Need power conditioner advice. In reference to Furman/Tice/PS Audio/Richard Gray.


I currently have a Furman Elite 20 power conditioner that I use in a daisy chain method with other power conditioning devices (the Furman is where most devices are plugged into) and would like some advice to see if it is worth it to perhaps switch over to another power conditioner. I am really only looking for comparisons between these units mentioned below at this time. Keep in mind my funds are limited for an upgrade at this time.

If I do a large upgrade I've thought about both a Furman Reference 20i or an older PS Audio Power Plant Premier as they both seem to populate the used market with enough frequency.
Between these two units which would be the better upgrade for audio, which for video?; and if you can a brief elaboration would be of help. Just assume both are in very good shape internally (I know the Premier is an older model).It would take longer to save for these units, and would take away from some money I have been looking to perhaps spend on other things or save, so while I realize this may be the best upgrade route it comes at a cost (no pun intended).

For a more lateral cost exchange I've seen Tice Power Block III Signature units (the extra 3 outlets vs. the Elite's 13 would be nice), and Richard Gray 1200's pop up often enough to get me curious. I realize the Tice units are likely nearing or over 15 years of age, but for comparison purposes let's say the internals of these units are in very good shape.How do these compare to the Furman Elite 20 (or at least the Elite 15 if that is one's best point of reference) in both audio and video performance (separately); and of course any elaboration would help, even a brief one. I've only seen one mention of comparison between the Elite and a Richard Gray and it was split on performance between audio and video, so the more opinions the better.
I am using a tube amp and headphones for audio and an hd crt (with a PC source) for video if this helps.

My devices aren't a big power drain mind you, but I'm mainly looking for performance increases in terms of filtration and such (and possible extra outlets if the Tice is good enough) and not something that can take on more power.
Thank you for any and all help.
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Showing 3 responses by elizabeth

I would stay away from the PS Audio PPP. That was the one made overseas, and had problems. I hated the one I had and sold it. Plus for some reason the PPP is overpriced. Most sellers seem to be asking the original retail. which is way way too much. Plus it is out of date, unrepairable.. all told a terrible investment at his time. ANY other PS Audio product is a better choice than a PPP.
I own a Furman REF20 I bought used nine years ago, and still use it, recently swapped to Furutech duplex inside it.                             
For your needs.. I would suggest try adding some PS Audio Noise harvesters around the home. They do not need to be right next to the stereo lines, or on the conditioner. Nearby is good. If you are using multiple devices, the first one in line should have one or two PS Audio Noise Harvesters.They are on sale right now at Music Direct $75. And the only reason they are better than other more expensive similar types is they are way cheaper now. They used to also be $299, then $199, then $150, now $99. I own seven of them and really like them I started out with two, and two did a lot to clean p the AC in conjunction with a power conditioner. Testing with a noise sniffer the PS Audio did a good job. Each one removed about 150 to 200 ’units’ of noise on the line (where 0 to 999 is the usual range. and the average noisy line is 750) You can use the blinking light to discover the worst offenders! (For me the laptop power supply! the plasma TV, but only when turned on, and my CD changers. I was surprised how well the Noise Harvesters helped to make my system sound better.
Since you have many AC things and seem to be good at arranging the parts of you AC cleaning.. I would then suggest a high end duplex. A Furutech GTX-D Rhodium NCF. or Oyaide top of the line duplex outlet(s) Replacing all the AC duplex in my entire system (including as mentioned the ones inside my Furman, the increase in clarity was great) but even one or two added made a positive difference.
I jumped on a sale of Furutch duplex this past late Summer early Autumn. I spent a lot but I also feel it would be a one time only upgrade. And I am glad I did it. Sadly they are not on sale now... Something to watch for though.