I demoed and/or purchased a number of conditioners, regenerators over the years, Shunyata, Audience, PS Audio, Audioquest, I could see all being effective for some, so many variables to consider. For me BPT 3.5 Signature with custom Plitron transformer was the winner, further diy customization via film filtering caps and Oyaide R1 AC outlets. Always prefer amps straight into wall on dedicated 20amp, 10AWG dedicated circuit, this with anything from class a/b SS to 7wpc SET. transients always negatively affected by going through any of the pathways through conditioners, regenerators.
WHICH POWER CONDITIONER IS BETTER PASSIVE OR ACTIVE WITH ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS
Looking to purchase a Power Conditioner to reduce the noise floor in my system as well as to protect my system from electric spikes. The two types of conditioners seem to be as follows:
- Passive conditioners such as an Audience AR-12 T4 which claims that passive conditioning with the use of chips is the way to go because their filtering is better accomplished without the use of isolation transformers. The proponents of passive seem to claim that the use of isolation transformers adds noise to the components in the chain.
- Active or non passive-An example would be the Niagra 3000, 5000 &7000 by Audioquest which all use Isolation transformers to accomplish the filtering. Most of the conditioners I see advertised seem to accomplish filtering with the use of isolation transformers.
- My question is what type is better and why? Any recommendations would be appreciated. My budget is $4000-$5000.00, would consider used, a/k/a pre-owned.
- Thank you for your input.