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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.


output555
jea48
4,313 posts
 
whart2,390 posts

10-16-2021
10:48pm

@output555 - I hear you, it is a question of spending money on electricians and dealing with what may be system wide (power not just hi-fi) issues.

@mikelavigne - not being one for watching long videos (nice plug for Rex though), did Fremer do a splitter on the power after the meter to feed the system panel directly and then, on the other stem, run the transfer switch to the main household panel so the ATS is not connected at all to the hi-fi?

did Fremer do a splitter on the power after the meter to feed the system panel directly and then, on the other stem, run the transfer switch to the main household panel so the ATS is not connected at all to the hi-fi?


@whart ,

Go to time marker 11:23.
A feed through 200 amp main service panel with a 200 amp main breaker was used. Note the lugs installed on the two hot buses near the bottom of each bus. Those lugs feed the utility power to the ATS. FYI, this is a Square D QO factory built UL Listed panel.

For the audio room sub panel a single pole breaker is plugged on to one of the two Hot buses to feed the 120V only sub panel.
Note the electrical inspector made the electrician rework the feeder wiring to the sub panel. The electrician had to install the other Hot Line, conductor, (not hooked up), for future use if the panel was ever reworked for single phase 3 wire 120/240V.
I don’t think that is required by NEC. But the AHJ has the final say. It could be a requirement there...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGhfdpn9bsY&t=10s
whart's avatar
whart
2,976 posts
 
@jea48 +1.
@output555 - sorry to have derailed your query. 
output555 OP
120 posts
 
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.
output555 OP
120 posts
 
To jea48: You're asking great questions. Unfortunately, I can't answer a single one. My home was custom built with a dedicated music room 25 years ago. The electrician was very knowledgeable and seemed to understand what went into dedicated AC lines. Did I watch him install them, no. Did I get specifics on what went in the walls and beyond, no. I wish I could pass your questions onto him, but he has since retired, or gone to the great power plant in the sky.
dvddesigner
78 posts
 
@output555 - From you list I think I would go with a new PS Audio Detect. It seems very similar to my PS Audio Quintet which has been in my system for at least 10 years. Bought it new directly from PS Audio. It has been faithfully doing its job all this time and I have have never had one issue with it. Personally, I have found PS Audio very easy to work with. 

Another benefit of PS Audio is if you ever decide to upgrade to one of their regenerators you will receive a very generous allowance for trade in. I was shopping a few months back and they would have allowed me the full purchase price on my new regenerator purchase.

Now Shunyata makes very interesting products and the Hydra's would be worth exploring.If your budget was a bit higher I would say to look at the Venom V16 Power Conditioner or the Delta D6.

The V6 is just a tad bit more than your budget so worth considering.

I know some say Shunyata seems like they sell snake oil, but when you see their results in the field of medicine and the founders background in making nuclear submarines electrically quiet, I feel there technically is backed by results.

Summary:
Lower cost:  PS Audio Detect
A bit more: Venom V16 Power Conditioner

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