To Tim_p: Thanks, I’ve seen it. Glad he had some nice folks to solve his problem for free. I’m not going there.
Yet Another Post About Power Conditioners!
OK, OK, so I know there are eleventy billion posts about what power conditioners are better than others. I've read them all...yes, all eleventy billion! But, I am still wondering which one I should chose.
Here's the backdrop: I have four dedicated, 20-amp outlets. There's a bunch of noise on them. So bad I can hear a local hip hop station clearly playing through my Greenwave Dirty Noise Filter w/speaker. I use an assortment of very high-end, and expensive power cables,. I use very expensive, high-end outlets. My system consists of a Mobile Fidelity Ultradeck, a PS Audio GCHP phone stage, an AudioLab 6000CDT transport, a Burson Audio 3x Reference headphone amp, and Focal Clear headphones. Everything is connected with really good interconnects, most of which are balanced. Having downsized from a much larger, much more power system, these nuggets suit my current needs just fine.
Still that AC noise. Given the size of my system, it's silly to spend mega-bucks on a regenerator, or the expensive balanced isolation transformer PCs. Based on my research, I've narrowed my choices to these in the $1500 and under price range:
Furman Elite 15 or 20 PFi (used)
AudioQuest Niagara 1200
PS Audio Dectect
Core Power Equi=Core 1000 or 1800 (no return policy, ugh)
Shunyata Hydra 8 (used)
Decware ZLC (10-12 month wait, ugh)
NuPrime Pure AC-4
Toroid BTE500E or 1000E Balanced Transformer
Tripplite ISO500 or 500HG Isolation Transformer
Torus TOT Mini Balanced Transformer
Yes, that's an extensive list, but my search reveals these are the top choices by many folks, as well as a few, little-known contenders.
If you have actual experience with any of these--and have compared them to other PCs, your opinion or recommendations would be appreciated greatly. You're welcome to suggest others, too, if you've done hands-on comparisons.
Here's the backdrop: I have four dedicated, 20-amp outlets. There's a bunch of noise on them. So bad I can hear a local hip hop station clearly playing through my Greenwave Dirty Noise Filter w/speaker. I use an assortment of very high-end, and expensive power cables,. I use very expensive, high-end outlets. My system consists of a Mobile Fidelity Ultradeck, a PS Audio GCHP phone stage, an AudioLab 6000CDT transport, a Burson Audio 3x Reference headphone amp, and Focal Clear headphones. Everything is connected with really good interconnects, most of which are balanced. Having downsized from a much larger, much more power system, these nuggets suit my current needs just fine.
Still that AC noise. Given the size of my system, it's silly to spend mega-bucks on a regenerator, or the expensive balanced isolation transformer PCs. Based on my research, I've narrowed my choices to these in the $1500 and under price range:
Furman Elite 15 or 20 PFi (used)
AudioQuest Niagara 1200
PS Audio Dectect
Core Power Equi=Core 1000 or 1800 (no return policy, ugh)
Shunyata Hydra 8 (used)
Decware ZLC (10-12 month wait, ugh)
NuPrime Pure AC-4
Toroid BTE500E or 1000E Balanced Transformer
Tripplite ISO500 or 500HG Isolation Transformer
Torus TOT Mini Balanced Transformer
Yes, that's an extensive list, but my search reveals these are the top choices by many folks, as well as a few, little-known contenders.
If you have actual experience with any of these--and have compared them to other PCs, your opinion or recommendations would be appreciated greatly. You're welcome to suggest others, too, if you've done hands-on comparisons.
Showing 33 responses by output555
To stereo5: Lots of folks seem to like the Shunyatas. My only hesitation is so much of what they make has the smell of snake oil and mystic voodoo, not hard science. Then again, if people like what they hear, that’s what counts. As for the higher-end AQs: Way too much $$$ for my needs. Garth Powell was the designer for both AQ and Furman, and the Furman are a much better value. I've found calling dealers and manufacturers yields little. They tend to push what they sell or make, belittle the competition, and wish you a good day. |
Thanks to all who are trying to problem-solve the source of my common problem. I really do appreciate your efforts and thoughts. However, we are straying off-topic. I have done a lot of research about everything related to power conditioning, including what causes noise and hum (Remember I’ve read all eleventy billion posts on this subject). Where I am at now is simply looking for an additional component, or "band-aid," as some have commented, to take my audio quality to a higher level. So, if we can, let’s just keep the discussion focused on your favorite power conditioners, preferably from the list above. |
To: twoleftears and grannyring: The Puritan products do seem intriguing. Certainly not inexpensive, and hard to find in the US. Buttugly, too, but it’s only a PC and will sit on the floor, so not a big deal. You might be interested in this post by Audio Science Review. I’ve yet to see him admit a PC actually does what its makers claim it does, the Puritan PSM 156 being no exception. Although I am believer in science, when it comes to audio, I always trust my ears, regardless. So, his analyzer may say one thing, but we may hear something different. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/puritan-audio-psm156-review-ac-filter.261... |
To 4krowme: Thanks for the comments. Yeah, the Tripplite is based on sound principles, no pun intended. However, the execution is kinda low-rent and not aimed for the audiophile customer. I tried one in my system and it actually lowered noise to near zero as measured on an Entech Wideband Noise Analyzer. Exceptionally good for $225. Very, very little hum from the transformer, too. The main drawback was music tended to sound slightly flattened and not especially engaging. Don’t like having an connected stock cable either. I also agree about the Decware. Why Steve put the voltage meter on the back makes little sense. Other than that it looks nicely engineered and gets glowing reviews. I’d buy one today, except I’d have to wait until Winter 2022 to receive it. The woes of handmade products in a tight supply chain. Nope, nope, nope. The noise is not originating from anywhere in my system, unless it can jump from an unplugged component into the AC outlet, in which case I’m taking it to America’s Got Talent. The EMI noise and RFI are being measured straight from the outlet. The system behaves nicely. |
To lowrider57: That makes sense. Although @ $150/hr. I'd spend well over the cost of a PC for someone to test and replace the dedicated lines. For under $230, a Tripplite IT cleans almost 100% of the noise and RFI. A basic bandaid perhaps, but effective. The reason for my post is not to dig into my AC lines, but rather to find the best band-aid for under $1500. Some may think that's stoopid, but I'm content in my willful ignorance. :P |
To j-wall: Yeah, Shunyata seems to get universal love. I've decided the Hydra is older tech, going back 20 years, so I'm looking for something newer used. I like PS Audio and Paul, a lot. There seem to fans of their regenerators and detractors. The Power Plant Premier seems abundant on the used market. |