecessary to use regenerators with subs, given their low frequencies, so I haven’t bothered to do so. (They would also consume a lot of the PP’s power.) Do you have any thoughts on this matter?
I have two Rel 212sx plugged directly into the wall. Originally they were plugged into P20s which power the main amps but there was a significant hum, so I changed to the wall connection which has no hum at all.
One advantage with the subs not connected to the PP’s is you know the PP’s are not being pushed too hard. Also if the subs are on separate circuits (if your wiring allows that) then there may be the extra benefit of isolation.
Welcome to the forum Miles. My PMG m400 mono blocks and two REL Carbon Specials subs are connected to my Power Plant 20 - which is on its own dedicated line.
My other dedicated line has the PMG 512 DAC, Perfect Wave SACD, Pass Labs XP-12 preamp, and Sonore ultraRendu connected through my Power Plant 12.
Previously tried both Carbon Special subs on their own dedicated line with both my Power Plants sharing the same dedicated circuit, but prefer my current setup.
My PowerPlant 20 using peaks of 404w which is a 31% load. My PowerPlant 12 using 75w which is a 9% load. My SPL meter indicated I listening with peaks at 78 decibels at my listening position on the current song playing.
Suggest trying your REL subs going through your Power Plant and then through the wall directly to see which sound you prefer without any kind of worry about exceeding the available load on your Power Plants regenerators.
I’m going to take your advice and see which connection for the subs sounds better. I’m not worried about the subs overpowering the Premier (which generates up to 1500W), because the subs I’m using in that system are relatively low-powered T/7i’s and I listen mainly to acoustic jazz, anyway.
I’ll post my impressions once I’ve done the tests.