Power Conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 5000 or Shunyata Denali 6000S
Inna, I will be obsolete myself in a few years so I really need to get something now. I have no idea how to evaluate the power supply, so I am willing to accept a well reviewed panacea of a noise conditioner. I’ll look up the Walker Audio motor controller right now. I generally prefer to stay with bigger well known companies so there’s a decent chance they’ll still be around in twenty years for parts or repairs, if I still am. Some of the smaller companies disappear when their owner retires or moves on, then you’re stuck with a $4000 boat anchor. By the way, I did order the VPI power cable you suggested in my other thread just the other day. I looked up the Walker Audio motor controller and it did read like an excellent product, and better than any like product I’ll ever have. I’m thinking I’d like a more general purpose product though as current budget allows. Thanks again Inna, Mike |
Mike- I used a series of Shunyatas circa about 2006?, but after I installed dedicated lines and changed my electronics, I found I didn’t need the conditioners; the amp manufacturer cautioned against using any as well. But, Shunyata products have no doubt improved in 12 years. At the same time, I know that lots of people use the conditioners only for front end or digital components to avoid current limiting their amps. I guess it also comes down to how bad your ’dirty’ power is to begin with. I do think that home trial would be the way to go before shelling out for one of these at around 4k, even if it means you are paying more. |
For the turntable better approach might be motor controller. I would take Walker Audio not VPI. For the Luxman amp I would buy absolutely nothing to begin with and until it is fully burned in. I would want to evaluate its power supply and determine how much assistance and in what way it needs. Besides, as Bill said, $4k is a lot of cash for something that might become almost obsolete in a few years. Wall current is getting much worse in many areas, so conditioning and voltage stabilizing devices have to catch up. |
Whart, why did you abandon power conditioners? I’m curious. I really don’t have much access to any audiophile products closer than three to five hours away, double that round trip. There’s a chance I could have a local dealer who sells lower end Audioquest cables get the Niagara 5000 for an audition, but that really would be taking advantage as I can get one for less elsewhere by mail order. I think Music Direct does carry both but only at full retail, plus I'd be stuck with the return shipping costs. This will be a one time investment for me, since I’ve no plans to upgrade even when a better product comes out. Tastyfreeze, If you’ve looked at both the Audioquest and Shunyata and some others, what were your thoughts and preferences among them. I’d like to hear your impressions, if for no other reason than you have an excellent username that bespeaks good taste, which undoubtedly extends to high end audio products. I’ve got until February to make a decision, but I’d just as soon make an informed decision, not dink around with this, and get on to other things. So far I’ve read every review I could find, called manufacturers and retailers, and now I’m trying to get listeners and owners input if possible. So please share your impressions. I’m sure I, and others would certainly find them helpful. Thanks, Mike |
@skyscraper-- given that both brands of power conditioner you are asking about are from major companies with pretty large distribution networks in the States, is there a way to get the opportunity for home trial? That may mean paying for the units with the right to return one or both of them- does MusicDirect carry both since you are only interested in new, not used? My experience with power conditioners is that they do yield a difference but whether that is an improvement may be something only you can decide based on your ears and your system. It also seems that these devices are not a one time investment because there seem to be continual improvements. I’ve pretty much abandoned conditioners about 10 or so years ago, so my experience may be dated. I do use a 10kVA iso transformer with surge protection feeding a subpanel that routes some dedicated lines to the music room and it does not seem to negatively affect sonics. There is probably some burn in time, and even 30 days for evaluation may not be sufficient, but if you want the best answer, it’s probably going to come from your own experience with any of these devices in your system. |
Sgordon, I'll look into the Powercell UEF12. I hadn't heard of that model before. Twoleftears, I'll look up the Isotek Evo Sigmas and Synchros combo as well, and will consider contacting audiotroy if they look interesting and in my price range. Slaw4, and I'll look into your suggestions too. I didn't know cables could provide surge protection. Thanks all, Mike |
Stereo 5, I have been leaning towards the Shunyata Denal 6000S from the reviews I’ve read, but really I don’t know enough to make an informed decision yet. The Niagara 5000 has gotten some good reviews too. I am a little concerned about the Niagara possibly making a humming noise, although Audioquest informed me if there was one, it could be easily remedied. Their one higher model, the Niagara 7000 does make some humming noise due to it’s isolation transformers I read, which the 5000 doesn’t have. No sense paying for noise reduction if the power conditioner puts some back in by humming, while it's removing the rest. What you’re saying about the Shunyata Hydra providing a very black background is exactly what I’m hoping for. The Magico A3’s I’ve got on back order have a very detailed presentation I’d hate to have muddied by distortion. No loss of power to the amp would be excellent too. Audioquest touts their Niagara’s power reserve capability. Thanks for your reply, Mike |
I use the Shunyata much older Hydra series with their power cords and I am very happy. I haven't heard the latest and greatest Shunyata power conditioners. The Niagra has gotten a lot of rave reviews so I am sure that there is something to that. I like the Shunyata because of their passive approach. I have my Mac amp plugged into the smallest Hydra 2. There is No loss of power and a very black background. I would think the newer Shunyata line is even better. |
Mike I am going to do you one more favor. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis975e3-synergistic-research-uef-blue-power-cable-november-specia... 3-2 specials is an excellent bargain. I had been happily using Analysis Plus power cables for the last 6 years. Combination of Synergistic Blue power cables and Spiritual VX9 power conditioner is a killer at reasonable price. Thomas ps. I also added 2 sets of E-cards at 600$. They also helped to make sound of my system more organic and round. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/perfect-path-technologies-omega-e-mat You can get more information through above link. |
Thomas, I’d have to reread my other threads to figure which recommendations were yours, there have been so many. I can tell you I do appreciate and look into every suggestion you and others on site have kindly provided, while trying to make good decisions. I’ll check out your links. Thanks Thomas, Mike |
http://www.spiritualaudio.net/products/ http://www.stereomojo.com/Spiritual%20Audio%20VX-9%20Power%20Conditioner/SpiritualAudioVX-9PowerCond... I had been happily using this for 6 years. The review is pin correct to my experience so far. I think you had not adopted any of my recommendation. I am not so sure whether I need to do more recommendation. Thomas |
Maritime5, you might not, if you knew the rest of them, or were burning through a good portion of your life savings at a record clip, acquiring this unnecessary, but highly desirable stuff. It’s kind of a benign addiction I suppose. But after this last component and some cables and interconnects I have to cold turkey. It's been fun getting all this new stuff while it's lasted though. Mike |
