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Power conditioner some say yes and some say no.

Depending on who I ask a power transformer conditioner can have a good effect on the sound while others claim they inhibit the dynamics of an amp. I don’t have serious power problems as far as I know but I enjoy my sound most of the time. I currently use a Hydra 6 for my entire system except for my amp where I use a Hydra 2. Would it make sense to invest thousands on a power transformer conditioner or would my Hydras be enough by isolating the components from each other. I was waiting for a Keces IQRP 3600 to try but the dealer I was to get it from died from Covid-19 before arranging my Keces to be shipped. I am out $4000 and am not so fast to drop another $4000 on the Keces. Perhaps in the future if it makes sense. I find that not many use transformer conditioners due to the dynamics limitations of the amp. Any help would be appreciated.
128x128mitchb
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia
134 posts
 
Read about these on Audio Science Review. The audio companies have invented a component for people to waste their money.
sns
3,003 posts
 
I absolutely hear softening of transients on my 845SET amp with power conditioners, including my BPT 3.5 Signature, a balanced isolation transformer based pc. Further upgraded with Oyaide R1 ac receptacles and Mundorf filtering caps. This most noticed with my Coincident 845 SET amp, high current, high voltage tube amp. I've yet to try my 300b SET and EL34 push pull on BPT.  I hear some degradation even when other audio equipment sharing amp circuit. So, dedicated amp circuit, 10AWG, Oyaide R1 for me.

I also love the BPT , and believe a quality balanced transformer based pc is great solution for rest of system. Even prefer to lithium ion battery I've used to power certain equipment.
As mentioned in my previous post in thread. The only filter/pc I've found that doesn't soften transients on the 845SET  is Furutech Flux-50 NCF
bartholomew
89 posts
 
@OP  Find out what fuses your Hydra power conditioners use and replace them with the appropriate Synergistic Research Orange fuses. 
You'll freak. Suddenly, your Hydras become valuable components in your system.
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
If you search “balanced power” you will learn a lot about how AC power can affect your system. I have posted links a couple of times to a presentation by Garth Powell who was formerly with Furman Power but left to join Audioquest to develop the Niagara series of products. I’m not endorsing his product but simply providing good information about balanced power. I have used a BPT 2.5 Signature for several years and my system is black as can be. The term “power conditioner” is a generic term that really doesn’t mean anything. If you do more research you will have a much better grasp of what is available and their benefits. I have no loss in dynamics with my amp.
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