Just installed the new Inakustik 4500 conditioner in my system and another layer of transparency peeled off. Now the image is more sublime and speakers fully disappeared in front of me. It was pretty good before this change, but it feels that 4500 just lines all the ducks in the perfect row. Bass is more defined and decay tones create goose bumps. Particularly piano and strings
Thsi conditioner has dedicated analog and digital plugs. Only on day 2 of listening - no break in was needed to easily identify improvements and I expect it to only get better from here after some time.
Bob @worldwidewholesales has been telling me exactly this for months, but I thought my previous conditioner was as good as any. He knows this stuff and he made this process very easy. Been working with Bob for a while now and can say only good things about our relationship and his expertise.
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+1 @fastfreight
My laptop power is connected to a outlet which is not on the dedicated line. While using my laptop as the source, I simply unplug the power cord from the laptop and use it on battery power. I have changed the power option to "performance". The only reason for not connecting the laptop power supply to the Inakustik is I feel, it might introduce noise in the line. But I could be wrong.
@yunie_ , as fastfreight mentioned, you can use any port on the Inakustik to power the amp. You can experiment with the computer plugged in to the Inakustik and see if you prefer it that way. It is a conditioner, filter and surge protector. I love it for the musicality and the "clean musical experience" it provided in my system. Do let us know about your experience with the Inakustik.
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Hi yunie,
I believe all the outlets on the 3500p are identical. That is due to the star wiring with nothing in series.
For me, I would consider keeping the computer, or any wall wart type switching transformer, off of that entire circuit (not just off of the 3500p or the outlet it is plugged into, but the entire circuit.
Even if you have to run an extension cord to a separate power center or strip, I believe it keeps the computer 'noise' out of your audio circuit(s).
I love my 3500p, not just for its sonic cleaness, but for the protection it provides.
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Sorry for digging up this thread.
I just bought the inakustik 3500p due to my great experience with the brand and convinced by the great reviews here.
Can I check, since the plugs do not state which are high current, I assume I can use any plugs for amp and any plugs for my computer?
Is there a best-practice to which plug should I use for each component?
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Steakster
Hi. This is my first post ever on Audiogon. I am very curious regarding your post combining the 3500P in parallel with other power treatment and am reaching out for your advice if you could be so kind.
I'm an Ozzy and live in Western Australia where our power supply is the laughing stock of all of Australia. Typically we run with around 3% THD as registered on my Isotek Sigmas6.
You sound very much like you know your game when it comes to delivering clean power. I too am after a hi-end 'as clean as you can get it' power delivery.
I am running a Gryphon Diablo 300 into which is fed a dCS Bartok (plus Rossini Clock), all ending with a pair of Kef Blade 2s supported by a pair of Martin Logan BalanceForce 210 subs. I have been on a relentless push for the last 28 years of my 42 as an audiophile to deliver MUSICAL excellence from digital. Boy its been a challenge but I'm getting close.
For power conditioning, currently, everything bar the Bartok is fed from the the Isotek Sigmas6 (the Gryphon on one of the two high current outputs). The Bartok is separately supported on an Isotek Genesis One Regenerator plugged into the wal via decent Isotek Sequel cabling.
Here's my question - I have just picked up an Inakustik Referenz AC-3500P Power Station. I'm in the UK and will return to Oz with it. How would you suggest I configure it? The 3500P could:
1. replace the Isotek Sigmas6 (all cabling in/out routed through it),
2. it could work in tandem/series with the Sigmas6 either:
a. before or,
b. after the Sigmas6, or,
3. it could be separate feeding selective components separate from the Sigmas 6 feeding others
Your advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Clearly, given the schuko terminations required out of the 3500P (vs the unusual ozzy plug profile), and the C20 in (or C19 I gather will work too), the option elected to deliver best performance will have profound ramifications (read cost!) on the power cord cabling set up out of the 3500P.
Given the above, this is not something you can answer by suggesting I just experiment with it!!
Hence, I'm keen to hear from you or others who may have some advice!!
In essence - the 3500P, with or without the Isotek Sigmas6 (and what order)?
Very much looking forward to hearing from you, or others.
Cheers to all!!!! |
+1 @dvdboulet
I had the same experience. The improvement in the system is so clear. No need to wait for a long time. But it does improve over a period of time.
