Richard Gray's 400 Pro = Emperor's New Clothes??


Category: Accessories

I just purchased (for $800) a Richard Gray's Power Company 400 Pro. I was not in the market for an AC filter, but when I purchased a new system the dealer gave me a hard, hard sell, promising wonders. This is a reputable dealer, so I trusted him, and he gave me a week to try it out. After using the device for a week, and after ensuring the new system (all Rotel with a Rega TT) was broken in, I followed the manufacturer's instructions to demonstrate the effectiveness of the device (ie. plug the decide into a jack on the circuit and all other components into a power strip) then pulled the plug on the 400. Nothing. Despite trying a variety of source material, I could not hear ANY difference with the 400 in or out. I do not have a tin ear and have been able to discern differences with various interconnects, etc., but this device registered no change whatsoever. I'm returning it to the dealer today. Anyone else have a similar experience? Views?
robreuland
I called my electric company and asked about ways to improve it at the source and they had no idea what I was asking.
If you re-read my post of 2-21-07 you'll see my suggestion was to get help from a big electrical contractor.

If you can find the right contractor, a company that works with high end commercial properties, government buildings, computer rooms and such, they can help you. Getting them on your side is a bit of work, but I managed to do this on three occasions now in my area.

There's no telling who you reached when you called your electrical provider, likely some person who's accustomed to dealing with irate calls about billing errors and complaints about power going out.

Big electrical contractors deal with your electric service providers linemen and supervisors, the guys in the field that go on site when big service drops are being installed on commercial sites.

A friend of mine here in Dallas just had his own utility pole and transformer installed that services his system. Granted that was not a freebee, he had to pay since it was such a specific request.

So, It is possible to get this kind of work done, at least in this market. I don't know about other areas but I thought it would have been impossible here until we managed to get it done.
I've read several posts where your equipment is plugged directly into the wall and with no mention of any surge protection.
What about the surge protection benefits the 400 pro can offer? If not for the power conditioner, wouldn't this be a good surge protector?
I've owned a 1200C for years and I definitely can tell a difference in my audio. I know others that will say the same that own his products. With that being said, the 400 Pro is basically JUST a surge protector, not really a power conditioner, from what I can understand from his website. Maybe this is the situation with some who are expecting more. I own a Rolex but for the life of me I cant get it to tell me the temperature.