Alpha Digital on DAC, but do I need one on Bryston server?

[Bavarian05]

I am currently using an Alpha Digital cable on my DAC and have my Bryston server on its own stock cable running into a separate outlet.
The amps and the DAC are all run on same 20amp circuit running through a PS8. Two questions...do I really need to run an upgraded cable on the server too and also should I run all four components on the same power line, or is it best to leave the server on its own dedicated line?

[BlueFox]

I have a Bryston BDP-1, and I found the Alpha Digital made a huge, obvious improvement. I was amazed. However, on the Bryston BDA-2 DAC it made no improvement over the Zitron Cobra.

----------------------------------------------------
Lumin S1
Pass XP-20 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 speakers

Shunyata Triton v2/Typhon for source, Cyclops v2 (2) for amps
Shunyata Z Anaconda XLR analog ICs, Z Anaconda speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Revelation Audio Passage Cryo-Silver Reference DB-25 umbilical power cable

Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by BlueFox

I have a Bryston BDP-1, and I found the Alpha Digital made a huge, obvious improvement. I was amazed. However, on the Bryston BDA-2 DAC it made no improvement over the Zitron Cobra. ---------------------------------------------------- Lumin S1 Pass XP-20 pre, X600.5 amps Magico S5 speakers Shunyata Triton v2/Typhon for source, Cyclops v2 (2) for amps Shunyata Z Anaconda XLR analog ICs, Z Anaconda speaker cables Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables Revelation Audio Passage Cryo-Silver Reference DB-25 umbilical power cable Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers Three 20 amp circuits.

That makes sense I guess as the BDP-1 and BDP-2 have the computer processing going on with a couple of power supplies, etc.
Wondering if best to keep it on a separate circuit is best and if so, can I get away with just adding another Defender in that outlet rather than dropping another grand on another Alpha digital...? I don't have a really firm (if any) technical grasp on how grounding effects multiple components. Is it best to have all on the same circuit so they all see the same ground plane or is it best to keep that Noisy server on its own circuit? I understand everything is/can be specific to ones system, but in general terms, which is the best way to go here?

[BlueFox]

Originally Posted by Bavarian05

That makes sense I guess as the BDP-1 and BDP-2 have the computer processing going on with a couple of power supplies, etc.
Wondering if best to keep it on a separate circuit is best and if so, can I get away with just adding another Defender in that outlet rather than dropping another grand on another Alpha digital...? I don't have a really firm (if any) technical grasp on how grounding effects multiple components. Is it best to have all on the same circuit so they all see the same ground plane or is it best to keep that Noisy server on its own circuit? I understand everything is/can be specific to ones system, but in general terms, which is the best way to go here?

Rather than spending 'another grand on another Alpha digital' why not just try swapping the two power cords? There are three possible outcomes; it sounds worse, it sounds the same, it sounds better. The result will help answer your question.

I wouldn't have a separate circuit just for a device that probably uses less than an amp. I use a Triton for the source gear, and that is on its own circuit. Also, Shunyata now makes a power distributor with ports for digital gear, and ports for traditional power supplies.

------------------------------------------
Lumin S1
Pass XP-20 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 speakers

Shunyata Triton v2/Typhon for source, Cyclops v2 (2) for amps
Shunyata Z Anaconda XLR analog ICs, Z Anaconda speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Revelation Audio Passage Cryo-Silver Reference DB-25 umbilical power cable

Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.

[mdavis]

Digital components can dump a high frequency noise on the power line, which is a very different noise a power amp creates. It might not be a bad idea to have a dedicated line for amps and another for digital components. This will isolate HF digital noise from your amps.

I have an Alpha Digital on my MSB Analog DAC and my Aurender server. In my case the Aurender responded very well to the upgraded cable as it uses a digital switch mode power supply.

You might have a clearer picture of the benefits of an additional Digital cable on your server to compliment the cable on your DAC.