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"needs" burn in? Within 30 seconds of adding to my system I was hearing sound more glorious, musical, natural, and emotional than I had ever heard before from any of my gear. So if you can handle 30 seconds, you might be fine. :)
Having said that, over the following weeks the sound seems to just continue to improve further... becoming even more natural, with more "ease" and holographic images continue to become more vivid without becoming bright and with no treble glare. So just relax and enjoy the ever-improving sound... but there's no need to "wait" to hear the immediate improvement. Rest assured! If I sound a bit like a fan-boy that's only because after spending untold thousands of dollars on gear over the decades, this one item has rendered the most astonishing improvement of the bunch (even considering many speaker upgrades I've had... no kidding). |
I want to believe this Inakustic makes a difference but if you all keep mentioning it needs to “burn in”... I just won’t buy it! |
Has anyone had a chance to compare this with Niagara line (1200 or 3000). I think "rareace" did compare it with "1000", but there are many reports that say that Niagara 1200 is much better than 1000 at the same price. I'm currently using 1200 and I was impressed by it. It replaced a conditioner which was 4 times as expensive than 1200. But, I'm very intrigued by the positive reviews about Inakustik 3500. |
@milpai I was and still very happy with the unit but as I mentioned my amplifier started to exhibit a louder hum coming from the transformers. I thought it was an issue with my amp and didn’t relate it to the conditioner. I accidentally stumbled upon the issue when trying to combat the noise by using an iFi AC Purifier which has a built in polarity meter. Then after doing more research and consulting multiple sources in the industry I knew something was wrong. I’m not sure why you are mentioning phase as polarity is completely different. At the end of the day I just want people to be aware and check their units. Glad to hear yours checked out fine. Unfortunately mine did not. Bob made it pretty clear it wasn’t something I needed to worry about so that is why I took the steps to address the issue myself.-Alex |
From a SQ perspective there wasn't much of any change to my ears. @rareace,You posted earlier that the unit was everything that the users on this forum had mentioned before. Wondering what happened now? The polarity on my unit is correct and I hear nice improvements.Also, how did you find about the polarity issue at a later date? I would have thought that you would have found that on day 1. Something like "in phase" and "out of phase" recording. Also, it looks like you have deleted the posts where you mention that you opened the unit. And this appears to be AFTER Bob asked you to send it back to him, with Bob paying the shipping both ways. I would never open even a cheap equipment which is so new and in warranty - especially if the dealer is ready to fix it free with shipping paid both ways. Let me shoot straight Alex - something does not add up here. I just hope that your polarity issue is fixed and things are fine. Sometimes when we email and communicate, things do not "seem" to others what we intend to say. This leads to miscommunication. I hope that this was a simple case of miscommunication between you and Bob. |
@dvdboulet It was very easy and no soldering required. Just need to remove the screws and slide the top plate off the unit. The IEC AC Inlet connecters are clipped in so it was a simple swap and we were done.
-Alex
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Hi Alex,
out of curiosity, how difficult was it for your electrician to correct? Was it just switching two wires attached with screw-terminals, or something more complex (soldering etc)? Thanks!
p.s. I haven't checked my unit yet as I need to pull my rack away from the wall, but I'll check as soon as I get a chance. |
@twoleftears From a SQ perspective there wasn't much of any change to my ears.
However, more importantly my Line Magnetic amp is now MUCH quieter. It used to idle very erratically in regards to transformer hum. I literally thought there was something wrong with my amp. With the polarity now fixed my the amp is very silent AND consistent.
I'd recommend everyone with a 3500P to do a polarity check which only costs about $5 for the meter.
-Alex |
@rareace I think both sides to this issue have stated their position very clearly. So now I'm curious: is the 3500 providing for your system the kind of sonic improvement that just about everyone else on this thread has reported, or did your experience with the issue carry over to your listening impressions of the unit? |
@mlhotts I want to be completely clear that the sales process with Bob was A+. However, my displeasure was the his support post-sales. I also reached out to Inakustik but still haven't heard back and it's been over 2 weeks. Here is the exact timeline of events:
6/14: Informed Bob that my unit tested for reverse polarity on all 6 outlets.
Bob replied "You should never adjust the polarity at the AC."
6/20: After doing more research on the issue and using a different outlet meter that once again tested reverse polarity I reached out a second time to Bob to express my concern.
Bob replied "I have forwarded your message to the designer of the 3500P at Inakustik. I will have an answer in 24 hours. We have sold 223 units with zero problems.
