Core Power Technologies EQUI=CORE 1800-Review

JayCee

Disclaimer: what I describe below is "my gear, my ears, my experience". Not trying to be a fanboy for anything CPT, PS Audio or Polk Audio but, rather, a reference point for other's to make their own informed decisions. Do understand I am very meticulous and methodical with respect to my system. I take to heart the single BEST piece of advice offered on this forum...try for yourself and let your ears be the judge.

I've been accused of long posts (even for intended short posts, @Viking64, "made you look", LOL), so, if you don't want to read this review in its entirety here's the verdict... yes, the Core Power Technologies (CPT) EQUI=CORE 1800 has absolutely makes a difference...in my system. Or, skip the "Background" and jump down to "Equipment" and read on.

Part I

Background: I'm 50 something and am at a point in life that I've decided to assemble a modest but very nice system that I can be happy with for years. Fact, as I age my hearing will degrade. I've chosen to enjoy this time in life and not wait. I'm not uber rich, so 2 things dictate my motivation:

1. Sound quality
2. Reasonable cost

I realize both are very relative...otherwise, I would only be guided by #1. As many of you appreciate, historically with Polk Audio speakers, it's price vs. performance that's the winning combo and I've kept that in mind with respect to component purchases from Parasound, PS Audio and now, CPT (among other companies).

For many years my main 2 channel system consisted of an upgraded (Big Sky Audio) Parasound HCA-1500A, BDP-105 (also acting as pre) and a Synology NAS streaming FLAC files directly to the 105 or indirectly to a Squeezebox Touch...routed to the 105. Regardless of gear, a pair of Polk Audio SDA-SRS 1.2tl's, acquired in 2009, remain and are the basis for my point of reference.

2014, I moved to Germany. The equipment mentioned above was 220V capable and switched or converted to run directly without the aid of transformers. Surprisingly, it sounded damn good, in fact...better than prior to moving to Germany. Kind of made me question 220V vs 110V with respect to audio quality, but I moved on without much thought.

2016, I attended the Munich High End audio show and was exposed to some incredible gear. PS Audio wasn't represented but, after listening to superb Acoustic Zen speakers and, can't remember brand, tubed front end combined w/a Dutch made DAC, I was blown away by how good digital could sound. Spoke w/Robert Lee (Acoustice Zen Guru) and the Dutch reps at length. As a result, the show left me chasing a new DAC. The DirectStream caught my attention and I purchased it stateside. Euro prices were much too high, even with tax free status.

Fortunately, the Directstream is 220V capable. Thought no problem...I'm a DIY'er and have internally converted several pieces of gear by changing the power configuration. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a credible wiring source on-line. PS Audio is very protective of their dealers and service. On one hand...they let me change out chips on my BHK pre amp (warranty support issue), however, to change voltage, big fat NOPE, it must be sent back to the factory. Decided no more long distance trips for expensive gear and I'm not gonna pay for something I've done in the past.

So, I opted for a small torroidial step-down transformer. The military Base Exchange sells a British made transformer (brand escapes me), less than 100 watts, for 220V-->110V. Plenty of juice for the DAC and appeared to be potted. In my experience, most of the high powered transformers hum and, I'm sure, would affect sound quality. I was surprised at how good my system sounded. The DirectStream was a transformational upgrade, even with the modest Parasound 1500A. Again, made me take notice of audio quality, especially while using a transformer, but this time I started to really question how power affects audio.

Flash forward to 2018 and I'm back in the states. Last November I decided to make another significant move and purchased PS Audio BHK components. Moving in the right direction...does everything I want. Authoritative, open, airy, tube options, solid state backbone. Best I've ever experienced in my own system...will carry me forward for many years. My thought process...IMHO, PS Audio is the Polk of the mid-fi to hi-end arena. Sometimes underrated but competes at a high level. I know, not cheap, but remember I did say this is all relative to one's point of view. Everything's great....

....but, there was the little voice in my head saying..."power conditioners". So, I researched the pros and cons. Lots of chatter in the past year on Club Polk and, in past years, DarqueKnight, BlueFox and other respected advocates saying power conditioning makes a difference. Lots of web searches and reading followed while looking for sleeper (underrated or under the radar) products. I love my PS Audio gear but can't bring myself (now) to spend $5K+ (never say never) for the DirectStream powerplants. Historically, I research the $hit out of my purchases and did so with this....plus, I took a modest leap of faith with respect to Core Power Technologies. For more on my "leap of faith", read the recap from a previous thread that I've added to the "Build Quality" section of this review.

Now, on to the review....

