2. misc-audio
  3. 1127269755

Any experience w/ exact power line conditioner

This conditioner was recommended to me for my front end components. It was recommended as being on the more sweet (if you will) side of the fence, adding possibly a little more flesh on the bones to the general sound of a given system. Has any one had the opportunity to hear or had any experience w/ this unit. I have 17 years in this hobby but do not have any first hand experiece w/ line conditioning products. I am open minded but liked how this units characteristics were described to me. Also have interest in running springs, and audiophile APS, although I know this is a different type of power line product. Any feedback is appreciated as always.
fjn04
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
OK, then I take it you have separate dedicated circuits for both your FE stuff along the side wall and your amps at the front?

In that situation, you probably don't really need the regenerator unit (EP) unless the power in your area (the 120 voltage) fluctuates a lot. This you can check with a simple Radio Shack voltmeter, checking it at different times of the day and night (with your system running.) If it stays between 119 and 123, you're OK.

I would recommend you plug the amps directly into the wall, and get the ExactPower SP-15A for the FE stuff. It has all the necessary power line filtering, plus separate filtered outlets for digital equipment (primarily your DAC or CDP.) And balanced power provides performance improvements for front end equipment that nothing else can do; both in reduced noise and better sonics. If you have tube amps, using a regenerator unit like the EP-15A will provide constant voltage and 60 cycle which will allow the amps operational stability.

The EP-15A is a unique device, so far not copied by other manufacturers. It uses an amplifier with feedback to constantly monitor the line voltage and adjust it as necessary.

In my sytem (I'm in an apartment) I managed to find one unused 20A circuit which feeds the EP regenerator. It supplies the amp, both powered speakers, and a powered sub. It also supplies (through a 15 foot 10 gauge power cord) the SP unit which is near my FE and which feeds balanced power to that stuff. This is the setup recommended by ExactPower, and it works beautifully.

With my whole system turned on and running, Levinson amp and everything, the power regenerator only shows a draw of 450 W! So unless you have tube amps, or fluctuating voltage from your power company, you should do fine with just the SP unit for your FE.
pardales
652 posts
 
I currently have a system consisting of a Audio Aero Prima DAC, Marantz SACD player, Pass 250.5 amp, Apple Powerbook, and 2 hard drives. Currently I have a Chang Lightpeed conditioner (2 years ago model that retailed for $399--model 3200, I believe). Would the Exactpower EP-15A be a significant improvment for my system, do you think? Thanks,
terryakhan's avatar
terryakhan
109 posts
 
The Exact Power units has managed to correct my 'hum' problem. This was a small hum that can only be heard app 2 ft away from the speakers. I have been plagued for years and tried many things and suggestions from manufacturers. Some worked and eventually my hum returns.
This fix was by pure accident.
Suggestions are that digital and analogue components for best results should not be plugged into the same line. Fearlessly. I set up the voltage regulator EP 15A to feed the isolation transformer unit SP 15A, plugged digital units to the SP and analogue units to the EP.
No sound can be heard out of the speakers any more and sonicly bass rhythm has improved tremendouly. Voices has been fleshed out. Systems is more revealing. My next step is to experiment with the power cords.
More to discover