Differences between various Quantum devices


I realise there has been some discussion of Quantum QX4 and QX2 devices. I have seen them at several shows and am sold, personally, on the gains envolved. They are not cheap, but I am all ready to pay for a QX4 and I find new alternatives. Firstly QRT themselves are producing a QV2, a small plug in device for sockets and conditions. This evidently is not the same as QX4 and 2, it uses different technology. Kemp as well have the much cheaper plug in QA plug. So what do I do know?

A big ask I am sure, but has anyone compared the differences and merits of QX4 or 2, with the QV2 and Kemp plug. I would prefer the latter if it works as well, partly for the cost, but also it means I don't have to find room for another shelf in my rack. Thanks David
david12
Thats helpful Chuck. In as far as I understand what Quantum is about, I thought it was'nt to do with cleaning the mains. If it is I have a good power regenerator the Pure Power APS 1050 to do that and I would'nt need a QX4. Therefore I am not sure that the Enacom AC filters would be a help. I hope the QV2 does something of what the QX4 does. I see the thread you referred to, someone is about to add a QV2 to a QX4, I hope he will report back.
David,

I was under the impression that the QX4 did clean the mains, but I may well be wrong about that.

I had a really good conditioner and the QX4, and bought an isolation transformer that did more for my system than those two pieces. I sold the conditioner and the QX4 and went happily about my business.

Since you have a Pure Power APS 1050, I'd try to borrow a QX4 and a QV2 and try them one at a time to see if they do help and are worth the price. You hate spending $2,500.00 and finding out that it doesn't do what you thought or that your Pure Power is taking care of everything.

The Pure Power pieces are supposed to be really good!

Chuck
David,

I have the PurePower APS 2000. Plugging in the PP2000 into the QX4 lowered the noise floor significantly in my system. Cleanliness, clarity, and most sonic characteristics improved at a level of a component upgrade. To get the most out of the QX4, you will need to upgrade its power chord (I use the Elrod Statement.) and optimize its placement within your system set-up; I have mine sitting on top of the CD player.

John
That's good to know John. I rate Pure Power very highly, so it's nice to know you found a clear improvement with the QX4.
Do you pass the mains through the QX4 to the APS 2000. I know that is the way you are supposed to do it, but I spoke to a Nordost rep at the UK national show last year. He suggested passing a cord from your conditioner to the QX4, then into a low draw piece of electronics, such as a pre amp or CD player. This avoids any risk of exceeding the current available through the QX4. If you place that unit in the middle of the rack, it will still boost the other components of your system. It might be worth trying.
If I read their web site correctly it seems that they are simply filtering or "Cleaning the mains".

From their website:

"QRT’s proprietary circuitry acts at the source of the problem, reducing EMF noise and RFI interference effects on the mains waveform, audio and video signals – and it does it without limiting the voltage swing or altering the impedance of the AC supply. Which makes the job of your hi-fi’s power supplies and active components much, much easier – and that’s what you hear from your system or see on your screen. Use a QRT purifier and you’ll experience a lower noise floor, greater clarity and separation and increased dynamic range, qualities that are just as apparent (and measurable) when it comes to the color, definition and detail on your AV display as they are in the context of a really great stereo set up. The result? Greater overall musical and visual coherence, more stable perspectives, greater realism."

If someone knows how to do this without using classical EMI and RFI filters they sure have stumped me.