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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
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).
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,842 posts
 
@turnbowm,
I went with the first thing that popped up and it's over at Crutchfield for $839.99. If one can find it cheaper, all the better.

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.

All the best,
Nonoise
spotconlon OP
13 posts
 
How much does analogue vs digital play into the decision? Setup is a Rega P6 w Aphelion MC into Icon Ps1Mk2 into Quicksilver Mid Monos. I've read that many folks just run the amp stage right out of the wall. Tho you miss the surge protection, for sure.
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?
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,842 posts
 
@turnbowm,
The changes in dynamics and bass were all for the better, by a noticeable margin. Nothing restricted or limited. In fact, just the opposite in that they both benefited from elimination of noise on the line. 

All of this is with my integrated plugged into the Niagara 1200 instead of going directly into the wall, which is how I used to have it set up.

All the best,
Nonoise
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