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Power conditioner for Wadia

Over the last several years, I've owned several power conditioners (PS Audio P300, Richard Gray 400S, Chang, the original Shunyata Hydra, Shunyata Guardian, etc.) and have had mixed results. So far, none have taken my system up to that next elusive level.

I have a Wadia 861 that I use with a Kimber Palladian PK10, which made for the kind of difference I'm seeking again. The power conditioner would be used for just the Wadia -- so I don't need a big unit capable of handling many components and hundreds of watts. I'm intrigued by the smaller Audio Magic units but wanted to hear first hand from people who may have already gone through this. I'm also looking to spend less than $800 new or used. Any suggestions?

Thanks. -- Ron
9rw
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Ron, I've gone through four highly regarded power conditioners, and none have resulted in any magic beyond what I hear going straight to the wall. Perhaps I am one of the fortunate few to have good clean power. Or, perhaps I'm one of the unfortunate few to have poor hearing.

In any event, maybe like me, you have discovered that in your set-up the addition of power conditioning is unnecessary. Certainly your experience thus far supports that conclusion.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,243 posts
 
I like the Audio Magic units. The small one would be perfect for your application. I've had PS, Shunyata, Sound Application, BPT and I like the Audio Magic Matrix best, granted I was listening to mine with the Elrod EPS 2S cord which alone would put you over budget. It does come with it's own power cord though.
nickt
172 posts
 
Hi,
I was using dedicated lines only before trying the new Hydra 8 on my Wadia 270se and 27 dac combo. The hydra 8 really cleaned up alot of the digital noises. I know it's out of budget but you decide.
sutts
668 posts
 
Foundation Research LC-1
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,957 posts
 
Well, I used the Wadia 861 thru a RGPC 400 Mk1, which was plugged into the non-dedicated lines & a 49 cents Cooper Electrical outlet. Sounded bright on the top (I was getting a bit too much hi freq resolution!!) & it made listening fatiguing over time. Last summer I installed 20A dedicated lines using 10AWG wire (despite the electrician informing me that I really needed 12AWG wire) & Pass&Seymour cryo'd outlets. These 2 tweaks made a world of a difference - gone is the hi freq brittleness & music flows freely & for many hours non-stop. Hence, I recommed dedicated lines & a good outlet. The positive effect is to be heard to be believed! FWIW. YMMV. IMHO.
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