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 conditioning, cabling, etc, More info here: https://www.audiogon.com/systems/9956
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Re: Component & Cable management - to reduce distortion - from EMI & Induction.
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.
Dirty power and/or room acoustics can be the primary causes. Secondary causes could be EMI or induction.
Contributing Secondary Causes:
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 transformer-based components to opposite sides of the equipment rack - away from the cabling and source components. I built a 3-D rat's nest to separate all cables from each other.
Results: Blacker background, improved tone, timbre, imaging, etc. Subtle noisy artifacts were mitigated.
Note: Organizing the rat’s nest of cabling behind the equipment rack is for fine-tuning only. Priority #1 should be building a system where the components & cabling synergize well for a pleasing SQ.
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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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* Power Conditioning
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 is it being used. One size does not fit all.
Non-current limiting means that a power conditioner was designed to work with heavy loads. Non-current limiting should not restrict dynamics. For example, a powerful amplifier - or perhaps an entire audio system.
Current-limiting means that a conditioner was designed to work with light loads - for source components only. Dynamics could be restricted if plugging in an amp. It depends.
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 combined - 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.