power cords/surge protector-conditioner

I have not seen a schematic of either conditioner so I am just speculating or taking a WAG. Sometimes in the world of audio less is more. I am not a big fan of adding equipment into a system unless there is a need for it. The purpose of a line conditioner is to filter EMI/RFI and protect your equipment from those little nasties called surges and spikes. Why add an EMI/RFI filter if you do not have an EMI or RFI problem? If there is no problem the conditioner will certainly do nothing to enhance the sound. Equipment protection though is a valid concearn. There are other ways to protect our equipment besides using a power conditioner. I personally do not use surge supression because I do not want to trust my equipment to anything but myself. I simply unplug my equipment during a thunderstorm and during the summer where we may experience a power outage and surge when power comes back, I use a high power relay to control all power to my system. If I lose power I need to reset the relay when power comes back so my system can get power again. Anyway. It is possible that the extra filtering etc. is having an effect on your system and adding coloration.
Thanks for letting me hop up on my soap box.

I own both a simaudio 4070SE amp and a monster 2000 contidioner. Jean Polin at simaudio told me his amps should be run directly into the wall, not into the monster. I've tried it both ways and he is correct. I would suggest you try a better power cord on the moon l-5...a honey of an integrated. Changing the stock cord on the 4070 for a cheap $39 absolute power cord made the amp sing like a moon3 which I've also heard and like very much....You could still plug everything else into the monster but do elevate the monster off the floor and the power cords and any wires, for that matter, especailly if you have[like me] wooden floors. For the most fun try each change, one at a time, then sit back and listen. Put it back the way it was and listen again...One way will sound more right to you than the other. That way you can hear what is,or isn't happening and go from there...have fun and enjoy the moon 1-5...regards, Bluenose

Liguy, what is a high power relay and where do I find one?

Is there any type of reasonably priced surge protector, that does not mess with the sound? There was talk of the Vans Ever (sp) in another thread, but I do not recall a follow up on it. I live in CA and cannot (would prefer not to) run direct to the wall without surge protection. I have tried the cheaper models, designed for audio, from RS, etc. and they all sound etched (not good at all).

Dekay, there are surge protectors available that don't, perportedly, affect sound as do most conditioners. Check out www.brickwall.com to start, their conditioners are reputed to be benign as far as influencing sound. The two outlet 20 amp version seems the safest bet, as far as sonics go. Also, I think you can find another interesting product at www.zerosurge.com. There was a previous thread about surge suppressors that gave good info about this topic, check the archives. Will.