It is easy to drive yourself crazy reading BS on the Internet. My system is over $100000 and everything is plugged into a 3500P. I have clients with $750000 systems and everything is plugged into their 3500P conditioners. There is zero risk of any damage and in fact Inakustik is the only company I know that actually sells a properly designed conditioner. Inakustik and is NOT some garage manufacture. Inakustik has been in business for over 40 years and has 46 employees."
I then thought the cable could be the issue so on @mike_ostradick advice I tested with a volt meter and it passed the continuity test on the correct pins. So the issue is directly related to the unit but was not sure how to test it.
6/25 My friend who is a certified electrician was over at my house and offered to look inside the unit as he could see if anything obvious was causing the issue. We indeed found the IEC AC Inlet to be reversed and simply swapped the hot and neutral wires.
After I let Bob know the issue was resolved and my system is now in better shape (less noise from my amp) he still disagreed that reverse polarity is a shock hazard and I should not have done anything.
Ultimately I didn't feel fully supported by his communication and felt the need to protect myself and system. Also I noticed that some of my previous posts and comments have been altered or deleted which is not right as all I've stated is the facts of the situation and providing my feedback to others.
-Alex
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Greetings,
I usually read through the various forums and discussions on this website, but typically am not much of a participant. However, since I am a current owner of an Inakustik AC-3500 conditioner that I purchased new directly from Bob Neill, I thought I’d comment on my personal experience. Also, in addition to the AC-3500, I’ve purchased other Inakustik cables, a Rockna server/DAC combination and a Mastersound amp from Bob. All of these items were also purchased new, and not on the used market.
In all of my various purchases, dealing with Bob has been first class...a real pleasure. Bob has been a “no BS” kind of guy, and while he he is passionate in his sales efforts, everything he has told me about the performance of a given piece of equipment has proven to be true. He has been prompt with getting me information, quick with shipping, and good with follow-up after the sale. Consequently, I am surprised to see comments about a lack of follow-through. That is 180 degrees opposite of my experience.
While I have no knowledge of what transpired In the case with @raceace, hopefully it is/was merely a “one off” type of problem. I’m also hopeful it is/was merely a case of miscommunication in how to resolve a problem.
I suggest anyone interested in a Bob’s product line give him a call and discuss the issue directly with him. I am confident he will address it “head on”, as I believe Bob truly wants to help like minded individuals reach their own “audio nirvana”.
Martin
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I am Inakustik dealor in Quebec and I sold many AC3500 and cables in system from 5K to 65K all with great succes and no issue in build quality. In 4 years I never had any issue on service although we had technical problem with some exotic used equipment we trade together. In all case, all was solve in fast-professional way. How can we ask better?
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@rareace,Good to know that you are getting a replacement. Do let us know how it all went through. Good luck.
@hm1,Yes, this conditioner is something special.
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It’s an amazing piece of audio equipment- it just takes every source you put into it, and gives the sound a feeling of naturalness and purity that can’t be described!
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@hm1 No doubt the 3500P is a great conditioner and Bob was awesome to deal with during the ordering process.
-Alex |
Having reviewed and purchased the AC-3500p , I have had nothing but exceptional customer service from Bob Neill of worldwide wholesale distributors. https://www.thesoundadvocate.com/2020/02/report-inakustik-ac-3500p-power-station-and-ls-4004-air-spe...Bob’s enthusiasm is only exceeded by his personal touch as to taking care of any need one might have. He promptly had my LS-4004 cables re- terminated in a quick and timely fashion. I don’t understand fully your problem but since he offered all the above services, I can’t see what’s gnawing at you? Reverse Polarity....mmmm - interesting. This power station is arguably, the finest addition I have added to my moderately changing Review system I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. I contend that NOTHING- at any price will out maneuver it!! As noted above, why open a unit that is so magnificent right out of the box!! If you were a bit more intuitive, you should have ( and still can) talk to Bob and let your “ problem” all hang out. He can and will satisfy any needs you may have! Howard |
I want to be 100% straight forward. Alex said he thought the
polarity was wrong. I suggested we talk to the designer at Inakustik before we
jump the gun but unfortunately the designer was on vacation this week. At that
point Alex told me not a problem and I said I would update him as soon as I
heard back from the designer at Inakustik. At no point did we authorize Alex to purchase a multimeter
and open the unit up. Once he mentioned he was in the process of doing this we
told him we would pick up the unit at our cost and check it over and possibly
replace the unit if it had a problem. Also return the unit free of charge.
We have a certified technician that we work with and this
person wears an anti static outfit. A hypothetical electrician and an end user
opening up the unit, is completely against our company policy.