Equipment:

• Roon software (Microsoft and Android O/S's)
• NUC server running Roon ROCK streaming FLAC via wifi
• PS Audio Perfectwave DirectStream DAC w/Bridge II (Snowmass Firmware)
• PS Audio BHK Signature Preamplifier
• PS Audio BHK Signature 250 Amplifier
• MIT S1 Balanced IC's
• MIT S1 Bi-wire Cables
• MIT EXP1 SDA Cable
• AL-1000 Dreadnought
• Fully modified 1.2tl's (minus internal wire upgrade)

*Note: Black "things" between the speakers are Owens Corning 703 acoustic panels, bagged to reduce dust. One of my many projects. Frame and covering in-work but this makes a huge difference on SDA's with respect to soundstage and center image.

Post too long for single post. Continued in next post.

JayCee

PART II

All equipment powered from a single wall socket to:

• "FREE $399.00 Core Power cord" included w/the 1800
• Core Power Technologies EQUI=CORE 1800 (https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/equicore)
• Home brewed component power cables w/Neotech NC-P301 & P311ends, DH Labs Power Plus cable

Build Quality: CPT 1800 build is nice. Quality fit and finish and heavy as you'd expect. Following, is what was posted in another thread when I received the 1800 last month.
(https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/186495/lets-talk-about-power-conditioners/p4)

The question asked...why the $2K MSRP based on the guts shots:

"What I've read says approx $300-500 in parts. It's a balanced transformer and the premise of the design. Reportedly there was a year+ of research and 11 different designs to arrive at the final product. My guess, like anything, cost is partly based on research, assembly and....drum roll please....what the market will pay. I didn't pay MSRP....paid $1399 shipped and it included a "$399 Free Cable". Very nice "looking" cable, significantly larger and very pretty vs. stock, but, I've made very good cables for significantly less that also look nice. Again, cost is subjective after you add research, materials, performance and perceived value.

I purchased the 1800 based on perceived value after my own due diligence with respect to cost vs performance claim. I could've purchased "a big **** transformer" and DIY'd it but I'm not an EE and have no basis to experiment. Especially when it has to do with power. Crossovers, caps, soldering...no problem, but I'm not into blowing my gear up or worse.

The original design had the outlets wired in series vs. parallel and thinner gauge wire. Some DIYers changed the configuration...better outlets, increased the wire size and used the push type connectors for ease of assembly (vs. terminating wire and mounting to a single post). Resulted in positive results.

The current version, as of last month (Apr 2019), incorporated these changes...minus "better" outlets. I was offered upgraded outlets and a bit longer delivery time for $200. Going forward, I can do that myself if I feel the need.

Not to add to the drama but for historical perspective it's worth noting....prior to last month there was a lot of controversy with the owner of Core Power Technologies, his business dealings and health issues. I only mention this because if anyone's reading this and does further research they might get caught up in the drama that ensued. I was reading through posts that started in 2016 and they had my attention with respect to Equicore products. It wasn't until 2 days of reading through years of posts that I discovered the turmoil with the company.

End result is Walter Liederman, Underwood HiFi, stepped in and purchased the inventory, the rights to the product and made the changes to the 1800 that I mentioned above. I've purchased from Walter in the past and, based on my research, he has a very good reputation.

Listening Experience: Received the CPT 1800 in May and must state, prior to this purchase, I was completely happy w/my current setup. In fact, I considered it very good since purchasing the BHK pre and 250 amp last November. Excellent sound stage (left to right), along with nice depth from the plane of the speakers and extending far behind the speakers, depending on the recording. Bass is tight, mids clear and the highs shimmer.

Used the stock power cable included w/the 1800, inserted the CPT 1800 between my components and the wall, sat down and had a "holy cow" moment. Won't say it bested any other upgrade I've made but it made everything I described about my system so....much....better. Depth, air around symbols and what others describe as music that appears out of, or fades into nothing (i.e. "black background"), is astonishing. Literally continues to infinity on well recorded albums with tracks that fade.

Picked my jaw up from the floor and replaced the stock cable w/the "FREE $399.00 Core Power cord". Beefy compared to stock and well made. At the very least it makes me feel better. Continued listening for the next week. Have listened an estimated 100+ hours. PS Audio designed the BHK and Directstream products to stay in a standby mode when the power is "off". So, the 1800's had power flowing since installed and racked up more hours. Early on I did pick up a slight bloat to the bass and a bit of sibilance in the top end. However, it's now completely gone.

