2. misc-audio
  3. 160880-151379

Power Conditioners

I'm looking at the Audioquest Powerquest3 and the Austere 7 Series Power. At this price point are the power conditioner sections a gimmick or can they have a meaningful impact. Is there a certain price, brand or tech which is generally the gold standard? Is power conditioning something you should only need to address if it's an actual problem (you can hear it) across your system or is it a best practice no matter and if so who is the "value" player in the space? I cringe at the thought of spending 4k on a power conditioner. Thanks for your comments. 
spotconlon

Showing 4 responses by turnbowm

turnbowm
353 posts
 
The need for power conditioning depends on a lot of factors. The only way to determine that for your particular case is to try one (or more).

As for the two units you listed, the AQ Powerquest 3 offers series-mode surge suppression while Austere VII Series offers parallel-mode using "sacrificial" MOV devices. For more info, you might want to check out the "Surge Suppressor Basics" thread in this section.
turnbowm
353 posts
 

nonoise6,359 posts10-18-2020 11:40am"You should also check out the Audioquest Niagara 1200 that goes for about $160 more than the Furman ($999). It does all that the Furman does and is designed by Garth Powell, who used to work for and designed the Furman power conditioners...."

The Furman Elite-15 PFi has a current street price of $535, which is quite a bargain. As for the Audioquest Niagra 1200, it does NOT have AQ's Power Correction (energy storage) technology. For that, you'll have to step up to the Niagra 3000 ($3000).
turnbowm
353 posts
 

spotconlon OP9 posts10-17-2020 8:08pm"This Furman Elite looks interesting. The 15pfi is priced more to my liking and looks comparable except for the 45A v 55A of the 20. Any thoughts on likelihood of experiencing that kind of spike in a music-only system?"

The Furman Elite-15 PFi is a quality unit with all the good stuff and is an easy recommend. Series-mode surge suppression, linear filters and Power Factor technology. As kijanki indicated above, the dynamic current demands of power amps can result in reduced dynamics due to losses associated with filter impedance. The Power Factor technology addresses that problem by providing energy storage. Audioquest offers the Niagra 3000 for $3000 if you feel in a spendy mood.

Be aware that the cheaper power conditioners/suppressors do NOT have the Power Factor technology due to cost constraints. Using conditioners like this for a large, current-hungry power amp will likely prove disappointing.

Good luck in your search!
turnbowm
353 posts
 

nonoise6,361 posts10-18-2020 1:32pm@turnbowm,
"....As for the "Power Correction" aspect, I'd have to hear it for myself to determine if it betters the Niagara 1200. It's all in the implementation and the Niagara is a superb product, as I can attest to in my own system."
 
Do you have your power amp (or integrated) plugged into the Niagra 1200? If so, any changes in dynamics or bass impact?
More to discover