Value of Smooth Power ?

Paul.Cox

Looking for comments on the value that power conditioners bring to a Hi Fi system. There would seem to be a number on offer like the Belkin PureAV series. Has anyone out there have exeprience in his area ?

AndyGwis

I just bought a Monster Power Center HTS 5100. . . just for piece of mind, cable management, to fill up space on my rack, and for the cool lights. Not sure of the science behind it.

I looked at Belkin PureAV as well. Snag a nice PF60 on ebay for like $150 - $200 if you like the looks. There are numerous good offerings from Furman, Panamax, etc. as well.

Nisqually Dave

But do they really make a difference

dkg999

Make a difference - yes! Whether you like that difference or not is something you will need to find out based on your scenario. In my apt building the power is really dirty and the wiring is pretty old. Using a Panamax on my 2 ch system and a Tripp Lite on my HT system did make a positive improvement. Less interference and quieter background. Both have high-current outlets for amplifiers. Well worth the investment in my case. Your mileage may vary.

WilliamM2

I have two, a Panamax and a Monster Power. Bought mine mainly for the switched outlets, so that I can turn everything on and off with one button on the remote. Surge protection is nice for piece of mind as well.

Can't say it made any audible difference, but I have very stable power, and never had any problems with noise before I purchased them.

mulveling

I use them (Monster 3500 MkII) mostly for these reasons:

1) Peace of mind.
2) Convenience (more outlets available)
3) Hum/ground loop busting (by having all components on the same outlet)

Though, #1 is typically moot since I end up unplugging everything after use...can never be too careful with expensive gear. I've compared the effect of the conditioning on high end headphone systems (up to $9K)...the sonic difference is small to negligible in my system, to my ears. I don't even run my new JC-1 monos out of the conditioner - just straight into the wall sockets, with the grounds lifted to prevent hum. They pull so much damn juice - 500 Watts idle, and more than what the 15amp line can supply at the max rated power. I want as little as possible in their path to the power, and those huge-**** caps in the power supply probably aren't just for the heck of it

AndyGwis

What's a good price point for a nice one? I'm thinking $200 can find you a plethora of nice (albeit used) power conditioners. That's what I paid for mine. Could've gotten a cheaper one, but they just didn't look as beefy (like the Adcom 515). I don't want something too scrawny if it's the POWER house of my system, and it has to look good on the stand/rack.

venomclan

I use the Belkin PF60. The noticable improvement I saw initially was a brighter picture. I was using a PS2 and noticed that the colors were a bit less washed out through the Belkin. As far as sound-wise, tough call. I was told by Krell not run my amp through any conditioner as it may limit the power to the amp. The Belkin does have 2 high power outlets for amps I use it for. I hear no sound difference.

I love the look of the Belkin, and the voltage and amp meters work great. I know that in the middle of the day, with my A/C and pool pump on, the voltage is at its lowest (116-119v). At 3 a.m. it is higher (124v).

For me the unit payed for itself when I added a new piece of gear, a ground loop was coming in through the cable line. I ran the cable line throught the PF60 and solved the problem.
V

treitz3

Paul.Cox wrote: »

Looking for comments on the value that power conditioners bring to a Hi Fi system.

In my experience, none. Nada. Pissed me off too because I blew 300 bills to get an improvement. [Monster HTS1500] I even returned that one with another new unit, same result. Nothing.

I kept it because of the convenience factor with turning equipment on/off. Damnit. Video, different ball of wax.

Serendipity

treitz3 wrote: »

In my experience, none. Nada.

IMO they make a difference, a power conditioner eliminated a slight hum from my system, and also cleared up my OTA reception.

Just my opinion.

treitz3

Lucky dog. That's the kind of thing I was looking forward too. Any change would have been good........soundstage difference, crisper bass, midbass, or vocals, quieter background, something, anything. Nope not a damn thing. Damnit.:mad: Oh well. Now a Richard Grey 400 pro power supply.....yeah baby! But that's a different subject.

Oh, there was one change. When I hooked up my Polk PSW1000 to [or thru] it, the sound was severely hampered. The sub is now plugged into the wall with a nice power cord upgrade.

Paul.Cox

Thanks for the comments. It would seem the affect is related to the quality of the power. Am interested that it has solved some issues with speaker humm - I have a small humm from by speakers.

cheers

Polk65

As hinted, power is also important. Consider changing a 15A circuit to 20A.