I have a very extensive SACD collection ripped using an OPPO BDP-105, so I'm able to feed DSD via FLAC to the Directstram DAC. I have several reference SACD's chosen for obscured low level details or phenomenal sound stage. A few examples:

• DIre Straights, Telegraph Road, "Private Investigations"
• Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon
• Roger Waters, Amused to Death
  Redbook CD's:
• Pink Floyd, The Final Cut, Remastered
• Harry Connick, Jr. She

These recordings have an almost theatrical soundstage to their mastering. Good mix of modern instruments (guitars, drums, electronics), classical instruments (sax, strings, woodwind) and performance ques (conversations, realistic recordings, special affects and effects). In particular, Pink Floyd's "The Final Cut", a very controversial album for PF lovers, is one of my favorites. PF fans either love it or hate it. Not the point...it encompasses everything I point out earlier in this paragraph. Theatrical, symphonic, dynamic, low conversations (almost whispers), movement on the soundstage (left to right and, even circular in 3 dimensions). I've listened to this album since it was released in the mid 80's; almost 30 years of spinning this disc. Never this clear and detailed in a very good way; I can "see" into the recording. Another great recording, SACD, played out and kind of the stereotypical "reference" material, "Dark Side of the Moon" now takes on a new dimension. Spooky good.

Overall, voices are clear and dead center. The DirectStream DAC's latest software is known for exceptional imaging and instrument placement. The 1800 has solidified what was already very good. Cliche and often used, it's as if someone cleaned a window and the clarity is stunning.

JayCee

Part III

Two single tracks I'll highlight are Dire Straits, "Telegraph Road" and Sting, "Brand New Day (Cornelius Mix)". Telegraph Road has a very long fade in. With the CPT 1800 it fades forever from the blackest background I've heard. Impressive. With "Brand New Day" there's a 3 dimensional sound stage that is unF'ing believable. Synth sounds that jump from the speakers towards my listening space. Had to pull out my Chapstick because I cracked my face smiling at this track.

Conclusion: Expectation bias, kidding myself, justifying my purchase...IMO, not in the least. Unplug the CPT 1800 and the previous 2 tracks return to good but standard fair. I've tested with and without the 1800 on 86 reference songs culled on a Roon playlist. Not a subtle difference on a single track. They all benefit.

Core Power Technologies EQUI=CORE 1800 has improved my operating environment. How does it compare to other power conditioners? Not sure but I'm convinced the technology does work and, if I were to speculate, there's always better. Does the CPT 1800 work as advertised at an attractive price point? You bet. Does it make your system sound better? In my opinion, no, rather, it facilitates each component sounding its best, and, better gear better results. I keep coming back to the same conclusion...you don't know what you don't know, until you try it for yourself. Read that before on this site?

John

maxward

Thank you for the thorough write-up. Everything, including the power amp, is plugged into the Core?

JayCee

maxward wrote: »

Thank you for the thorough write-up. Everything, including the power amp, is plugged into the Core?

Yes, actually, meant to mention it. Varying opinions from my research and I've concluded it's system specific. I did pull the amp off and run it directly to the wall while leaving everything else in place. For me, sounds best plugged into the 1800.

kharp1

Good write up John, thanks for sharing.

Clipdat

Nice review. I'm glad it was able to bring some positive improvements to your system.

kharp1

I'm kind of curious to try one at that price.

motorstereo

Great review and thanks for taking the time to do such an in depth write up.

tophatjohnny

Great review and Walt is the man. Can't help but to love him.
Congrats and sure has me rethinking this PS Audio Dectec I'm using.
Assuming you have been there and done that with running a dedicated 20amp line to the wall plate with great outlets....of course ya have that done.
I think I may go this route as well.
Thanks for the great review.

THJ

BlueBirdMusic

EXCELLENT!! Five Stars!! Ten Thumbs UP!!!

Good idea to have EQUI=CORE 1800 and the Dreadnought separated by the stand or they might mate.

joecoulson

Very good review John. Nice gear too!

Mike Reeter

Great experience and an excellent write up!

tonyb

Very good write up/review. Thanks for posting it.

DarqueKnight

JayCee wrote: »

I've been accused of long posts...

I appreciate detailed reviews. Thanks.

JayCee

Thanks, guys. Appreciate the kind words and I hope I've encouraged folks to at least consider this or a similar product.

I'm having my morning cup of coffee and decided to listen to Pink Floyd, The Final Cut, in it's entirety as I start my day. Seriously, this is an album that will take you on a sonic journey and gets better as your system gets better. So easy to gauge soundstage and resolution.

DarqueKnight wrote: »

JayCee wrote: »

I've been accused of long posts...

I appreciate detailed reviews. Thanks.

@DarqueKnight, Thank you. I've always appreciated the fact based way you present your topics. Only wish I had the resources and knowledge you have to lend the same sort of credibility to my findings.

