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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
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
You need a conditioner that cost less than (<)1000.00 usd?

I'm not willing to plug anything in, without protection. 

If a conditioner limits performance, stands to reason there is a

 bottleneck. 

I worry more about maintaining the load, in your case Krell has a great power supply, to begin with, surge is more of an issue, than supply..

BUT no where in the specks does it say, "maintains", only 6000v/3000a for the surge. 

From their WS the following:

capacitor forming technologies that vastly improve linearity and minimize distortion?

Hee Hee added a filter cap? What does that mean?

Sure looks nice, I just wonder where the 1000.00 protection is?

1000.00 and doesn't maintain the voltage? I could be wrong, but the web site doesn't reflect it, in their specs...

Regards
cjlundberg OP
17 posts
 
Maybe I'm using the wrong term.  I'm looking for something that offers surge protection and, presumably, cleans up the signal.  I'd heard good things about the AQ Niagara 1200.  
erik_squires
15,791 posts
 
This comes up so often I wrote a blog about it:


https://inatinear.blogspot.com/2019/04/power-management-for-frugal-audiophiles.html
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,371 posts
 
When you make your decision, use the system with the conditioner for a while, then listen again without it and decide if its better or different.
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