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PSE Studio V acquisition

A gentleman I know collects a lot of different items and never uses many of them.  This is what happened when he bought a new pair of PSE Studio V monoblocks from Mr. Kleinfelter some years ago and kept them in storage.  This particular pair was one of the last - or maybe the last - pair that was made, and has a number of upgraded components inside, as well as piano black sides instead of the wooden ones.  Basically they’re new old stock.  Well I got them yesterday and they replaced my Aragon 4004 amp.  I listened to them for about 6 or 7 hours, and so far am very happy with them.  The music seems to be a bit more open than with my previous amplifier and the voices appear more vibrant to me.  I’m looking forward to more listening and having the PSE’s break in further.  Now I just need to get some very short bi-wired speaker cables.  Other equipment I’m using with these includes an Audible Illusions Modulus 3B, T+A Criterion 300 speakers, and various sources.
stmike
8 responses Add your response
pryso
1,912 posts
 
PSE components were not well known but I found them exceptionally musical.

In the early '80s I owned Vandersteen speakers and had the chance to visit Audioquest's facilities.  Their audition system included the same model speakers but with PSE electronics.  I was so impressed I searched out their stereo amp and preamp.

Not sure why the company didn't survive longer but I felt they offered great components at reasonable prices.

In spite of yours being almost NOS, it might be a good idea to have them checked out, at their age (even without use) any electrolytic caps may need replacing.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,868 posts
 
Dean is still around in the scene, he detail designed some of the revolutionary Vandersteen M7-HPA amplifiers in intense collaboration with Richard

and yes the PSE stuff was and is fantastic !


stmike OP
39 posts
 
Thanks. I do have a slight hum as a result of the ground plugs on the ac cords, so will probably attach 3 prong to 2 prong adapters. I had to do that with my last couple amps as well.
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cleeds
5,722 posts
 
stmike
I do have a slight hum as a result of the ground plugs on the ac cords, so will probably attach 3 prong to 2 prong adapters ...
The ground plugs aren't the cause of your hum - it's the different voltage potential between the neutral and the ground that causes the hum. Eliminating the safety ground treats the symptom of your problem - not the cause - and is potentially hazardous. 
stmike OP
39 posts
 
@cleeds 
i appreciate your input. Can you tell me what I should do to correct the problem?  The hum really isn’t very loud, and once music starts playing I can’t hear it at all.  But knowing it’s there bugs me.
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cleeds
5,722 posts
 
stmike ... Can you tell me what I should do to correct the problem?

Entire books have been written on this subject. I'd start by making sure all of your outlets are properly wired, and that hot and neutral has not been reversed anywhere. Next, try "star grounding," where every component is grounded to a common point.
stmike OP
39 posts
 
Thanks. I’ll do some investigating.
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
580 posts
 
Just noticed this.

I use a pair of mono PSE V on the bass of my Vandersteen 4As. Lots of punch and nothing bad to say about them.
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