Oldie but Goodie; 2004 ExactPower EP15A Power Regenerator

inspiredsports

I just plugged in my (restored to factory scope traces by Middle Atlantic Products, Fairfield, NJ) 2004 ExactPower 15A Power Regenerator.

I'm running an MIT Shotgun AC1 power cable between the ExactPower to a cryoed PS Audio power Port Premier wired to a dedicated 20A breaker.

For this listening session, I've replaced my APC H10 with the EP15A and plugged in my Musical Fidelity A1 CD Pro, Conrad Johnson PV-5 and VTL ST-50 into 3 of the 8 available duplex outlets on back. Power cables are MIT Shotgun AC1's on all three components. All Interconnects are MIT Shotgun 2, speakers Cables are MIT Shotgun 2, and speakers are TL'd SDA SRS II's.

The ExactPower EP15A unit is stout, 34 pounds of mostly torroidal transformer and heat sinks, and surrounded with a sleek brushed aluminim case. Operation is simple, a single on/off button and a small blue display screen controlled by a single button that scrolls through 4 display modes, the fourth being an unobtusive blue dot so you know it's operational. These units are currently selling for $800-$1,000 on audiogon/ebay/etc.


Tom Petty's "The Last DJ" was in the CDP from a previous listening session so I gave it a listen and I was immediately drawn in by the sound quality! The amp seems to be breathing a bit easier and delivering more volume with less effort. The already black background seems "blacker" and everything more airy and opened up with an even broader and deeper soundstage, better clarity and sharper pinpoint focus of voices and instruments. Yet another of the seemingly infinite layers of the "audio onion" is peeled away.

I went through many of my favorite classic Rock CD's (Who, Zeppelin, Floyd, Yes, Genesis Cars, etc.) and was amazed that the sound is better than ever. I've not listened to any Vinyl or FM yet, but have to believe the improvement will carry over there too.

The best part of this story is that I rolled the dice on this unit buying it in non-working condition. When I sent it to Middle Atlantic it was understood that I would pay to ship it there and pay for their bench time whether they were able to resuscitate or not. Even better, they sent it back in an original box with manual that I did not have before. I doubt that I will ever resell as this has been on my short list for a long time, but the box and manual are a real bonus!

Now all I need is a similar deal on a VTL 2.5 line stage tube pre with phono and everything on my short list will be crossed off . . . for now

Blownrx7

I had one of these years ago and it was the best surge protector/ regenarator I tried. I compared it to Monster and PS Audio and found it the most transparent. I also compared it to a number of non-regenerating conditioners and it bested all but the Richard Gray Power Co for transparency. The RGPC is parallel conditioner so is not the last word in protection but is superior for conditioning and was a better match for me since my power as relatively clean.
If my power was more noisy or subject to surges I might still be owning the EP15A. Too bad they are out of the consumer business. It is good to know that they still service it though.

inspiredsports

They do still show a couple of smaller rack and shelf units on the ecactpower website.

I've had my eye on Richard Gray for a while too . . . but nothing has fit my champagne taste on a beer budget there yet