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Sub $1k Power Conditioners? Any Assistance Appreciated...

Hey guys,

I’m not new to the hobby but am getting back in after a decade or so hiatus. Two channel guy looking for a sub $1k power conditioner for my system. Have used multiple PS products in the past and loved them but their offerings today are too rich for my blood at the moment.

I’m seeing a lot of positive reviews on the AQ Niagara line and the 1200 falls into my fiduciary wheelhouse. It seems to me there’s much more movement these days towards plugging the amp directly into the wall vs any sort of power conditioner except the top of the line units, presumably to avoid limiting current. I’m using, at the moment, a Krell S-300i integrated and would prefer the peace of mind of surge protection.

I’ve always liked the component style aesthetic but, of course, performance and value first. Any recommendations aside from the Niagara or is that where I should be looking? I’m not at all adverse to buying used.

Thanks!
cjlundberg

Showing 5 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,872 posts
 
Sorry @artemus_5

I sent my reply to the OP and didn’t tag you. I replied on 06-17-2020 2:18pm


The issue with a lot of inexpensive strips (including Furman) is they have 1 set of filters. So:

Wall power = D------ < Filter > ----- (outputs)

The problem is that the output can be polluted by other noise generating devices. That is, on the same strip you may have a linear amp, and a switching wall-wart type power supply. That filter only cleans up power from the wall, not from other devices placed after it.

More advanced power conditioners will offer multiple filter banks, to help reduce this problem.


Does this help??

Is it better .... honestly depends on a lot of things. I mean, yes, you could test it and prove it’s better, but would you hear it?? That’s another story. :)

erik_squires
15,872 posts
 
I have Furman Elite-20 PFi. I bought it used for $650 many years ago.


Yep, I have something similar, and these units have multiple filter banks built-in, which the inexpensive strips do not.
erik_squires
15,872 posts
 
@iron57

Depends, but better quality units tend to have nice linear power supplies, so no.

Network devices and streamers (i.e. Amazon, Roku, etc.) yes.
erik_squires
15,872 posts
 
Hey OP:

The issue with a lot of inexpensive strips (including Furman) is they have 1 set of filters.  So:

Wall power = D------ < Filter > ----- (outputs)

The problem is that the output can be polluted by other noise generating devices.   That is, on the same strip you may have a linear amp, and a switching wall-wart type power supply.  That filter only cleans up power from the wall, not from other devices placed after it. 

More advanced power conditioners will offer multiple filter banks, to help reduce this problem.

Does this help??

Is it better .... honestly depends on a lot of things.  I mean, yes, you could test it and prove it's better, but would you hear it?? That's another story. :)
erik_squires
15,872 posts
 
This comes up so often I wrote a blog about it:


https://inatinear.blogspot.com/2019/04/power-management-for-frugal-audiophiles.html
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