Or is it better to connect it directly to the wall outlet?
Any downsizes to each of the approaches in terms of audio?
Thanks.
Hi odedia.
Well, I never have, nor will l now, state/write anything contradictory to the moderator.
Having stated that, you do have options as far as line conditioning and/or surge protection.
Of course, one option is do nothing and plug directly into the wall. Usually, that option is what hard core class A amp audiophiles advocate for. I personally do not.
Back to the TRefs (which are class D amps). In my experience, connecting to a conditioner and surge protector is beneficial. Of course, you want to buy something of quality, and AudioQuest will certainly provide you with that.
I use a combination of Emotiva and Panamax (visit my website for specifics of models and connectivity). The Panamax is killer. I personally saw on an oscilloscope how it affects line noise, for the better. And, a fellow from my local electric company here in Freeport, which has among the best electrical facility in the United States, has visited my apartment at a time where there was a crash into a Street lamp a block away from my place causing brownouts in the entire area. He couldn't believe how accurate the voltage readout was (fluctuating) on my unit compared to the readings in his central office that he was in communication with.
Panamax has surge protection. That's never been tested, fortunately. Once it is tested (i.e actually put to use) the unit is no longer good, and I think that holds true for any unit that employees surge protection.
There's another theory behind surge protection that electrical engineers will tell you and confirm that what I'm saying is the absolute truth. Namely, if there's a lightning strike close enough to your locale, there's no surge protection device on the planet that can stop the potential for arching of voltage between wherever the lightning hits and your equipment (if within close enough proximity), even if your equipment is unplugged!
Best.
Hal