I use a Monster HTS2000 ($125.00 mail-order) and a Harmonic Tech. Pro 11 PC ($130.00 used) with very good results. I plug everything into the Monster though you would want to try your "amp" both straight into the wall as well as into the Monster. My power is really bad and the "amp" socket on the Monster is the better sound, it is supposed to not limit the current and there are two of these "amp" sockets on the Monster. The upgraded PC by the way is on my source a CAL II CD player. I would recommend the HT PC to try on laid back sources that you would like to liven up a bit. If you have a brighter source you may want to try something else as it is all system dependent. The good thing about PC's is that you can buy used, try them, and resell them without losing any money. My amp has a huge external power supply which may also be why the power conditioner does not seem to deteriorate the sound. I pulled the cord on the power supply by mistake and the system continued to play at volume for at least 10 to 15 seconds. I highly recommend the HTS2000 based on your budget and with the extra left over you may be able to upgrade a couple of PC's if you purchase used. Both the conditioner and the PC have been worthwhile upgrades in my system. PS: While you are at it you may as well replace your wall socket with a Hubbell or something similar. If you can do it yourself it would only cost around $20.00 to do.
POWER: conditioners vs filters vs cords
OK. I've heard a lot of contradictory stuff on power accesories. I'm going to throw this out to the roundtable and hopefully clear up some of the fog. I've heard the following: 1) Most full blown conditioners ($500+) do everything better. They stabilize input power, clean up ground loops, filter noise and insulate against power surges. However, some compress dynamics. 2) Most surge supressor/filter units ($200-$350) clean up ground loops, filter noise and insulate against power surges. (but a good power conditioner makes the system sound better overall) 3) Good power cords kinda clean-up ground loops and kinda filter noise; their major advantage is a blacker background, better dynamics, soundstage and imaging. 4) If you have a full blown conditioner, better powercords are redundant and offer little advantage. Am I on the right wavelength here? I have a minor intermittent ground loop, and I know my power is a bit on the dirty side, infrasonic garbage wise. So the question is this: I want to improve my sound quality by cleaning up my power supply without blowing a small fortune. I'd like to invest between $200 to $400(list price) but I wouldn't be adverse to bumping the price to $650 if it REALLY makes a difference. What do you recommend? Your opinions on any part of this subject are welcome and product recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks, Morbius2130aol