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Do I need a power conditioner?

I’m in the process of dropping a dedicated 20 amp circuit or 2 into the music room.
So if I have a dedicated circuit for the amp, and a dedicated circuit for everything else,
is a conditioner useful?
I have several fairly decent systems going that I tweek and retweek.
Just got around to upgrading cables. Avoided conditioners because, in general, they dampen the presentation.
Was using a PS Audio PPP for low power components. But fell for the Shunyata spiel.
Plugged in a Hydra 4 with a Python Helix and was very happy with how it cleaned up the Zu Druids.
Seems high sensitivity speakers maybe reveal the grunge also.
Moved it to my system with the Martin Logans and the presentation seemed a bit lean and just a bit lifeless, using just copperhead cable to Hydra. (using all Pangea to get from the Hydra to other components.)
Then I put a Black Mamba from Classe amp straight to the wall and Wow! Single most significant tweek ever for me.
So I’m thinking, maybe I don’t need the Denali I ordered if I just use a couple dedicated circuits and some Shunyata power cords everywhere.
Opinions?
Thanks. :)
leotis
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
420 posts
 

Once, early on I had a rig set up for getting high quality CDR's from LP's. I had no power filters of any kind. When playing back the CDR, there was noise in the sound field of the CDR. I could almost hear a faint radio station. I had a "noise sniffer" and it confirmed a very noisy AC line. I bought a Monster Power conditioner. I put it in the chain and did the dub again. On playback, the noise was gone.

  Another scenario; I had an Adcom power amp (GF5800, I think). Everytime I powered it up in the winter, the tiny amount of static that I discharged on my audio rack, would cause my Adcoms' overload light to come on. It would go back out BUT I didn't want this happening. I bought a PS Audio power filter. After putting it in the chain, the issue with the Adcom was gone! The results don't always have to have a very audible benefit to justify having one. Cheers. Joe

leotis OP
182 posts
 
I got the Equitech 2RQ.
Apparently it is a little hard to find a unit in stock anywhere, but I managed this one. I believe I was told usually takes 4-6 weeks to get one. They have multiple models. I am led to believe the 1.5 R "Son of Q" and the 2RQ are the most requested, and most likely to be in stock somewhere.
leotis OP
182 posts
 
Again Audiogon forum comes through. Previously I had asked about turntables and ended up with GEM PolyTable, Hana cartridge and Sutherland phono stage. Products I had never heard of but which are clearly better than what I had originally planned on getting.
Likewise, I had never heard of balanced power or Equitech.
Hopefully I am equally pleased with the outcome this time.
Thanks to everyone for all the advice.
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
Congratulations on the 2RQ, that's a very nice unit. It is clear from all of the comments here that there are a lot of misconceptions about the power that drives our systems. No one is at fault, it just takes a lot of research to understand it. Please let us know your impressions of the Equi=Tech.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,640 posts
 
Leotis,  congratulations on your purchase. Many years ago I purchased the Q2 balance power unit. I still have it and it still works great. One upgrade that comes to mind that you could do anytime is put the outlets of your choice into the unit. That will definitely improve the sound.
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