BTW, @ the Polkfest 2012 BBQ, in Stu's living room, you and I listened to the 705's. I played 2 tracks from Harry Connick, Jr., She, and you were very interested in the album. Did you ever get it?

ZLTFUL

Nice write up.

And I am not trying to discount anything you wrote or your experiences but more to verify the simplicity of this device...

Basically, it is a nice isolation transformer with high quality input and outputs, correct?

Wouldn't be all that hard to duplicate for similar results...

Just thinking out loud.

JayCee

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Nice write up.

And I am not trying to discount anything you wrote or your experiences but more to verify the simplicity of this device...

Basically, it is a nice isolation transformer with high quality input and outputs, correct?

Wouldn't be all that hard to duplicate for similar results...

Just thinking out loud.

Thank you and I totally understand your point. All good and encourage discussion. I'm definitely a DIY'er and have no problem taking something like this on but I was curious and I wanted it now. Also, as I stated in the previous thread, power products vs. caps, crossovers and dreadnoughts are a bit more than I've attempted.

Won't try to explain what it is, however, I'm inclined to agree with you. I use the word "inclined" only because I have no experience to know if it's correct. Here's an excerpt from a review/interview that may further this discussion.

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2019/03/31/review-core-power-technologies-equicore-1800/

I asked Mark: “How does this work?”

What’s different about this than all the other line conditioners out there (a number that seems to grow as fast as the number of cable companies) is that the Equi=Core uses a balanced power approach — they take 120V power line in and break it into two 60 volt legs out of the phase to each other. This process rids common mode rejection. According to Mark Shifter, the units are able to get noise down to 30 millivolts. Many recording studios and mastering suites that have purchased the Equi=Core report that they getting good results, such as improved signal to noise ratio in their recordings.

My PS Audo stack is 100% balanced and very quiet. Now, from the wall to the speaker outputs.

Hopefully, smarter folks than me will chime in and this could possibly be a CP DIY project. @WLDock made the same point in the power conditioner thread and seems to have great insight. Not trying to cross post but this is good stuff....

WLDock wrote: »

JayCee wrote: »

DaveHo wrote: »

Thanks for the details. I was hoping nobody saw my original post as it seemed like a bit of a bash which wasn't cool on my part. Looks like I was too slow.

I guess when I see a product sold as a power conditioner/suppressor I expect to see more to the guts than a transformer. If it does what it advertises & you like the sound, rock on.

No problem, I appreciate the response. I knew there would be some sort of response but the facts are what they are....ie. the build. Can't say my gut reaction is much different than yours and, wholeheartedly agree, the devil is in the details. It's the end result (sound) that will be the deciding factor.

Thanks again for the reply. Alles klar as my Deutsch friends say.😉👍

Balanced power using a Toroidal transformer in a great way to go if one is willing to spend the money. Many recording and mastering studios use the same thing. While $2000 seems like a lot there are others out there for more money. So, the cost is subjective. Keep in mind here are 1200 VA transformers in the $100 range some of the larger, low noise, high efficient ones can cost $200-$700 or more. I'm a DIY type and one can built something like this for much less. Here is a guide using a 2000 VA transformer that cost about $250 back in 2003 at the time of the writing.

https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_3/feature-article-isolation-transformer-8-2003.html
The canadian company seems to offer good quality and look to offer solutions:
https://www.plitron.com/custom-toroidal-transformers/power-conditioning-2/



Also, Toroid a USA co. in MD offers some at nice prices.
https://toroid.com/Products/Balanced-Transformers
1000 VA - $531
https://toroid.com/Home/Product-Details/ProductID/32
1500 AV - $578
https://toroid.com/Home/Product-Details/ProductID/33
2000 VA - $872
https://toroid.com/Home/Product-Details/ProductID/34

Also, These guys have some nice offerings that are higher priced but less than the typical audiophile brands.

600 VA - $599
https://power-holdings-inc.com/Keces-BP600-Balanced-Isolation-Power-Conditioner-p137036164
1200 VA - $999
https://power-holdings-inc.com/Keces-BP1200-Balanced-Isolation-Power-Conditioner-p137036175
2400 VA - $1699
https://power-holdings-inc.com/Keces-BP2400-Balanced-Isolation-Power-Conditioner-p137036186

ZLTFUL

Appreciate the further discussion and inclusion of the other thread information. I had missed that.

Thank you.

DarqueKnight

JayCee wrote: »

BTW, @ the Polkfest 2012 BBQ, in Stu's living room, you and I listened to the 705's. I played 2 tracks from Harry Connick, Jr., She, and you were very interested in the album. Did you ever get it?

