Recommendations for a good power conditioner? Do I even need one?
Hey There was a column in this month's Stereophile in which the writer confirmed that, in his long-time experience, both power cables and power conditioners did make a difference in sound. For those who can confirm this, any recs on a conditioner under $800 new or used? David Gray reviews are mixed at best and I'm not familiar with any other brands.
So I bought a Furman PST-8. My existing power cords are an Acoustic Zen Tsunami on my Pathos integrated and a Transparent Audio Reference on my phono stage.
The Furman reduced the noise floor a bit but what was odd was how it brought instruments forward in the soundstage. I confirmed this with some blind tests with my wife. Instruments on good acoustic and jazz (and even a few rock and RB) recordings were closer.
Anyhow, I'm happy with it. For less than $100 it was a a worthwhile tweak.
I went with the simpler is better concept and parted with an old PS Audio P300, and replaced it with an almost equally old BPT power conditioner. My choice in effect stayed the same, i.e. I value the betterment that balanced power has to offer. The PS Audio regenerator was good in service, but is quite complex internally, and the BPT did much of the same thing as far as balanced power goes, and only uses a very beefy transformer plus other appropriate parts. Richard Grey products do have their place in my system, yet probably in the source end of the system.
I'd upgrade the power cords and outlets first. Next would be an inexpensive but you will hear the difference with the Furman PST-8. Shop around for your best price including looking at Amazon. Well under $800 but produces better results than many power conditioners costing $2000. The AQ Niagara's are also very good but cost significantly more.
I have a PS Audio P5 and it’s a great device but going to set you back for 2.5 as much. For $800 buy a DAC as your 105 is a fine Blu-ray/Multi-Player but the weaker link in your system... not sure on your speakers. Dedicated lines with decent receptacles is a step I would do before dropping money on a power conditioner or similar device.
I don’t see where you have a Pass amp so not sure on the reference above, but with my smaller P5 I do prefer my Pass amp plugged directly into the wall with AQ NRG Edison receptacle with dedicated lines. As far as Pass saying don’t spend money on aftermarket power cords as it doesn’t make a difference is nonsense as well, as a better cord does improve their amps. Most amp manufacturers will say plug your amp directly into the wall and I agree thus far that is best, but preamps/source components can be improved upon through a similar device. I have an Oppo 205 and use a DAC thru another device so I’m speaking on experience here and not just throwing something out there. I’d look into a DAC first or consider dedicated lines with proper hospital grade or better receptacles; that being said for $800 I’d look at an AQ Niagara 1200.
Before spending any money get the Oppo on a different circuit make sure the stereo circuits are all on a different leg of your power panel than large loads w motors make sure panel connects and grounds are clean and tight ( quality electricians maybe needed ) replace old worn 15 and 20 A breakers as needed. IF you have wall warts or a PC get them away from analog :-) try that first....
also all the trash producers ( switchpower supplies, clocks, DAC’s) into a $500 Furman on mentioned dedicated circuit will do wonders
Get a used Synergistic Research Master Coupler for a couple hundred bucks, or newer SR Blue, whatever, just don't go more than $500. Because you need $300 for Perfect Path Solutions Total Contact, which at only $300 will do more for your system than any power conditioner or power cord you can afford.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
