Overview

For good audio performance, it is very important that the equipment is properly connected to the mains power supply. But what is the right way? Manufacturers often indicate the phase on their equipment or plug, so the only thing to know is where the phase is on the mains wall socket.

It is also important that your audio equipment has a proper earth connection. Not having an earth connection is a dangerous condition. A poor earthing condition or no earth at all can lead to problems with sound reproduction. Hum is a very audible result, but sometimes we just realize the details we are missing until we hear that piece of music elsewhere.

The Sound Saver has an intelligent circuit that measures both the mains power contacts and the earth. With two LEDs, it indicates which mains contact is in phase. Only one LED will light up. The other mains contact is neutral; which is roughly at the same level as earth. Beware, it should be in theory! In practice, due to some effects on loads or equipment, neutral and earth can differ by up to a few volts. The result of this voltage difference can be very serious for your sound quality.

If the Sound Saver gives no indication, the mains earth contact is not connected. Be careful! No LED lighting does NOT mean there is no voltage! Do not touch the bare mains contacts, it can be very dangerous. When both LEDs light up, you have a balanced mains condition. Here, the difference between phase and neutral cannot be determined, in fact the contacts are both in phase. This condition is problematic, but can give - under strict conditions - some advantages for equipment with problematic power supplies.

The Sound Saver is your easy tool to answer questions about the correct connection of your equipment to the mains power supply.

What to expect?

The differences will be noticeable in spatial performance and low-level sound details. A good solution stands or falls with good quality power cords and a good power strip. The Sound Saver is just one step in the right direction.

Where to use?

The Sound Saver should be used to measure the mains contacts you use for your audio equipment. Measure each contact, even when multiple contacts are in the same power strip. We have seen strange situations so far, you can be sure of that. Mark the phase with a dot or sticker on each contact. Also mark the plug of your power strip, so you know how it was inserted into the (wall) mains socket during your measurements.

Do not leave the Sound Saver in your (wall) socket all the time. It is a measuring tool that is not made to operate permanently.