How much should a person spend to get a decent power conditioner?


Good day to all.  I am wondering if I need to replace my moderate power conditioner, or if 'stacking' a puck (inline style) conditioner at the outlet would gain enough to warrant the expense.  I understand minimal expense usually means minimal gain, but I'm curious about how best to treat my AC and stay within my budget.  Thoughts please.
128x128wisciman99

Showing 1 response by aalenik

The very first response you got was that power conditioning is 'snake oil' and not to waste your money.  You can expect at least one of these 'Helomech' types every time you ask a question.

If you are looking for a quieter ('blacker') background which will enhance the soundstage and unmask some ambience information, a good power conditioner can definitely help.

Helomech is correct that a lot of noise comes from the components themselves (esp. CDPs).  But he is wrong in thinking that a power conditioner does not address that.  Any decently isolated one will!  (Good A/C cords will help as well.)

I also agree that your power amp should go directly 'to the wall'.  I have not found a power conditioner that doesn't affect dynamics at all (though Shunyata claims so, and I have not experimented).

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Furman. My low-cost suggestion id the Shunyata Venom/Defender.  The Venom is a well-isolated power distributer.  The Defender is a compact power conditioner that [plugs into an empty socket on the Venom.  Very effective at relatively low cost!  Of course, if you can afford it, go for a Denali or an Audioquest Niagra.

BTW, you CAN use a Shunyata Defender for your power amp.  Here's how - You just plug it into the other socket of the duplex that your amp is plugged into.  The Defender will clan up the signal because it works by 'proximity'.  Pretty nifty!