2. amps-preamps
  3. 169129-7415

Power conditioner some say yes and some say no.

Depending on who I ask a power transformer conditioner can have a good effect on the sound while others claim they inhibit the dynamics of an amp. I don’t have serious power problems as far as I know but I enjoy my sound most of the time. I currently use a Hydra 6 for my entire system except for my amp where I use a Hydra 2. Would it make sense to invest thousands on a power transformer conditioner or would my Hydras be enough by isolating the components from each other. I was waiting for a Keces IQRP 3600 to try but the dealer I was to get it from died from Covid-19 before arranging my Keces to be shipped. I am out $4000 and am not so fast to drop another $4000 on the Keces. Perhaps in the future if it makes sense. I find that not many use transformer conditioners due to the dynamics limitations of the amp. Any help would be appreciated.
128x128mitchb

Showing 2 responses by sns

sns
3,003 posts
 
I've auditioned or owned a number of pc over the years, ps audio powerplants, Audience Adept, Shunyata Hydra. My BPT 3.5 Signature with further diy mods has remained my favorite for years. This is transformer based pc, great on everything with exception of tube amps. It does soften transients as has every power conditioner I've tried with exception of Furutech Flux 50NCF. This is with 845SET, 300B custom built monoblocks and diy modded Prima Luna Dialogue Four.
All these pc's superior to no pc in my room. I have three dedicated 10awg Romex ac lines and far upgraded grounding system for whole house. Upgraded ac receptacles and power cords as well. Amazing to me that a pc and entire dedicated ac distribution system wouldn't be an upgrade. Plethora of switching power supplies in various equipment would mandate pc in itself.
sns
3,003 posts
 
I absolutely hear softening of transients on my 845SET amp with power conditioners, including my BPT 3.5 Signature, a balanced isolation transformer based pc. Further upgraded with Oyaide R1 ac receptacles and Mundorf filtering caps. This most noticed with my Coincident 845 SET amp, high current, high voltage tube amp. I've yet to try my 300b SET and EL34 push pull on BPT.  I hear some degradation even when other audio equipment sharing amp circuit. So, dedicated amp circuit, 10AWG, Oyaide R1 for me.

I also love the BPT , and believe a quality balanced transformer based pc is great solution for rest of system. Even prefer to lithium ion battery I've used to power certain equipment.
As mentioned in my previous post in thread. The only filter/pc I've found that doesn't soften transients on the 845SET  is Furutech Flux-50 NCF
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