Exact Power EP15A/SP15A vs. PS Audio Power Plants

Zaikesman, after I made my last post, I was listening to the Shostakovich 3rd Symphony, part of the 11-CD set on Brilliant Classics of the complete Shostakovich symphonies, conducted by Rudolf Barshai. As I listened, I was thinking to myself, "How would I describe the sound of this recording on my system to Zaikesman?"

The sound was wide open -- both focused and transparent. The soundstage was deep, and extended past the left speaker. Individual instruments, like the brass and bass drum, were precisely placed in the soundstage. Massed violins were smooth, and entirely without grain. Bass drum had impact without hangover.

Part of this is due to the components that make up the system, but they couldn't sound like this unless they had clean power. As far as I'm concerned, the ExactPower 2000 is doing its job, and I don't recall the sound being on as high a level without it.

Hope this helps.

Thanks A_hayman for your additional input on the EP. I will make an untested-by-me suggestion, based on experience with my own API Power Wedge Ultra, that you might want to check into auditioning EP's new matching BPT (balanced power transformer) add-on unit in your system. With my Ultra's switchable balanced AC feature, I have found that this can make at least as big a difference for the better as filtering the line, especially it seems with solid-state front end components (of course that's without power-factor correction as on the EP and PSA units - the PWU is strictly passive). The difference can be subtle at first, but once you've gotten used to it, running without balanced AC can make your system sound 'subtly' broken! In my rig, balanced AC fleshes out images more in three dimensions, with less grit and more juice, and hones transients to a knife-edge fineness with much less background veiling and more impact. Switch it off, and what you get is flat, drained, and mushy by comparision. Your EP doesn't give you this feature by itself (unlike the PSA PP's), and what I'm describing doesn't even include running my power amps balanced - something the PWU can't accomodate, unlike the EP BPT. Just something that's probably worth a listen...

Zaikesman, thanks for the tip; I'll keep it in mind.

However, after having spent a fair amount in the last two months on a DAC and upgraded interconnects, I have to sit tight for a while ... at least until after my tax refund arrives! Besides, I have other upgrades waiting in the queue that have a higher priority: replacement power cords (would you believe I'm still using the stock power cords that came with my components?), Audio Points for my Thiels, and a remote upgrade for my preamp. Then, I might consider the balanced power transformer, unless I find out about another upgrade that I have to perform .....

I can sympathize (can't we all?). But don't make the potential mistake of 'misunderestimating' the possible benefits of a BPT. For source components, it can make a bigger difference than upgraded PC's (not a rule with everything, just many). Running the AC power into components as balanced lines effectively reduces susceptibility to and transmission of EM interference much like better cords can, but also optimizes the operation of components' power supplies, from what I understand. If it were me, I'd probably try to audition the BPT before evaluating PC's, as use of the BPT might have an impact on PC selection/synergy.