Not 15 amp IEC outlet but inlet. Always telling myself the need to edit better. One day I will listen. Thanks in advance for any thoughts. |
mesch:
A lot of past posting about wall outlets and their sonic signatures. Most outlets do have different sounds. I respect the people at PS Audio and have their transport and DAC in one of my systems. I also have the PS Ultimate outlets.
First off- install it in an outlet not in your audio room with something plugged into it that uses electricity. After 30 days of breaking in, try it first at the amplifier location.
Also buy a different sounding outlet (that can be returned within 30 days) such as a Synergistic Research Black or the Blue outlet. Yes they are expensive but if the sound is not significantly better - Return It. This will give you an opportunity to evaluate two different sounding outlets.
Many audiophiles will be much happier and have a lot more of audio knowledge using this approach. It is more work but I do think it is so important to get the foundation to an audio system optimized. Wall outlets are certainly part of this foundation.
David Pritchard
575-644-1462
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Thanks David! Just to be sure we are on the same page, I am talking about the Ultimate Outlet AC Conditioner which contains a PS audio power port outlet. This is a balun transformer based unit. The stereophile writeup provides a pretty good description. Advantages claimed are a reduction of differential and common mode noise at a wider range of frequencies , and no limitation of power. |
Outlets definitely make a difference. I've got three different ones. Also over the years have run three different versions of house wiring to my system. Which is why I say there's way better uses for your money than three dedicated lines, and plugging equipment into expensive outlets isn't such a great way to go. As much improvement as they can make- and some of the good ones from SR really are impressive- the improvement you get from a good power conditioner is even greater. The main caveat being good performing cost-effective outlets are easy to find. Simply buy the best one you can afford from SR. Their conditioners are a big chunk of change so there it gets a little harder as the leap is greater. But then that is what the 30 days is for. |
The balun used within the U/O is quite effective at filtering out high frequency and prevents digital hash generated by DAC form contaminating other equipment that is connected to the same AC circuit, therefore, IME, the greatest benefit of the U/O was when used with digital equipment.
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Yes, I have used two of those units with the Balum. I did not try them on a dedicated circuit with digital only, but with a subwoofer directly to one unit and one had a power conditioner plugged into it into which my audio system was plugged into.. I had improved sonics using other outlets such as the Furutech and Synergistic Research outlets at these locations. I even had one Balum unit cryo'd to see if it made a difference. It did not.
Good experiment to do though.
Please report back what you observe.
David Pritchard
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I have to say, a good outlet definitely made a difference in my system. But I have to ask, how does an outlet “break in”? It is simply a connection point. I can kind of see the concept in wiring being new etc, but given the existing wiring (unless completely rewired) is potentially pretty “old” what happens to the outlet during this “break in” period? Not trying to be flip or anything. I am genuinely interested. |
Testpilot, yes that was my thinking also. I liked the fact that I could prevent digital equipment noise from getting back to the other components. The wire run distance between outlets and the panel is less than 30', with breakers close to one another. In the Stereophile review, Richard plugged all his source equipment into a quality power strip which was then plugged into the U/O. I wish to keep my preamp isolated from my digital equipment. May purchase another used U/O for it.
Millercarbon, my dedicated lines cost very little as I did the wiring myself. I figured that as long as I was doing it why not 3 lines, Allows me to isolate AMP, other analog devices, and digital back to the main.
David, I am currently using basic Hubbel hospital outlets. They do provide a tight grip. About all I can say not having tried more advanced types. I am considering this upgrade.
I will try the I/O out in different supply line topologies and get back to all regarding my findings. I might try running my amp through it as well.
I remain interested in others experience with this device. |
One word repeated three times: Experiment, experiment, experiment! |
Lak, Yes: Will do, will do, will do! I could do an experiment 3 times, however there are many possible ones that could be designed. I will start with advantaged with digital equipment (transport and DAC). |
Having used the UO over the years in several systems since it was introduced, I can say that it's best implemented in front of any digital component as the Balun will mitigate digital noise from being dumped back on the AC line.
Also, while the stock Power Port outlet in the UO is very good, it is bright and forward sounding and the UO is much improved with replacing the PP with an Oyaide or Furutech outlet. It is also beneficial to use a quality power cord feeding the UO. |
Nmmusicman, thanks for your response. Yes that is the way I intend to use it. I am currently trying it out in front of a Emotiva cmX2 which my DAC and Transport will be plugged into. The UO is plugged, via a quality power cord, into a duplex outlet terminating a dedicated line used for digital components only.
I am thinking I would upgrade the outlets terminating the dedicated lines feeding my system prior to the one in the UO. |
I use many different power conditioners but after check the high end circuit board I decided to have PS AUDIO ULTIMATE OUTLET 15A, so I have two units, one is a second generation and the other is a third and last generation. I also use the
PS AUDIO Hambuster connected to the wall and both
PS AUDIO ULTIMATE OUTLET
15A connected to the Hambuster in my system. They work perfect but and I don't hear any substantial difference, maybe a little more sound stage.
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Great way of cleaning up power at a reasonable price i like the 20 amp version as it has more headroom however the 15 amp is good as well. |
I made the mistake of buying two of them about 10 years back. All they did was take up space. I threw them away. |