No. I listened to the entire album and found that there were only two songs that I liked, therefore I didn't purchase. I did buy a pair of 705s though.

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Basically, it is a nice isolation transformer with high quality input and outputs, correct?

Wouldn't be all that hard to duplicate for similar results...

It depends on how much thought and effort CPT put into mitigating the effects of transformer electrical noise and vibration (for example: a generic, off the shelf transformer vs. a custom low noise transformer with special consideration given to core material, winding geometry, copper quality, wire insulation quality, mechanical vibration abatement, termination quality, and ac receptacle quality). Ideally, you would want a transformer designed for audio applications.

JayCee

DarqueKnight wrote: »

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Basically, it is a nice isolation transformer with high quality input and outputs, correct?

Wouldn't be all that hard to duplicate for similar results...

It depends on how much thought and effort CPT put into mitigating the effects of transformer electrical noise and vibration (for example: a generic, off the shelf transformer vs. a custom low noise transformer with special consideration given to core material, winding geometry, copper quality, wire insulation quality, mechanical vibration abatement, termination quality, and ac receptacle quality). Ideally, you would want a transformer designed for audio applications.

DSkip wrote: »

Even when designed for audio, it doesn't guarantee a good transformer. That isn't a counterpoint, but an addition to your comments.

From what I read, there were approx. 11 iterations/(re)designs before CPT went to market. Don't know if they were 11 off the shelf or custom transformers. There is a part number on it but partly obscured by the internal mounting bracket (see pics in the long conditioner thread). Initially searched for what I could make out w/no hit. Will disassemble and note the entire stock # when I get some time.

joecoulson

Your review makes me want to open up the Niagara and have a peek

JayCee

joecoulson wrote: »

Your review makes me want to open up the Niagara and have a peek

Dooooooo Itttttttttt. Guts shots or you're a woosy.

joecoulson

Ok. I’ll see if I can tonight. I’m a sucka for peer pressure.

verb

Just read this thread. Very nice review! I had to peek inside my Shunyata as well, for curiosity!

joecoulson

I’ll post on a new thread as not to derail, got some pics.

headrott

I have an Equi=Tech 1RQ balanced power conditioner. The Equi=Core 1800 sounds very similar to the Equi=Tech conditioner. If there is someone willing to get and try both, I would be interested in the comparison.

A link to the Equi=Tech site is here: https://www.equitech.com/

mikeyb128

I had an equi=core 1200 and I really enjoyed it. I liked its small size, and I didn’t find it had any sonic signature. I had one of the early models, and was a really heavy box for the size. The only reason I got rid of it was due to the fact it didn’t get along with a certain piece of equipment I have. Despite that, I don’t blame the transformer. It really did drop the noise floor significantly.

tophatjohnny

Encourage discussion?? Ok I'll swing the bat again as to hopefully keep newer hobbyist members up to speed. To the OP or anyone else adding such conditioners..please share when you decided to add a dedicated 20 amp line to your system before you had a nice conditioner and what kind of difference did that make for you? Thanks OP and it is relevant to the thread...anyone??

verb

tophatjohnny wrote: »

Encourage discussion?? Ok I'll swing the bat again as to hopefully keep newer hobbyist members up to speed. To the OP or anyone else adding such conditioners..please share when you decided to add a dedicated 20 amp line to your system before you had a nice conditioner and what kind of difference did that make for you? Thanks OP and it is relevant to the thread...anyone??

Hey Johnny. For sure. I ran some dedicated lines to the kitchen last year when I installed some new appliances.

Need to do the same down in the basement. Another project!

motorstereo

^^^^^Ok; I'm in the crowd that did the 20amp dedicated circuit upgrade just before I added my balanced Furman pc a while back. I'd have to say the 3 dedicated line are just as and probably more important than a quality pc. The drop in noise is noticeable on my lines taken at 2am when supposedly the lines should be quiet but my meter says otherwise. Last night at 2am my household lines read about 650-700. The 2 dedicated power amp lines read about 125 and the line that the Furman was on read around 100. The pc line consistently reads lower than the power amp lines for what ever reason. Coming out of the pc the line read a steady 29.

If I was forced to choose between the 2 (pc or dedicated lines) I'd pick the lines based on the numbers that my meter reads. But with both the lines and a balanced pc the effect on quieting down the lines going into the gear makes for a very nice and noticeable upgrade.

Another thing that the meter allowed me to do was choose which 120 leg is the quietest for my gear. Before the meter I was using the noisier one on my 15 amp audio circuits so that may account for some of the reduction on the new lines. I didn't realize that before the meter. Swapping 120 legs is another simple and effective upgrade if you find which side has the lowest noise