The cryoed Hubbells are a truly outstanding receptacle; I have 4 in use (and 1 not in use!) in my system. My advice would be to stick with a receptacle that does not have plated power contacts, ie. either Albert Porter's 8300's or Alan Kafton's (Audioexcellence) 5362. If you are buying a cryoed 8300 almost anywhere else, there is a very high percentage chance it will be plated, so I would avoid that. |
Thanks Hdm,. I think that the electroclear's may be somewhat similar to the BC 86 MkIII, but even cheaper. I'll look into the receptacles here in A'gon to see what I can find. The only ones I've seen so far are the cryogenically treated Hubbles. |
Your dealer is incorrect. If you want to check out some very affordable conditioning, order a Quantum Electroclear for $40. It is a serious bang for the buck and and can be used with either you digital front end or integrated and can also be used in conjunction with much more expensive line conditioning very effectively (I use two in my system along with more expensive conditioning). The electroclears are VERY effective. Your first step, though, if you have not already taken it, is a high quality receptacle. I'd probably do power cords next and line conditioning after that. |
I went to one of my local dealers to check out some options for power conditioning. The dealer said that my system was not 'revealing' enough to benefit from PC. That comment is at odds with most of the posts here in A'gon. He said that the only PC he has heard that makes a difference is one of the high end PS Audio models. |
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Warnerwh, Thanks for the advice. I'll check them out. I guess that at the very least it will sevrve as a surge protector. |
I'm using the Powervar ABC 700 11 for home theater stuff. And a Oneac CP 1107 for my preamp and dac. My amp I plug into the wall. Paid 45.00 including shipping for each of these. The Powervar is a 7amp output and the Oneac is 6.3 amp output. Plenty of headroom for what they're used for. An added benefit also is they will quiet the picture on your tv. I live near an industrial area and originally wanted them for power problems I've been having. The sound is better now with the power conditioners in line (like listening late at night all the time). Ebay is your best bet for these. I'm afraid I seriously doubt the audiophile conditioners are any better. These things were designed for labs and hospitals and are therefore not as cosmetically pleasing as the specialty models by Monster and the like. |
Warnerwh
Which models are you using?
Thanks |
Personally I like my Oneac and Powervar power conditioners. They work wonderfully and are much less money for a superior conditioner. These are TRUE power conditioners. You can get them on Ebay for a fraction of what they cost new. Go to Powervar's or Oneac's websites to learn more. As a side benefit to those of us with alot of components the isolation transformers help keep the ground loop nasties at bay. These will actually protect your components much better than a good portion of the "audiophile" conditioners. |
I have experienced benefits from all of the power conditioners I have used. I have only had three. I don't remember anymore what the first one was, the second was a noise trapper which I sold to a friend. Now I have a Tice powerblock. Each time I bought one I heard more of the same improvement I mentioned in my first response. The Tice is the best of what I have used, but there are lots of them out there. I have considered selling my Tice and getting one of the PS Audio on AudiogoN, but so far I have no experience with their amps.
I'm not sure how much you want to spend, or what you consider to be reasonable. So again, I'm not sure what to recommend. I have never heard of the 'Blue Circle' stuff mentioned above. Maybe they are a good option. |
Start out with one or two Blue Circle BC86 Mk3 Noisehounds. For $100 each they are the best bang for your buck. Your system is small enough to just get the smallest Music Ring if you are on a budget.. |
Since you have the Blue Circle moniker you might consider one of their Music Rings. I'm getting an MR1200, so it should be fun.
http://www.bluecircle.com/index.php?menu_id=70 |
Thanks for the comment Nrchy. What kind of power conditioning device do you think is reasonable for my system? I mean, given the cost of my equipment I don't think it makes much sense to go and spend $2000 or more in som PS Audio PC. What are the 'budget'/entry-level/mid fi PC out there? |
It is impossible for anyone to say what you will hear, but some of the effects typically experienced are improved bass, better isolation of sounds, and something commonly refered to as a "blacker background."
This last item refers to a lowering of the grunge that goes unnoticed until it is gone. The sound seems to come from a cleaner source in and around the speakers. A lot of the improvement is based on the quality of your power to begin with, and the quality of the power conditioner.
So getting back to my statement about "what you will hear" the reason is that no one else has the same power conditions to begin with, so they don't know what you will experience.
Based on my exerience this is something well worth persuing! |