Amp Power Conditioner or not?

I believe it is important to mention what type amps -- IMO, my tube amps sound the best directly into dedicated outlets whereas, the sources & preamp are into a non-filtered power bar fed from a large isolation transformer (on a dedicated line).

Bob

Elizabeth, Interesting!

Try "STAR" grounding your system into the same outlet without the power conditioner.

I still don't believe in power conditioners on anything anytime, but I don't have the problems some people have. I am the first house from the transformer and my voltage is always 117 volts. Besides, I consistantly have good sound. Everytime I try a power conditioner the results are negative. They suck the life out of the music. Don't try to convince me to try yet another power conditioner because I haven't found the right one. I already had this conversation about passive preamps.

I know there are people still using power conditioners as a band aid and other people using power conditioners when they don't need them at all like Grimace with his recent discovery. A power conditioner is not just another component. One Audiogoner wrote "I have assembled my system now what power conditioner do I buy?" Why does he think he needs one in the first place?

There are some areas, especially in large cities, where a power conditioner can be useful, however, there are still tradeoffs by using one.

If you truly have bad power the only cure is a battery pack and a generator not some little box loaded with filters to scrub the edges of your music. Big boxes don't work either. I also tried the Tice Power Block and Titan at 120 pounds with the same results.

I use a Furman REF 20i for the amp. It has balanced power (60v/60v instead of 120v/grnd) which pleases my ear. Also it has the PF/a huge stiffening cap in line with the A/C voltage.. no voltage drops there. i use it for the pre also, and my Denon 4806 Receiver.
For the digital sources I have a PS PPP power plant premier. and for all the rest a Monster 7000SS.
(All three use balanced power.)
I have become totally stuck on the super clear presentation with the conditioners. Even though they DO thin out the lower midrange and bass lines... I just cannot give up the perfect top end for a wooley tubby addition to the bass, and a bit more warmth in the lower midrange. I have played with a lot of arrangements of cords and power conditioners... and like the Furman on the Amp. (Though Furman products are VERY overpriced IMO. New you can get a 30% off and the dealer still makes a good profit, I bought mine used for 1/3 list)
IMO powerline conditioners are just like cables.. a variation on tone controls. (blaspemey! sacrilige!! tone controls ... Da*n I wish stuff had tone controls again.

Try a Furutech wall receptacle and you'll be suprised at the difference that makes.

Even though they helped in various ways, I gave up on the isolation transformers I was using; hum was too loud in my small room.