Garebear, as you can see, your question's not so dumb. There may be differences among some manufacturers using these terms Bill_k says it best; power conditioner seems to be a blanket term which includes active and passive units. The active unit is a regenerator cleaning the AC line voltage by converting it to a DC sinewave and then outputting clean AC to the components. Passive uses capacitors and other proprietary electronics to remove dirty line noise and lower the noise floor. In the Classifieds, the "AC Conditioners" listed are active and passive units, but are largely active units(regenerators). |
Gary,
Maybe I'm wrong, but this is the way I understand it:
- Power Regenerator - takes the AC from the wall, converts it to DC and then creates its own AC.
- Power Conditioner - takes the AC from the wall and conditions it, for example, filters RFI/EMI, etc.
- Power Distribution - an outlet strip.
Chuck |
There may be differences among some manufacturers using these terms, but generally speaking a power distribution unit provides multiple outlets without any significant filtering for noise reduction. Power conditioners usually have some mechanism for filtering and removing noise from the powerline, and some also provide a degree of isolation between the outlets. Power conditioners can be passive in design using mostly capacitors and inductors to filter and isolate, or active regenerators which create a clean power sinewave from a DC power supply. Some active conditioners also use passive filters to provide individual filtering and isolation between outlets. Each design type has its advantages and proponents as well as some limitations. |
A Power conditioner adds unwanted colorations into the system. Power Distribution normally will not. Good Day. |
Garebear, as you can see, your question's not so dumb. There may be differences among some manufacturers using these terms Bill_k says it best; power conditioner seems to be a blanket term which includes active and passive units. The active unit is a regenerator cleaning the AC line voltage by converting it to a DC sinewave and then outputting clean AC to the components. Passive uses capacitors and other proprietary electronics to remove dirty line noise and lower the noise floor. In the Classifieds, the "AC Conditioners" listed are active and passive units, but are largely active units(regenerators). Power distribution units have multiple outlets usually with some filtering incorporated. That's my understanding of the different devices. |
"DC sinewave " No such thing
It converts it to dc and then takes the dc and creates a sinewave |
that's true. And then outputs clean AC. My bad. |
Thank you as the original OP - what comapnies / brands would be a good place to start for pasive line conditioners ???? |
The Blue Circle PLC (powerline conditioner) Thingee FX2 does a remarkable job of lowering the noise floor for a very reasonable price. And I see they've added a higher level unit on the website. (they're funny looking, but they work). Their retailer is at http://www.tlp-audio.com/powerConditioners.phphttp://www.bluecircle.com/page151.html |
Another way to go is to check out a used Furman Elite Series power conditioner. This is an active conditioner with surge protection. There are separately filtered outlets for analogue and digital sources; an important feature.
I've seen them sell for about $700-800 in the classifieds. |
I second the Blue Circle PLC Thingee. Using my Zu Mission PCs, I couldn't detect a lessening of the soundstage or dynamics using it or going directly to the wall outlet.
With it in place, there was a lowering of the noise floor. It didn't appear to negatively effect anything. What was obvious was a cleaner TV picture as well.
All the best,
Nonoise |
...hello again, and I would like to restart this thread as the OP and if no responses I will possibly start a new one as I would appreciate any opinions on the Silver Circle products - the 5.0Se or the Tchaik 6 in particular ....... |
Start a new thread since now you are asking for advise on power conditioner/regenerators. If you have a high quality system, this is what you should be looking for. |
....hello Lowrider57 ....and thank you for yuor response. Are you speaking from personal experience on the Silver Circle products ???? |
No, Garebear. Just reading the excellent reviews. I think a new thread that is specifically asking about power conditioner/regenerators will get you replies. List your system and budget.
Also there are many for sale used in the classifieds. |
I ended up purchasing the Silver Circle 5.0SE - and I will say it has made a nice musical change to my system .... very organic sound.....it has '' cleaned '' the sound up |
I have a Silver Circle 5.0, and agree with your findings in my system as well. But how could you pick the damn thing up, it weighs more than anything in my system! |