Cheers,
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@milpai I would have loved it if Bob offered that but unfortunately was not the case. The response from him 2 weeks ago was that he has sold over 200 conditioners with zero issues and I shouldn't have to worry about polarity. Then he said he disagreed with me that reverse polarity is a shock hazard. Basically I lost faith anything was going to be resolved so I had a friend who is an electrician help me take a look at the unit which turned out to be an easy fix. It wasn't until today that I mentioned my dissatisfaction with his lack of support that he offered me a replacement.
-Alex |
@rareace,I am wondering - why would you open such an expensive unit (at least for my pay grade) when Bob offered to have the unit checked and pay shipping both ways? I would NEVER do that - especially when you had it for just a month. Hope you both have sorted it out.
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Hi,
I believe Alex and I have sorted it out but I do not like anyone that is not a certified tech opening up any product that we represent. Unfortunately I can still not verify any of Alex's findings as I did not receive the unit back to have it looked over by our certified tech.
I believe our communication was super fast and very supportive. I don't think it gets much better than offering to replace the unit or to have the unit looked at by a certified tech and free shipping both directions.
Cheers,
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@mike_ostradick @milpai Well I found the issue after opening up the unit. The AC IEC Inlet was reversed. Simple switch of the hot/neutral wire and now it tested correctly. I do have to let you guys know that Bob was not supportive at all during my communication. Most of the response back was how great of a company Inakustik is and that he disagreed with my assessment that reverse polarity can be a shock hazard. The conditioner is a great product but this will probably be my last purchase with @worldwidewholesales |
@mike_ostradick Yup all six are reading the same hot/neutral reverse. I emailed Bob but he doesn’t seem concerned. I would need to ship it back to him which would be a pain. I’m just not really sure what to do.
-Alex |
Alex, one last thought. Check all six outlets before you call Bob, to be sure they are all reading the same. |
@rareace It’s probably as simple as the wires switched on the C20 connector inside the unit. I would contact Robert and see how he wants to handle it. |
@mike_ostradick I went to Lowe's and purchased a multimeter. The cable checked out fine. Left on both ends beeped. Any ideas on how to check the conditioner?
-Alex |
oops C19 connector into unit. C15 out. US model. |
Hi, reviving this thread with a few comments. I own two 3500P's, both supply power to entire systems with DAC, Preamp and mono amps.
I am very happy with the sound. I got a huge improvement by upgrading the main C20 power cord to Audience AU24 SX. (it came with an upgraded Inakustik cable, but not the Air model). I have a dedicated 20 amp line on one system, not on the other. I keep them on all the time unless leaving for long weekend or vacation. The times I have had an electrical storm it disconnected immediately.
My only criticism is the tightness of the outlets on my plugs. All my very nice power cords tend to 'droop' a bit, as they do not seem tightly clamped. I have come to 'prop them up' so that the weight of the nice cable does not cause them to droop. On occasion, while moving something around, one has come loose enough to not connect. Since this is a power conditioner, it troubles me that the 'power connection' may be less than stellar. Ken |
I don’t have a multimeter but happy to buy one if you let me know how to use it and perform the test. -Alex Alex - It is a simple continuity check you want to test between each pin of each connector. Any cheap multimeter that you can get at Home Depot or Lowes or possibly even WalMart will do a simple continuity check. Usually they have tone confirmation for continuity check so I usually try to get one that has that at a minimum. I just tested two different C19 cables I have and found the following results. I held both plugs in my hand so the male/female ends were pointing at me with the two pins on top and the single pin on the bottom. On each the same position pin on each plug had continuity to the respective pin on the other connector. Top right was connected to top right on each connector. The only thing that could get reversed is the top two pins to give you the off reading. The single pin should always be ground. Good luck. |
@rareace,You are welcome. Absolutely no intentions of upgrading anything at the moment. Last week I upgraded my Clear Day XLRs (2 pairs) to Inakustik NF-2404s. If I upgrade anything more, my wife will upgrade me as well :-) Took me more than 2 weeks to convince her why I wanted the XLR upgrade so badly.
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@mike_ostradick I don’t have a multimeter but happy to buy one if you let me know how to use it and perform the test. -Alex |
If you have a multimeter we can compare the pinout on your cord to mine and others. |
@mike_ostradick That is my guess as well but I don't have another 20amp power cord. I've reached out to Bob to request another cord and hopefully if he can accommodate. Do you know if he does the actual termination? I read somewhere that is the case but it is strange if he needs to build the cords.
