Power Conditioners---old electrics in my house.

Here's my thoughts, with specific model recommendations for you.

https://inatinear.blogspot.com/2019/04/power-management-for-frugal-audiophiles.html

My go to manufacturer is Audioquest.
There was a comparison between AQ and PS Audio in one of the review mags, I forget which one, but the reviewer seemed to feel the AQ Niagra offered much of what the PS Audio conditioner offered, but at a significantly lower price.
B

AQ Niagra 1000 comes recommended by Stereophile recommended components.  Current model is Niagra 1200 for about 1K.

Blues....I installed an Audioquest Powerquest 2 for the same reasons you described. It's worked out well so far and I didn't spend a ton of money.

When people say "worked out well" what does that mean?  That you feel more protected?  Survived a strong thunderstorm or a power surge?  

I think what we're all interested in here is "does it change the sound for better or worse?"  Does it bleach the sound?  

Many who own the PS Audio Regenerators claim a much more positive effect on the sound than a conditioner that many argue bleaches the sound.

I new I read it somewhere:
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/audioquest-niagara-5000-ps-audio-p20-directstream-power-plant/
Bob

I just got a Audioquest Niagara 1200 and it works as advertised. Much quieter background from lower noise floor. Allows me to really appreciate the gear I have compared to before, and I really like them before I got the Niagara 1200.

I just didn't know what AC nasties were on the line until they were gone. It's a much richer experience. More convincingly alive, bordering on the seductive. No diminution of soundstage or loss of dynamics. No favoring of one part of the frequency over another. Filtration is done equally across all octaves, not just some.

After hearing it, I only wish I could afford the Niagara 3000.

All the best,
Nonoise

I have balanced power, a wall unit plus BPT unit. Really good but not what you're looking for.
What's Best Forum, My Clean Power Adventures by tMallen. Long but well written and concludes with a solution you may find attractive.

If, and only if, you have an old house with crappy wiring, or a non-dedicated circuit with other things cycl9ing on and off, AND have amps without something in the design to gradually fill the big filter caps, a power conditioner might do something besides lighten your bank account.  Spend the money on a electrician and put in a 30 amp breaker with number 10 wiring.

danvignau357 posts

04-03-2020
5:28am

If, and only if, you have an old house with crappy wiring, or a non-dedicated circuit with other things cycl9ing on and off, AND have amps without something in the design to gradually fill the big filter caps, a power conditioner might do something besides lighten your bank account. Spend the money on a electrician and put in a 30 amp breaker with number 10 wiring

Spend the money on a electrician and put in a 30 amp breaker with number 10 wiring

Good advice except for the 30 amp breaker size.

Nothing wrong with using #10awg wire as long as the breaker is not larger than 20 amp. The ampacity rating of the branch circuit cannot exceed 20 amps if 2 or more 15 amp rated receptacles are used, or a 20 rated receptacle is used.

Jim

Audioquest Niagara 1200 is probably the best value in the industry.  AC line noise is completely eliminated by this product.  Music to background is an obvious improvement.  Dynamics are improved.  It's like an entirely new (and upgraded) component was just added to the system. And you know what?  It was... I was amazed at what it did for my system.  To see for yourself how the background noise is eliminated, log on to the retailer site for Upscale Audio.  Go to the Audioquest Niagara 1200 and the owner (Kevin Deal) has a very good YouTube video that demonstrates the elimination of AC line noise.  He also shows you the internal workings of the product and provides a very full description of its total function.  Have fun!

danvignau

... put in a 30 amp breaker with number 10 wiring.

Very bad advice. In many jurisdictions, that would be a code violation unless terminated with a 30A outlet, which then would not accommodate the component's plug.

The 10 ga. wire is not a bad suggestion itself, provided there's a 20A breaker on the circuit.

Check out.
https://audience-av.com/conditioners/conditioner_specs/

I have used this set up with great results - Audience Power Conditioner hooked into Oyaide Power Distributor - best overall investment value. 
Of course you can opt to invest in a Larger Audience Conditioner for more $$$
Audience
https://audience-av.com/conditioners/ar2p/
Listed Used
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa0bhe-audience-adept-response-ar2p-t-ac-conditioners
Oyaide
http://www.oyaide.com/ENGLISH/AUDIO/products_category/pwer_distrbutor/index.html

https://www.thecableco.com/mtb-6-power-conditioner.html
or Hong Kong  Basket on eBay for 40% less

Good Luck

Sorry, jea48, my statement has been retracted. P.S. I do respect your knowledge based on numerous beneficial comments you've made :)

@ptss

Thanks for the kind words.

Jim
.

I was born in Feb 1954. 

Anyway, I can only speak for myself. I have a while house surge protector and nothing else. I have tried several power devices and none of them have made any difference what so ever in the performance or noise levels of my system. I tendency is to think that you are better off spending the money on better equipment or music. Things that make a real difference assuming you like your loudspeakers and do not want to go heavy on a new pair are better more powerful amplifiers and room control such as the Trinnov ST 2 or Amethyst units. Certainly a pair of sub woofers if you don't have them already. 
Most electronic devices already have a very nice power conditioner installed. It is called a power supply.
One of my all time favorite tweaks is the gold plated wall receptacle. To me that is like a pimp with a fake Rolex. 

Hey guys,

I’m not new to the hobby but am getting back in after a decade or so hiatus.  Two channel guy looking for a sub $1k power conditioner for my system.  Have used multiple PS products in the past and loved them but their offerings today are too rich for my blood at the moment.

I’m seeing a lot of positive reviews on the AQ Niagara line and the 1200 falls into my fiduciary wheelhouse. It seems to me there’s much more movement these days towards plugging the amp directly into the wall vs any sort of power conditioner except the top of the line units, presumably to avoid limiting current.  I’m using, at the moment, a Krell S-300i integrated and would prefer the peace of mind of surge protection.

I’ve always liked the component style aesthetic but, of course, performance and value first.  Any recommendations aside from the Niagara or is that where I should be looking?  I’m not at all adverse to buying used.

Thanks!