Least Expensive Power Conditioner/Surge Protector That Won't Worsen Sound

I'm hoping and assuming that Shunyata will be able to bring the Hydra back to spec. If not, I'll need to find a unit which will allow me to use the Python Alpha power cord with free C19 end.

@kellyp Could you explain? 

I've only had the Panamax m5400-pm for a couple of days. I imagine that it will need a break-in period, as most equipment seems to need. But compared to the obviously well-broken in Shunyata Research Hydra 6 (which is on its way back to the factory for refreshing), individual instruments and voices are not as well individually defined in space. They're a bit muddled together. The Pathos Classic Remax integrated, which is plugged into the wall,  that I have been auditioning, renders a terrific sense of air and space, and well as individual definition. I'm missing that having swapped the Hydra 6 out for the Panamax.

@adasdad So what you/he are suggesting that only the power cord affects the sound quality? I can absolutely attest to that power cords can vastly improve the sound of a piece of equipment. But is the grayness of the tonal color I'm hearing using the Panamax only related to the power cord I'm using? I'm unable to use the Panamax with the Shunyata Python Alpha cord I use with the Hydra. The receptacle in the back of the PM is too small for the Python Alpha cord.

@markiew Well, at $2300 US it better do something right. 

Part of the issue is that I'm still officially auditioning an integrated amp. And the Panamax is making it sound considerably worse than what I heard through the Hydra 6 w/Python Alpha power cord. 

I'm learning.

I realize that the Python Alpha power cord I've been using with the Hydra 6 has a c19 female connector. Other than Shunyata, what other brands of power conditioners use that style of connector so I can use the Shunyata cord, if needed be?

@adasdad How was the PQ2, and what was the SQ leap from that to the Niagara? Both are designed by Garth, right? I've read mixed things thus far about the PQ2 and PQ3 in terms of sound.  

Interesting. The Panamax models seem to have an internal device that shuts off the power when there is under- or over-voltage, distinct from the feature on higher level models that work to maintain voltage when those things occur. Of course, severe spikes will shut down the power completely. 

Unless I'm reading it incorrectly, it looks like Panamax uses sacrificial circuits whereas Furman uses non-sacrificial circuits.

Yes, @lowrider57, that's my hope.

I think it's generally been in agreement that for power and integrated amps, the sound is best when plugged directly into the wall. Whether that's smart for the ultimate health of the piece of equipment may be another argument. Is it worth the gamble?

My question, though,  is more related to the use of a PLC with non-power amp equipment. Ostensibly, a PLC cleans the electricity of noise, and some units may help provide consistent voltage. My question is whether some units/designs might actually worsen the sound from source equipment. Theoretically, reducing noise in the electricity would improve blackness of background, exposing finer detail, as well as improve dynamics. Might it also color (or discolor) the sound in some way, i.e., brighten, gray, dull, or flatten the 3-dimensionality of the sound?

Again, I'm just asking about source equipment, including phono preamplifiers.

If not, is the spending money on the better PLCs mainly for the purpose of better protection and being able to use them with power amps?

I was looking at a Panamax provided chart of their PLCs, and saw that their models reduce noise anywhere from 50dB to 80 dB depending on model. Okay, I can potentially understand the benefits of greater noise reduction, but are there other factors which contribute to how well a PLC will affect the sound?

@adasdad But I'm wondering if you could elaborate as to what you heard regarding the difference between the two. I understand how they're marketed, but in terms of rubber meeting the road, what differences did you hear, if you articulate them.

By the way,  I thought I read that Garth did design the PQ2 and 3 as well. 

I can say this much that thus far, after a few days, that the images, running through the Panamax m5400-pm, are clearly less juicy. This may improve with break-in. I wouldn't be happy if it stayed at this sound quality.

I'm getting my Shunyata Hydra back next week. They found no damage at all, but replaced the filtration and surge protection with their most up to date technology. Really nice customer service!