Least Expensive Power Conditioner/Surge Protector That Won't Worsen Sound


I have an old Shunyata Hydra 6 that I'm sending off to Shunyata to repair. In the meantime, I'm curious - What's the least expensive power conditioner/surge protector that won't worsen the sound? 

 

I've already discovered that plugging my integrated directly into the wall sounds the best. But I have source components. I have liked the Shunyata, but just in case they're not able to get it back to like new shape, what are your thoughts? (I tried numerous PLCs at the time I bought it almost 20 years ago and I thought it, by far, sounded better than any other one I auditioned in my system, and that included the Hydra 8).

 

I see many users who have reported worsening sound when using the Audioquest PQ2 and PQ3.

 

Something like a Panamax PM 5300 or 5400?  Or the Furman Elite 15?

 

And what is the danger of under-voltage?

analogj

@adasdad So what you/he are suggesting that only the power cord affects the sound quality? I can absolutely attest to that power cords can vastly improve the sound of a piece of equipment. But is the grayness of the tonal color I'm hearing using the Panamax only related to the power cord I'm using? I'm unable to use the Panamax with the Shunyata Python Alpha cord I use with the Hydra. The receptacle in the back of the PM is too small for the Python Alpha cord.

it probably makes sense to try (take for a couple of days) something from Furman products ... or find a studio isolation transformer

I'm learning.

I realize that the Python Alpha power cord I've been using with the Hydra 6 has a c19 female connector. Other than Shunyata, what other brands of power conditioners use that style of connector so I can use the Shunyata cord, if needed be?

I use a Furman power strip RF / voltage limiter with a Tripplight isolation transformer / voltage regulating power filter.  When compensating for low or high voltage gas never affected the sound.