Power Conditioner, which one? (Sub $500)

[Elk]

I am currently looking at the PS Audio Duet Power Center and the APC H15. Which power conditioner is a better choice? It there a better option in the sub $500 price range?

[cujobob]

If you don't need a surge protector (most of them degrade the sound quality if they use MOV), I'd 100% recommend something like the Majik Buss (Majik Buss - Majik Buss) which has gotten rave reviews from everyone who's heard one...its $100 over your budget, but from a pure SQ point of view, it will be by far your best option.

BTW, I have the APC unit you're talking about...solid build quality but not a lot of improvement sonically. All depends on your needs.

[jilgiljongiljing]

I dont look for these with sound quality in mind. But the APC one is solid, great price and has really helped in my new apartment where there seems to be quite a lot of voltage fluctuation.

[Jon L]

Originally Posted by cujobob

BTW, I have the APC unit you're talking about...solid build quality but not a lot of improvement sonically. All depends on your needs.

That's because APC H15 is not double-conversion true on-line UPS. APC does make those, too, but at $$$. Check out some of the refurbished double-conversion units at places like these:
UPSforLESS - APC SmartUPS & Uninterruptible Power Supply Battery Backup Experts - Double Conversion UPS's

I am using the Liebert UPstation I bought cheap refurbished, and it's phenomenal, especially for delicate digital components.

BTW. All these commercial units MUST have their noisy internal fan(s) replaced with quiet fans (e.g. Nexus); otherwise, they are way too noisy to be used in audio room.

[gevorg]

If you decide to go with "audiophile grade" power conditioning, consider used gear. They're usually nicely discounted/reduced on Audiogon. For example, you can get a PS Audio P300 power plant for around $500. A bit extreme and might be even an overkill though.

[rwaudio]

I would also recommend an "online" power conditioner/UPS. I use this one from Powerware and it works like a charm, but as said above you MUST replace the fans, they are very loud.
PROVANTAGE: EATON 05146002-6501 9125 1000 Black 1000VA/700W 120V 5-15P (6) 5-15R DB9

[Donald North]

I recommend looking for a high quality isolation transformer from Xentek or Topaz.

[Uncle Erik]

X2 on the isolation transformer. You might also be interested in the conditioner over at Transcendent Sound.

[cujobob]

I really believe it comes down to need....there are plenty of cheap options for just surge protection, if that's what the OP wants. The biggest difference in low priced offerings, to me, is just the appearance/cosmetics.

AR1P or Majik Buss will improve the sound.

The APC unit can be very helpful if there are voltage fluctuations.

I have a Panamax unit plus two APC units...none of them really make a difference in audio or video quality.

[kool bubba ice]

I have a new Panax 5300.. Only paid 180 for it.. So I had to bite.. Notice some improvement in my audio, but none for video.. Minus one game.. Condemned.. Not sure why.. I played over 5 games with my new 5300 & noticed no picture upgrade, but in condemned when the character blocks with his arms I see added definition I never noticed before.. Can't explain it.. I live in a 1972 mobile home with fault wiring.. Like things going out with too many electronics running & frequent power outages.. For me, it's more of a piece of mind & thiking I'm getting something good..

[IPodPJ]

How many outlets do you need and are you buying it to improve sound quality or for protection? (Since you mentioned the Duet which has 2) If you will only be using one and it's strictly for sound quality, I'd recommend getting a really good power cord and plugging it directly into the wall. SQ wise, this is your best option.

I'm not keen on passive conditioning. While it will benefit in some areas, it will subtract from others -- at least in that price range. The really good conditioners are pretty pricey but even they don't perform as well as regenerators imo.

If you want want to add a little conditioning and protection, check out the PS Audio Soloist Premier. It's a dual receptacle/in-wall conditioner. That's one less connection than adding an external conditioner like the Duet.

[colonelkernel8]

Originally Posted by cujobob

If you don't need a surge protector (most of them degrade the sound quality if they use MOV)

Do you even know what a MOV is? How does it degrade sound quality?

[AudioCats]

STANCOR GIS-500 ISOLATION TRANSFORMER 500VA 115V - eBay (item 140353447884 end time Nov-18-09 06:49:26 PST)

suitable for 0~200w applications.

[Elk]

Originally Posted by IPodPJ

How many outlets do you need and are you buying it to improve sound quality or for protection? (Since you mentioned the Duet which has 2) If you will only be using one and it's strictly for sound quality, I'd recommend getting a really good power cord and plugging it directly into the wall. SQ wise, this is your best option.

I'm not keen on passive conditioning. While it will benefit in some areas, it will subtract from others -- at least in that price range. The really good conditioners are pretty pricey but even they don't perform as well as regenerators imo.

If you want want to add a little conditioning and protection, check out the PS Audio Soloist Premier. It's a dual receptacle/in-wall conditioner. That's one less connection than adding an external conditioner like the Duet.

My goal is improved SQ and I want at least 2 outlets. I am currently running IMO "a really good power cord" directly into the wall. My thoughts were that when I add a standalone DAC in the near future I could put the amp in one plug and the DAC in the other. It seems that I may need to extend my price range a little. I was really hoping that this thread would introduce me to new products that I was not aware of. It sure has! Those Isolation Transformers were new to me. I'm sure I am not the only one interested in this.

Keep the suggestions coming.

[wushuliu]

Originally Posted by Elk

My goal is improved SQ and I want at least 2 outlets. I am currently running IMO "a really good power cord" directly into the wall. My thoughts were that when I add a standalone DAC in the near future I could put the amp in one plug and the DAC in the other. It seems that I may need to extend my price range a little. I was really hoping that this thread would introduce me to new products that I was not aware of. It sure has! Those Isolation Transformers were new to me. I'm sure I am not the only one interested in this.

Keep the suggestions coming.

If your goal is only improved SQ and not protection then another alternative would be the Alan Maher's Hammond 193L Choke Tweak that's very popular on Audio Asylum and Audio Circle. Some years ago someone took apart a well regarded $1000 Richard Grey Power Conditioner and found that it only contained potted chokes. Since then people have basically bought equivalent chokes and added them to their system. There are a good several years worth of threads and testimony over at AA. The choke is $50 from Parts Express. Just add on a plug to the end of the wires (doesn't matter which), and plug it into the outlet or power strip, etc. your components are connected to. That's it. I believe you can add as much as 4. The choke draws so little current that there's no danger to your equipment.

It's flat out the best $50 and up you'll spend. It's like drano for all the grunge in your AC. And it does as much for video/tv as it does for audio. You'd have to pry them out of my cold dead hands.

For all the science behind it I would just spend a little time at one of the aforementioned forums or just google.

anyway, some first post! (been lurking a while tho)

good luck

w