Hi!
I just returned 2 Ultimate Outlets to AA. Did not work for me in audio (couldn't notice ANY difference). I noticed some improvement in video, but I am mostly into audio...
Good luck! |
It's the only power conditioner/surge protector I've tried that doesn't seem to degrade the sound from my Jadis preamp (JP80, which has a separate power supply), which normally sounds best plugged in the wall. I don't really think I hear any great sonic improvements, as the JP80 essentially creates its own power with the power supply, but I like having some surge protection for that piece, so in that respect it's filled its role well. I recall some early past threads on this topic which did not like it on power amps; check the archives. What the heck, they give a money-back free trial, right? Worth trying out on your own ears. |
because it adversely affects the sound. |
I currently own one for my Pre/amp and am ordering another for my cd player. I will admit the sonic improvements are subtle. However, it does provide surge protection and unlike many other similar products it doesn't seem to compress dynamics. |
I have one and have used it in conjunction with a PS Audio mini-lab cable to my power amp. The other outlet feeds a Monster HT2500. I got good results with this combo when I used it with my Musical Fidelity A300. The combo definitely lowered the noise floor and increased the dynamic thrust of the system. It doesn't seem as noticeable with the Bryston power amp I use now but I believe its a good investment anyway. |
Another subjective evaluation of a system/power source dependent component. In my system, the background around the notes became more black with a single unit. I added a second unit, one for preamp and amp and the second for CD transport and DAC, and the high end became much more clear. |
Commetns on UO HC:
Good results with DAC and pre, avoid it with amps.
Tried it on a Denon 5700 receiver, and it gave it sounded much better (again, not so with stand-alone amps).
Less noticeable if you go to dedicated power lines, but still nice (I have the DAC plugged into it).
I'll probably switch to a 20 amp IEC on it and see what that does. |
I recently added an Ultimate Outlet for my amps. I think I heard an improvement (which probably means I couldn't but I didn't want to admit it!). I purchased it as one of several AC mods including Quiet Lines, a Wattgate outlet and a Monster 1000 (for the front end). I felt the same about each on of these individually--little if any improvement. However, when I combined them all the synergy was incredible; perhaps a 20% improvement in the sound. I now firmly believe in AC tweaks but the process does seem to involve a lot of experimentation and Brownian motion. Good luck. |
I can hardly believe we are all talking about the same thing here.
I bought it to use on my amplifiers as the PS 600 was not up for the task of both front end and amplification.On its own I found a much more quiet refined sound adding natural full timber to the music,the problem was the sound stage shrunk as a trade off.I added PS Audio lab cables before and after the UO .The sound stage problem was completely reversed while gaining much more in the other areas including resolution and bass authority and depth ,I then went a step further and added a second set up one for each mono block,with equally stagering results.
Conclusion is if you plan on using the UO on there own you might as well use it on your TV.Great results can also be found with the mini lab feeding the UO and another to the power amp.The same results ocured using different amps and in my friend set up as well .These changes were not small ,I plan on adding one more UO to feed my PS 600 ,my friend has been done this with proven results,once again with proper power cords.The Uo power cord as a unit are a better bargin and performance for this,but you would be limited for trying other PC in the future. |
I had a UO HC when my system was cdp-pre-amp and it seemed to be ok with the preamp, but not the amp or cdp. When I changed to a cdp-passive-amp I could hear substantial degradation of the sound on either the amp or cdp. The transparency of the passive made it very easy to hear the sound was better without the Ultimate Outlet HC. |
The corrosion resistance of nickel plating is an affordable no-brainer. But LISTENING through it? Gimme a break. How much nickel-plating do you see on fine active or passive parts? Silver and gold I can buy, but nickel? |
Subaru, relax! There's an explanation to this outlet in the Asylum. Bob Crump wrote it and then Paul McGowan posted confirming it. Has to do with the dielectrics chosen in order to balance nickel's brightness.
Suave, man... |
Forget the UO; go for the P300! I mean, if you think about it, your source components are the ones that really need the conditioning because, presumably, these things are "broadcasting" the signals from downstream; the amp will just amplifier whatever they pick up from the dirty ac. When I hooked up my system to th PS Audio P300, the difference was not subtle. Yes, it really works in that it opens up the sound stage, lowers the noise foor, and it resolves instruments, improving imaging. However, I have found that power cable also play a significant role: I have an Acoustic Zen Tsunami powering the P-300, and it really resolves things over the stock power cord, greatly improving the bass. That is, things don't sound so muddy. |
Impressive. But why is the nickel so bright that the softening bandaids are required? Sheesh. |
Hi!
My Cary SLI80 amp liked it. My Cary CD308 CD player didn't. Only one way to really know; do the experiment. By the way, the CD player was happy with a Welborne Lab unit I got on close-out. It uses ferite beads to keep the digital demons out of your analog stuff; also has 'soft startup' for tube gear. This is a digression; but it came with a pathetic power cord that I replaced with an IEC connector. Anyway, my analog stuff is plugged into UOs; which in turn are plugged into the Welborne unit which is plugged into the wall. Everybody is happy now; including the manufacturers of all those after market PCs! |
