Running Springs Power Conditioner

Ern Dog
Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
edited December 2011 in 2 Channel Audio
I've only had 3 power conditioner over the years. I started out with an entry level Belkin PureAv. I couldn't hear a difference with the gear I had at that time. I liked it because of the protection it provided. Next was the PS Audio Quintet. I had it for about a year before recently selling it. I never really had a strong stand about it. There were times when I thought it decreased dynamics, other times I felt it was transparent and other times I couldn't tell. I wouldn't say I every heard an "improvement". Maybe that's because my power is fairly clean? or system synergy? Not sure.

Awhile back Dan Modwright had recommended to me getting a Running Springs power conditioner. He said that it didn't limit power and made his gear sound their best. I finally bought a Running Springs Haley last week- got it used from Audio Circle forum. It is Passive and has 6 outlets and was enough for all my audio gear plus my Panasonic Plasma.

Right in the first moment of hearing it I could tell there was something very different about what I was hearing. It was not subtle. I wasn't expecting that considering my past experience with power conditioners. It took me a couple days to really get a grip on what I was hearing. Most apparent was that there was more weight. There was also in increase in separation. Both the top and bottom end got extended. In fact, there was such in increase in low bass that I hardly use my sub now.

Now for the first time, I can say that when I listen to my rig, it blows me away every time I listen. I'm thinking that the Haley has allowed all the other components to shine closer to their potential. With the level of realism I'm hearing, it's like all my cd's got upgraded to SACD status. When I listen, I have this big grin on my face that is stuck on there. :biggrin:

A couple things to note: Last month I upgraded my AC receptacle from stock to a Porter Port which I also found to be a Significant upgrade. I had no idea how much my cheapo receptacle was limiting the music. This upgrade is a MUST for audiophiles.

Lastly, there's two versions of the Haley. I got the older version, which sells used for $700-$900. The newer version has a couple upgrades that further improves the base model. New this costs $1900 and I've seen a used one for $1000. You could also send in your old model to have it upgraded to the newer model for $300 I think.

Cheers,
Ernie
Post edited by Ern Dog on
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Comments

  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2011
    I've read nothing but great things about that conditioner.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited June 2011
    Nice review, i'd possible look into something like this but since i moved to a house that i can now call my own, i had 3 dedicated breakers installed for the two rigs.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited June 2011
    I can't do that because I'm a renter.

    What kind of increase did you notice from the dedicated lines?
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  • dbaldus
    dbaldus Posts: 730
    edited June 2011
    Ern Dog,

    Looks like you and I have pretty similar systems - congrats!

    I'm curious what type of difference(s) you noticed when upgrading the outlet / AC receptacle?

    Did you notice much of a difference before you added the new conditioner as well?

    I may have to try this out... even if I just go with one of the $10 Lowe's hospital-grade outlets instead of the Porter Port as I'm sure my current outlets are as cheap as they come.

    2-channel
    Squeezebox Touch| MSB Analog DAC | Audio Research Ref 40 Anniversary Edition| Pass Labs X350.8 | Wilson Audio Sasha 2

    Home Theater
    Arcam AVR 550 | GoldenEar Triton One | GoldenEar SuperCenter XXL | GoldenEar Aon 3 | JL Audio Fathom F113v2
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited June 2011
    There was a significant difference when I swapped out the stock receptacle compared to the Porter Port, which is cryoed. I couldn't believe my ears. The sound opened up, more clarity, bigger soundstage and more separation.

    It will be the best $10 you will spend on your rig. How are you liking your new Belles am?
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  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited June 2011
    Interesting. I'm using a Quintet right now, but have thought about upgrading to a Power Plant Premier or something. Heard good things about the Running Springs stuff but the price is a bit dear.

    Plus, I have more than 6 items plugged into the Quintet currently, so I'd have to have another conditioner along with a Haley or whatever, or a single bigger one.

    I definitely should upgrade my outlet though, the 55 year old one probably isn't the best.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited June 2011
    Running Springs right now is the pinnacle of power conditioner manufacturers. Jeff Dorgay, publisher of ToneAudio selected the Elgar model after trying out several brands. I'm not surprised at the improvement you've noticed over the Quintet (I own one), as it is not a true power conditioner, just a strong filter.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2011
    I'm curious how my Richard Grey units would compare.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2011
    Face wrote: »
    I'm curious how my Richard Grey units would compare.

    I tried one a few years ago & wound up returning it. It just didn't live up to my expectation as I had hoped.

