I have been using my trusted Equitech Model Q for the majority of items in my system-----primarily tube amps, pre amps (phono and primary) etc--
In need of some auxiliary pieces for cable input, video input, modem, etc-----have been using inexpensive strips, but feel the need to upgrade protection and any possible degradation of signal.
Noise elimination is essential-----seeking to protect signals and avoid degradation of sound.
Have run out of inputs on Equitech.
Thoughts? One of the Audience products--Forte V 8 has been suggested--but it does not have surge or overload protection--odd. A number of products on the market.
Suggestions? I am space limited, so looking for best products in a minimal package.
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.
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.
... 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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