Power Conditioners to reduce Sibilance

The reason why I had originally thought of power conditioners as a solution was due to the fact that I entered 'sibilance' as a audiogon search item. A number of threads alluded to poor AC as a generator of this problem and I started this to read more into the topic. Thanks.

Hi Adam: I have indeed experienced successful results in taming sibilance / glare issues via AC line conditioning. Upgrade AC cords furthered the sonic enhancements. My line conditioners are the Chang Lightspeed 3200 ($250, 6 outlets, 15 amp capacity, for source components) & a separate Chang 9900-Amp ($800, 4 outlets, 20 amp capacity, for a large stereo power amp). Even the 9900-Amp would fit your price goal if purchased used; note that it does not constrain current dynamics.

Chang offers many different models such as the 6400, which would probably cover all of your needs in a one-box solution. All Chang models include integral AC line transient protection; look for this feature to be included in whatever line conditioner that you decide upon.

Adam,

While I, like Bob use Chang PC's (I have the 9600, HT 1000, and 9900 amp models in my two systems now), I don't know if that will solve your problem. Yes, for many of the reasons listed above, it may help, but I don't think your components are the main trouble. I have had this problem with B&W's speakers (I had the original 802's) and have always heard what to my ears is an over abundance of sibilance from their speakers ever since....

I live in the lightning capital of the world, and as such always use power conditioning... and hell even have UPC's on my Replay and cable box in the one system... but I suspect you will find your real problem is the B&W sound.

I think that you will find some excellent choices in the Balanced Power Technologies line. I am also very pleased with EquiTech though they don't have as many offerings at as many price points. Both are true balanced power units. Based on the research I did at the time, I wouldn't get anything else. Both are available used on the 'Gon. BTW if this is part of an HT room you won't believe what one of these will do for your CRT/plasma/LCD display.

There is little doubt that conditioning your power will improve your sound by reducing the noise floor. And as also has been suggested by filtering the line noise from the digital unit(s). As Bob suggests, improving power cords also helps, get one (or more) that is specifically designed for digital front end sources - again there a lot of them for sale here.

Depending on your setup, ie if you are feeding from a transport to a DAC, you might also consider trying a different SPDIF cable to see if some of the unpleasantness you are hearing is some kind of smearing or jitter

Adamg, Before you invest in wire and power conditioners etc make sure you have exhaused your explorations regarding system set up and room treatments. Toe in is a huge issue for sibilence (or brightness in general). Many speakers are 'hot' when you are listening on or close to axis and need to be pointed straight ahead, or pointed so they cross over in front of the sweet spot (substantially some times). You might check with the manufacturer to see what their set up advise is, or identify your speakers and hope some one here is familar with them an can advise you.

You also need to be sure that 1st reflections points are delt with, that is floor, side walls, and if possible the ceiling. Just put some temporary stuff up and see if you solve your problem. If it works then you can seek a permanent solution. If not, then on to the next thing.