Preamp Deal of the Century

I find it interesting that the subject of line conditioners was brought up as I as considering the "balanced power" route. I have been reading some positive things from current owners about the transformer-type isolation devices. See website www.b-p-t.com for more info. I am assuming that Asa is referring to this technology in his description of transformer-type isolation devices. I have also been reading that others like Bwhite and Asa have found that most "line conditioners" in general do tend to filter out some of the music as well as the noise. But I would like to get more feedback from others who have compared the best conditioners with isolation balanced-type units, and who else might agree with Bwhite in fine-tuning good power cords into their system.

Please everyone - don't take what I wrote the wrong way. I am not against power "conditioners" or power "filters". I think they are the most elegant solution for people who need multiple outlets and do not have the luxury of multiple dedicated wall receptacles. In fact, in those cases, these conditioners/filters are a necessity.

That said, I find that the conditioners/filters do have a sonic signature. I do not find that the signature filters out some of the music, I just feel that most of these filters/conditioners do not always jive with every component in a given system. For me & my taste, the conditioners/filters sounded best with only with digital components. In fact, many of these filter/conditioner products are considered "current limiting" (some aren't) and its recommended that amps not be connected to them for best results. I found that amps sounded best when plugged directly to the wall.

My preamp sounded better not plugged into a conditioners.

I felt kind of silly owning a multi-outlet conditioner with only one component plugged into it.

Unique power cords for each component made me feel less silly and I feel I got better results - but required many wall outlets.

Now.. Balanced power is a totally different (I've never used a BPT device) and I wouldn't consider those the same as the filter/conditioner solution.

I agree Bwite. I have never heard a conditioner in my system that didn't have a signature. Power cords for the proper application are a better solution for filtering than conditioning devices IMO. I have gone the mile of putting in multiple dedicated circuits with hospital grade outlets, a couple of those Albert Porter cryoed Hubbles along with a few others. The Hubbles are extremely well constructed and really grab. Contact is so very important. I also use 10 guage wire from the outlet to the breaker, a bit overkill I admit but this whole hobby is filled with that and I feel in excellent company with this crowd. The dedicated outlet/power cord route is probably a better solution for most and should be considered before going the conditioner route and having it end up in a closet or basement. "For What Its' Worth"

Like Bwhite & Tubegroover power conditioners did not enhanse my system. Their suggests to try different PCs and spend the money on better in the wall wiring, IMO is a better place to spend your power money.

I'm currently talking with Maui's solar expert to get off the grid. Yes, it's an investment, but unlike power conditioners there's a long term cost saving in addition to
cleaner power.

Sherod- if you try the bpt products please give us some feedback.

Aloha.

if i needed some extra outlets, i guess i could just get one of PS Audio's juice bars, or Cardas Audio's power strip...