Is a high priced Line Conditioner needed

Rsa,

1st stay away from Monster products (so-called conditioners).

2nd consider some kind of line conditioning if you live 'on the grid' as in one of our major U.S. cities.

Let me know the other gear in your system and I will point you in a direction to get started!

I am quite happy with my Shunyata Alpha 4. Can you something to demo in home? Let you ears tell you.
Tim

Plato 9-20-13 said it best.Go with an Environmental Potentials 2050 and 2750 at the panel to begin with,first things first.Then acoustic treatments for the room.

A power conditioner is not mandatory for good sound.

Unless, of course, you sell them.

I installed three dedicated lines with hot, neutral and ground for each dedicated line. My noise floor dropped dramatically, the sound is wonderful. low level electronics were originally all connected to Monster HTPS 7000 signature conditioner. Each amp had their own dedicated line. The I bought a Transparent audio Power isolator 8 conditioner which replaced the Monster and a noticeable improvement in the sound. Also, my house is the first house off the transformer and my house voltage is very stable. But, the Transparent definitely made a noticeable difference. I am a strong believer in connecting all low level electronics to the same outlet strip or power conditioner into a dedicated line, and the amps to their own dedicated line. You eliminate ground loops and the noise is significantly reduced.

enjoy