My new PSAudio Ultimate Outlet - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Dave · #1 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 05:54 AM

I recently added the standard 15amp $299.00 version to my system and and I'm a little surprised at the difference it's making in my system. I was using a Monster Power HTS 1000 and this is a substantial improvement. My system sounds more delicate and defined and their claims of a blacker quieter background are defintely audible. I recently demo'd the Musical Fidelity A308CD, which compared my my MF A3CD weighs almost 3 or 4 times as much, due in part to the beefy tranformers. The sound was so amazing and it made me think that some/much of what is responsible for good sound must be the power supply. Anyway, I wound up not upgrading due to job insecurity. But the point I wanted to make is that the UO added a clearly recognizable taste of what I liked about the A308CD when used with my old source. I noticed it right away. It's only a very small increment when compared with a CDP that cost a couple grand more than mine but still, it was there and it was good. The improvement the UO brought seemed to have a small bit of the same "flavor" that the MFA308CD brought in abundance. That's how it seemed to me anyway. I was wondering if any others have had similar results with these things ?

sacd lover · #2 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 06:34 AM

My ultimate outlet noticeably improves the soundstaging and bass performance of my monarchy sm-70 pro. I cant do without it now that it has been in my system.

ddriveman · #3 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 06:49 AM

I use a standard PS Ultimate outlet and Juice Bar to power my rig (MF A324DAC, X-Ray CD, X-Can V2 and PSU and HD600/Cardas). I noticed more airiness on instruments and better seperation. Details are more esier to discern (not that there is more detail but you don't have to starin to hear them)
Certainly recommended

Dave · #4 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 07:12 AM

I definitely won't be sending mine back. I've got both digital and analog gear plugged into the same one which I know isn't optimum but for now it'll do.

lextek · #5 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 01:55 PM

I'm glad to see this thread. I have been thinking about the PS Ultimate Outlet.

KShaft · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 03:15 PM

If you wanna take the UO to the next level, find a used lab or labII cable(or maybe even a mini lab) and plug it into the uo to the wall.

It will get you much better current ?delivery?

k.s.

Dave · #7 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 08:45 PM

Yeah, upgrading all the power cables was the first thing that ocurred to me after installing the UO. My Zotl's power cable seems decent for a stock cable but my CDP's cable looks pretty weak. It's nice that PSAudio gives you a month to audition. I pretty much decided in the first 5 min. that they weren't getting this thing back ever. Now I want another one and a fist full of cables as well.

DarkAngel · #8 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 12:07 AM

Sorry to rain on the parade, but I have a dissenting view. I had a HC ultimate outlet for a month and ended up selling it. Despite assurances from PS Audio I found the unit does restrict dynamics,
I actually find the sound from stock Monster HTS2000 more open and 3D, the UO softens treble and to me produces smaller soundstage. If you have a bright sounding system you may like its overall effect.

Stereophile reviewer likes this product , and that prompted me to try unit originally, I got mine used at Audiogon

Dave · #9 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 01:14 AM

DarkAngel, I think it's interesting that you're getting such different results, considering our equipment list is somewhat similar. I even found my Zotl to be quite similar to the Maxed Out Home when I demo'd them together. I love the sound of the Grado 325's in my system with the exception of what I feel is (sometimes) too much emphasis on the treble. I definitely didn't lose any with the UO. When I put the UO in my system that was the one trait that didn't change for me. Although some say the 325's are bright on their own, I think in my case it's maybe a result of this particular pairing of source and phones. At least I find the 325/A3CD combo a bit forward and bright but overall I like it. Maybe yours isn't. Maybe it's me. I still prefer them to my HD600's which for me are too much in the other direction. I just want the sound I have now but with a bit of the edge taken off that frequency range that I find is sometimes a little hard. I'm considering trying a pair of RS-1's for a happy medium.

DarkAngel · #10 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 01:38 PM

Dave
One thing I must mention is my comments really pertain to stereo listening vs headphone since that is my main investment and majority of my listening. MY original intention was to get used PS Audio P300 + UO for complete system, but now I am thinking of just getting used Audio Magic Stealth for entire system. All that matters is if it sounds good in your system......it is good!

Also even though I have a MF A3CD it is only used as transport, the sound is controlled by the Bel Canto Dac II.

Well, when are you going to buy that MF 308CD.....heh heh

Dave · #11 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 07:11 PM

Ugh, don't remind me. Taking that thing back was like cutting off a limb !

wasifazim · #12 (**permalink**) 01-06-2003, 03:30 PM

I'll second (or third, or fourth..) this recommendation..great little unit, and superior to the stuff Monster or Price Wheeler sell, at least when it comes to power conditioning.

- Wasif