Power Line Conditioners


I am fairly uneducated to the power conditions although I currently use a Panamax 1000+ in my system. Do all components need to go through the unit or simply the amps. I like the PS 300 but it only has 4 outlets. Please help me understand this subject better if you have the time. Thank you. Rick
rlambertaa54
If you own your own home,an ideal setup would be to add 2 dedicated lines and plug 2 amps into each one.This will give dedicated power for your amps to perform optimally and sound their best.One can also add a surge protection device at your main power supply circuit box. Contact a licensed electrician for further info.As far as PLC's go,of those who want one to improve sound and they purchase the right one and it is used in the right application(The nature of your power co. and the level of your components,hearing ect.) it will at least subtly improve the sound and in your case also the picture.I and 2 other audio friends have extensive experience with PLC's and some do nothing or very little,some detract from the sound some improve some areas and detract from others .We all have auditioned many units in our systems and were all together doing so and we all came to the same conclusions !!! The right PLC in the right application will improve the sound in all areas ! Of those who differ with this and have had alot of experience with listening to many plc's ,I realize that their situations were different and I respect their findings.Remember also ,that hearing as eye sight varies,and that what one hears ,another may not be capable of detecting or be focused to pick it out!Enjoy the music.
Plug all your source components minus amps into the Panamax. Experiment. Do the amps sound better in the wall or in the Panamax? May have to install more outlets for the 4 amps.
all of you folks are trying to get some magical upgrade by using products that add noise to your circuit. sorry, all of 'em do, whether you spend 200 or 2000 $$. you don't need a surge protector if you have a decent amp with built-in circuit protection. save your money and use it to upgrade from mid-fi. alternatively, rewire your house, isolating and star-grounding your audio components.
It sounds like I should definitely plug all my power amps directly into the wall, if I do this obviously I will not have any surge protection. Is this what I should do. What should I do about my other components as far as surge protection goes. I have 4 amps, DVD, LD, DAC, Preamp, DD/DTS processor, EX processor. Thanks to all who have responded, it has been very educational to me so far. Rick
The PS Audio PP-300 outlets are used for source components and not amps.The four outlets will accomodate most audio systems and an add on extension box from PS Audio is available,but I think that a low cost Vans Evers Companion should work just fine.An internal fan currently available,can be purchased from PS Audio that will allow it to run cooler(but I have no concern about that so far with my 9 month old unit) and as far as unacceptable hum is concerned,this has occured on some of the earlier units and P S Audio will service any units that have this problem, through their transferrable warranty.These units also incorporate exceptional surge protection that is superior to many units(check their site for more details).A used PP 300 can occasionally be found for between $750.-$900.and sounds superior to any of the many PLC s that I have owned and have auditioned in my system.If you are not looking to buy the PP-300 power regenerator then the best sounding PLC that I ever heard,as well as owned within 1 k was a Vans Evers model 83 Reference.There are some special plc's dedicated for most power amps that are not high current and will protect as well as enhance the sound ,especially plugged into a dedicated line with a top Hubbell outlet.Happy hunting !
Unless you have excessive or unusual noise I wouldn't use a pc, my suggestion is to go with quality aftermarket cords like BMI here at audiogon if possible. Also critical are dedicated lines for all your equipment - that can make a huge difference.
The PS Audio P300's four outlets are really intended for "line-level" components only (e.g., CD transport, DAC, preamp). It's not a line conditioner, but a "power regenerator." Yes, mine runs hot (it's essentially a 150 wpc amp, after all), but doesn't hum, and its effect on system performance has been to transform cardboard images into palpable performers and instruments.
The quality of the power coming from the PANAMAX is sometimes worse than what went into it. I measured it a couple of years ago and got rid of mine. Just because something is recommended in StereoShill doesn't mean it's any good. If you have a closet (To cover the noise) get a Hospital grade line conditioner. They're as good as if not better than any Audiophile unit and at a fraction of the price.
The Panamax 1000 is NOT a line conditioner. I tis only a surge protector. If you want a huge difference for less money, try the Monster Cable HTS 1000 or 2000 power line conditioner. It is a true line conditioner as well as a surge protector. 90-95% of all amps should be plugged directly into the wall. To help them try an Audioprism Quiet Lines; they run in parallel.
I have a Panamax 1000. Just Recently bought a used Bybee Signature. 4 digital and 4 analog outlets.Still burning it in. The Panamax worked great. Don't put your amp through it. It limits dynamics!!The music sounds better when the amp is in the wall outlet. The PS Audio conditioners are great but run hot, have a hum and only have 4 outlets. Look around for used Bybee, Chang lightspeed,VansEvers,etc. Good luck