Who has dumped the power conditioner?

I think 2 other issues to consider are how dirty your current power is, and what quality of gear (amp and such) you currently use.

I don't have high end gear (NAD t753 surround, and NAD c372). In my main system (NAD t753), I have two conditioners in use in the one system. One is Richard Gray 400, the other PS Audio Quintet. I have removed both from the system, and only one at a time as well, and always run back to having them back in my system. Installed the PS Audio Duet with my NAD C372, and it sounds much nicer now too.

Yes, they do "color" the sound, but so does any change to interconnect, amp, speaker, etc. All add their own "color" or signature sound. The question is, do you like the change? I'll read the specs and the theory, but I know what my ears like. I'm not a purist. I'll try any reasonable change, as long as I have the option to return the equipment to the dealer. I am lucky that a local dealer allows that. Just test drove 3 sets of speaker cables over the last 3 weeks, and then picked one. This with no cost up front.

Bob is so right. Too many folks on too many of the audio forums spend time debating why one things sounds better than another. Do costly cables make an improvement to the sound of your hi-fi, do power conditioners help or worsen the situation, etc.

I think the correct answer to all these questions is yes and no.

It depends on how these things work with your gear in your home, and taking into account issues like dirty power, evironmental factors, and so on.

I think those who are debating (or arguing)the advantages should get back to listening to the music. My system is on 24/7, and I listen casually as well as up close for hours each day, and for the last 30 years. If I find something I believe will improve the sound and I can purchase it plus return it if it does not help, I will give it a try. The goal to improve how much I enjoy my music. I know the limitations of my system and I've tweaked it to the extent I want to. Any more money spent and the tweaks will cost more than the gear. I don't have a large budget for gear or tweaks, but have what for me is a great sounding system that plays any type of music. My total setup including 6 sources and a surround speaker setup is less than $10,000.

BTW, I don't support any camp of thought, or you could say I support them all. I am sure there are many out there who just want to hear their favorite music played in a fashion that is enjoyable to them, regardless of how they got there.

It seems that the goal for many on the forums is to debate or dismiss some technology they are sure does not do what it claims, when in fact they may have never even tried it themselves. Are these folks listening to their music anymore?

I'm more interested in hearing what works for folks and if they had the option would they buy the same tweaks or equipment again if they were starting over. I think honest answers to the latter point would be a telling sign.

I believe some equipment by nature of its design will benefit more than others through the use of power conditioners, and some homes that have very clean power will benefit to a lesser degree, or maybe not at all. Some equipment will also be so well built that additional tweaks may have little positive impact or could have a negative one.

If you like the way it sounds, with or without a power conditioner, good for you. Relax and enjoy your music.