@milpai Thanks for testing your unit and glad your's is showing up correct. Btw, will you be upgrading to the 2404 Air cord? Bob mentioned it would enhance the 3500P...
-Alex |
Do you have another C19 power cord you can test with? You will need to determine if it is the cord or the unit. It is just as possible the cord is miswired. |
@rareace,I checked the outlet that I use to power the conditioner as well as an outlet on the conditioner. They are showed correct polarity. I also use the upgraded 2502 cable, and based in the US.You should let Bob know about the issue and let us know how that got resolved. Good luck.
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@milpai @rdoc @twoleftears @dvdboulet @bacardi I noticed something interesting and slightly concerning recently when I was testing my outlets with a receptacle meter. I got a neutral/hot reverse polarity warning when connected to the AC-3500P. My wall outlet that the Inakustik is connected to tested fine. Have you tried testing your units? I'm located in the US and using the upgraded 2502 cable.
-Alex |
Hi all,
Hope all is well and just wanted to post my feedback after having the Inakustik 3500-P for a few days of listening now. I can say it’s as everyone has mentioned which is overall SQ improvement with no detriments. Soundstage, Microdynamics, and Imaging specifically for my system. Bass was not compromised which was my experience with the Niagara 1000. Bob @worldwidewholesales was fantastic throughout my purchase process. In fact I reached out to him to inquire about the Rockna Wavedream but he steered me toward the 3500-P. I’m grateful for his honesty and expert advice as I was able to spend less with more gain.
-Alex |
I agree entirely with dvdboulet, The Inakustik 3500P transformed my system with a serious upgrade in performance. It replaced a Shunyata Denali 6000S. There was no contest between the 2. The Shunyata limited the dynamics of my amp. The 3500P enhances my amp's performance rather than limiting it. The 3500P introduced me to the family of Inakustik products. The 3500P and Reference LS-4004 Air speaker cables are easily 2 of the biggest improvements ever made to my system. Bob at Worldwide Wholesales is great to work with. |
milpai,
Sometimes when you pay up front and then want your money back it can be very problematic.
I had one dealer subtract from the refund $$$ shipping charges, and a large handling and restocking fee.
So, I am reluctant to go that route again. I was hoping for a demo unit to try.
ozzy
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@ozzy ,As rareace has mentioned above, you can ask Bob about the same deal :-)
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milpai,
I did try to get a unit to demo, no luck.
By the way, I do have a Audioquest 7000,1200 and 1000 on my 3 dedicated lines.
ozzy
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Thanks so much @dvdboulet for your detailed response! Sounds like the problems you had with the other conditioners are what I am experiencing. Can I also ask what power cable you are using with the 3500P? I see there are 15 amp and 20 amp versions that Bob carries. Also do you connect to an aftermarket outlet receptacle such as a Furutech NCF or a standard AC outlet? I just want to make sure to provide the best possible power to maximize the performance of the 3500P.
-Alex Alex, glad you’re giving it a try and please let us know what you hear. Honestly it’s one of the best audio purchases I’ve ever made, and I which I had done this years ago before "trying" a lot of other gear and never really hearing what it really was capable of. BTW I did run dedicated wiring to my HT location a couple of years ago and am using "oyaide R1" receptacles... but I did that at the same time so don’t know what the receptacles themselves changed. When I got the Inakustik I also got what I think is the "20 amp" power cord (also from Inakustic/Bob) as I think that back of the inakustik requires that type of connector. It was past the bundle-deal so I had to buy it separately but I think it's the same one that was in the original bundle last holiday season. Let us know what you hear... and please tell Bob that "that guy dave" is loving it and singing its praises. He’s a cool guy and has heard so much gear (and cables) that he really knows what he’s selling and isn’t just a "sales guy"... he loves this stuff like we do. |
@rareace,That is something that Bob did not offer me. So good for you. I have no plans to change my existing receptacles.
@ozzy ,You have so many components in your system. If you were to get a power conditioner, what components would go in it? Why don't you talk to Bob and see if he can let you try it in your system? If it does not improve anything you can simply return the unit. Honestly, I doubt you will do it - your system is high resolution and it should easily make out the difference.
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I'm with you @ozzy but Bob is offering me a full refund if it doesn't meet expectations so that made it easier.
-Alex |
I dunna know. I still can’t get over the fact that there is nothing inside it.
ozzy
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