    I've read great reviews on the Running Springs unit & it definitely sounds like a great piece. I can attest to the importance of good, clean power...I have all my gear running off of an Equitech Balanced Power (over 6yrs now) unit & the results aren't subtle for both audio & video to say the least. If I was in the market for another piece I would check out the Running Springs for sure. But for now I'm still quite pleased with my Equitech.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2011
    A proper review should have pictures.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited June 2011
    markmarc wrote: »
    I'm not surprised at the improvement you've noticed over the Quintet (I own one), as it is not a true power conditioner, just a strong filter.
    I guess I'm a little hazy on what you mean by a "true power conditioner"... from what I have read I don't see much of a general philosophical difference between the Quintet and the Running Springs stuff, it seems to be more a function of the difference between a $350 unit and a $1600 unit. They are both filters, ultimately.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited June 2011
    Any idea how these compare to the PS Audio Regenerators or Balanced Power Technology Regenerators?
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2011
    PS Audio is common and forgetable so the BPT or Shunyata would be the only manufacturer worth knowing about for me.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited June 2011
    Flash21 wrote: »
    I guess I'm a little hazy on what you mean by a "true power conditioner"... from what I have read I don't see much of a general philosophical difference between the Quintet and the Running Springs stuff, it seems to be more a function of the difference between a $350 unit and a $1600 unit. They are both filters, ultimately.

    A true power conditioner take in the electricity and regenerates it into a smooth sine wave signal among others and outputs it. A filter tries in varying degrees of success to remove the offending noise.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited June 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    PS Audio is common and forgetable so the BPT or Shunyata would be the only manufacturer worth knowing about for me.

    Even with the regeneration though? Isn't clean power clean power when it has been regenerated?
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited June 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    A proper review should have pictures.

    Pics on da way!

    Hey Mark- What did you think of that Sara K. cd?
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  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited June 2011
    markmarc wrote: »
    A true power conditioner take in the electricity and regenerates it into a smooth sine wave signal among others and outputs it. A filter tries in varying degrees of success to remove the offending noise.
    Well then the Running Springs units are not "true power conditioners" either, because from what I am reading they are not regenerators.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
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  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited June 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    PS Audio is common and forgetable so the BPT or Shunyata would be the only manufacturer worth knowing about for me.
    "common"?? You, sir, are an audio snob.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2011
    If wanting to own something that is unique or more uncommonly purchased makes me a snob then that's been the case for many years. I'm no creditcardophile.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2011
    Ern Dog wrote: »
    Pics on da way!

    Hey Mark- What did you think of that Sara K. cd?

    I haven't had time to listen to it properly so I figured I'd wait until the event. I'm excited about it tho, thank you :smile:
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited June 2011
    Running Springs is no johnny come lately, they have been building quality power related gear for years.

    I heard them and would put one in my rig without any hesitation. So either them or all Shunyata is where the Rabbit Hole Rig is headed.

    RT1
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  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited June 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    If wanting to own something that is unique or more uncommonly purchased makes me a snob then that's been the case for many years. I'm no creditcardophile.
    There is nothing wrong with wanting something that is relatively unique and hand-crafted. I love to have nice stuff. I just think that dismissing something because other people have it, rather than for performance reasons, isn't fair in a review setting.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2011
    I never dismissed it per se and there was never any conversation exchanged as to what I've owned or not owned from PS Audio to my knowledge. It's a simple statement and opinion based on my experience with that manufacturer and I find them to be "common" since they're sold almost everywhere whilst the others are not. They have not really impressed me overall in regards to performance and I find them overpriced even though the build quality and MOV technology theory is top notch.

    I don't have a history of commenting on products here unless I've owned them or had a decent amount of experience with them. I agree, it's unfair to do so, so I don't do it as a rule.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited July 2011
    I tried 3 Vibrapod points for footers and got a nice improvement of more detail. I'm using a PS Audio power cord to power the Haley, I forget which model. It would be fun to roll in some other power cords for fun. :cool:
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited December 2011
    Dang, that's a horrible picture. Looks like a rats nest.

    Anyways, today I pulled the trigger on a new power cord for the Haley. I've been using a PS Audio Plus, which is an entry level PC. My understanding is that the power cord feeding the power conditioner is pivotal. Some would argue the Most important one in the whole rig.

    I've heard so much about the Audience Powerchord, thought I'd give it a try. Call it an early Christmas present :)

    Next up, when funds permit, I want to try a Shunyata Black Mamba CX and have a little PC shoot out between the Audience vs. Black Mamba :loneranger:
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