P.S. Audio Quintet? Worthwhile?


I'm hearing that this device would be beneficial for my system. I currently use a Tributary power bar with surge protection. Anyone have thoughts on what difference I could expect with a Quintet? I don't know much about power conditioning. Anything written on it seems to be from 2007 when it was released. This would be for the main system with Aerial speakers, Classe int. amp, Squeezebox Classic 3 and Wyred for Sound Dac 2. Appreciate your ideas.
audiowoman

Showing 3 responses by elizabeth

The PS Audio would be a lateral step and not an improvement from your current powerstrip.
It might be very slightly better, but not enough to swap with your current one.
If you are using stock power cords, i would recommend getting better cords.
The PS Audio Quintet retails for $400.
For less you could buy great replacement power cords for all your gear.
The ones i would recommend are either Shunyata Venom3 $120 for two meter length

(best length is two meters for most power cords. Shorter ones just may not be long enouogh to gain the full benefit of an aftermarket cord, and the extra length is only a fraction of the cost, plus it will always be long enough, even if you move stuff around)

Or Pangea with the 9 gauge for the integrated, and the 14SE for the other items using IEC powercords.
I think you would gain more using aftermarket cords, than the somewhat lateral shift to the PS Audio Quintet, from your current strip.
PS: I own a PS Audio P600 regenerator, AND another PS Audio PPP regenerator.
Good luck.
Interconnects and power cords can last many, many years.
I have purchsed shorter ones, and then, the natural problem of changing stuff. and the wire is three inches too short. Buying longer ones in the first place really saves in the long run. Especially since like the Venom 3 the added meter is only $20 more, not another $100 more.
The other consideration is not worth bothering over. If i=you want nothing from a cord, that is what you want.
The Pangea 9 gauge cord on the integrated will definitely increase the bass slightly. It is the 'trademark' of that cord. The 14SE pangea will improve clarity on sources.
The Shunyata Venom3 same. (but that is only hearsay, as i have never tried a Venom 3, but would certainly be willing to buy one as TAS gives it a good score.
Another item to replace is the wall receptical. No expensive one needed at all. A $3.00 20 amp Pass & Seymour from Menards will make a difference if you have the old receptical that was there when you moved in, still in the wall.
Stock recepticals are usually thirtynine cent junk.
Replacing the wall receptical is not hard, but the electricity MUST be turned off to that outlet to do it.
To change the receptical you would need a standard flat bladed screwdriver, a phillips screwdriver, and a needlenose piers. If it is too difficult for you to do, and noone to do it for you, skip it.
(Do NOT buy a Leviton receptical from a hardware store, tthose are really not good) Pass & Seymour, or a Hubble from an audio site. Cryoed one from Porterport here is an ecellent cryoed receptical for $35.00

Really the powercords and the powerline conditioner sort of outlet strip are doing the same thing. Cleaning the A/C power so the sound gets better. The result is smoother highs, clearer sound. less distortion.
The total result is kind of like having better components.
Some folks go crazy over these things. but the 'first step' is the biggest improvement. So a $50 to $100 power cord is going a long way to the same place as a $1,000 cord.
IF you only bought one cord, i would buy the Pangea 9 gauge two meter for your integrated. It should be clear to you that you can hear it make a difference when you put it on. IMO. If you cannot, you can return it. and only loose the shipping cost. A second cord is the source cord, either a Pangea 14Se or the Venom 3.
(i find it interesting so many folks offer advice: "If you only spend MORE you can get this..." Well i try to say you can spend LESS and do better.)
I really hope this helps out.