2. cables
  3. 135934-78903

Am i missing something without a power conditioner?

I need your advice on power conditioners. I know there is alot talked about with power conditioners. But let me explain my situation and what i have. First and foremost i upgraded all my stock power cords. I am using and have a Krell FPB 600 amp with a Shunyata Research Sigma HC power cord. I am using and have an Audio Research Ref 6 preamp with a Shunyata King Cobra Helix CX power cord. And have a Rega ISIS cd player with a Shunyata Sigma digital power cord. I have 1 dedicated 20 amp line with a 4 plug 20 amp wall outlet that my amp and preamp plug into. My question is with these high quality power cords do i still need a power conditioner? 
tattooedtrackman
aalenik
67 posts
 

@tattooedtrackman - I have my power amp going directly into the wall too.  Shunyata claims that their conditioners will not restrict power, but I've found that many amps sound better 'straight into the wall' than they do connected to a variety of A/C conditioners.

However... the Shunyata folks tell me that thee is a 'proximity effect' so that an amp plugged into the same duplex as their conditioner will also get cleaner power.  True?  I honestly don't know.  Happy Listening!

@billshenefelt - Good A/C cords protect your components from noise being generated by the other components in your system (and PCs, refrigerators, etc.) moreso than that coming into your house.  It's not the 'last 3 feet'.  It's the FIRST 3 feet. I understand your skepticism.  Just audition a high-end A/C cord, say on your CDP, and listen.  You won't care WHY it sounds so much better.

@ieales - If you meant me, I'm writing directly to the poster, giving him my best input on his question.  I don't care about your argument w/ @uberwaltz about cassettes.  Cassettes??

ptss
1,649 posts
 
Yes, you do. An Equitech 2Q; A Symetrically Balanced toroidal transformer is what I suggest you audition as an excellent ‘long term’ investment in your listening pleasure. Incredibly simple and efficient with science that forms an absolutely sensible approach to AC power noise reduction. Take some time in their website and learn why some of the most demanding and refined research labs;as well as recording,mastering and production facilities and live music and theatre venues use Equitech. They can sometimes be found used however most purchasers keep them as their effectiveness, efficiency and rock solid durability are legendary.
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Never heard a power cord to make a difference. 

The Furman power conditioners with SMP are the only one's I would trust to a high power amplifier like that, for these reasons:

  1. Rock solid lightning protection
  2. Line noise cleanup starts low, around 3kHz. Most conditioners start in the 100kHz
  3. No current limiting
  4. They sound good. 
I know that there's a major crowd at Audiogon who will go absolutely crazy with my first sentence, and you may disagree. I'm only pointing out my personal point of view. 

Best,


E
fleschler
766 posts
 
I use a Bryston BIT20 isolation transformer for all my equipment BUT the amplifiers.  I have 130w. tube monoblocks which each have a pair of 7"X3" storage caps.  They suck up power and apparently don't like being plugged into the transformer.  The tube bias voltage drops from 110 to 85 when do that and loses power output.  The storage caps require Synergistic Research 8 amp fuses rather than the rated 5 amp cheap fuse in order not to blow on turn-on due to the huge storage caps. 

The manufacturer of my amps does plug his amps into his isolation transformer(s).  He uses a pair of transformers double the size of mine so apparently they can handle it.  I have heard that most power conditioners are not favorably used with large power amps, especially with large caps. 
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I own a Furman REF20i I bought used.
I also own a PS Audio P600
And I use aftermarket power cords.
The conditioner can help.
You really need to hear it for yourself.

General improvements with a conditioner are clarity and finesse.
Losses can include less bass and less midbass. Going to a lean sound compared to no conditioner.
The bass may seem like less, but really it may just be TIGHTER.
More to discover