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Perfect Path Tecnologies ‘The Gate’

Having been a music lover and audio enthusiast for more decades than I care to admit to I’ve had the privilege of owning some tremendous components over those years and thought I had attained a level of musical enjoyment that would be difficult to improve upon without spending more money than I could afford. Then along came The Gate to turn my audio conceptions on end. 

While I was quite skeptical of all of the positive proclamations regarding the Perfect Path mats, cards and contact enhancer ( how could they possibly bring about such sonic improvements?) I took the plunge and purchased a nano bundle to see what the hubbub was all about. Much to my surprise they not only brought about improvements to my systems’ ability to recreate a more musical sound but did so in spades. 

When Tim of Perfect Path Technologies asked if I wanted to try his new product, The Gate, I jumped at the chance thinking it would be a nice addition to what the other products provided. I wasn’t prepared for the quantum leap The Gate brought to my music listening pleasure. As much as the other products brought about a much lower noise floor, greater detail and delicacy, improved dynamics, richer tone and more realism The Gate does so in magnitudes difficult to describe. The best way I can describe its affect is unreal purity leading the most realistic musical sound I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.....outside of a live performance obviously. It has me listening to all of my CD’s as if for the first time again.

I have no idea how The Gate actually works or what it does I just know it’s the most dramatic tweak to my system I’ve ever experienced and I wouldn’t think of being without it. As to how it’s implemented, it’s installed in the electrical panel with one lead connected to the common buss and the other to a breaker ( preferably 220). Hope I got the terminology correct.....I’m far from being an electrician!

At $4,999.00 it’s not cheap but worth every penny to me as I’ve spent more on components with less sonic improvement. 

Lastly, I realize some will scoff at something they can’t understand and I get not understanding it as I don’t, but I would hope people could keep their skepticism healthy and civil. I am not here to promote or sell, nor do I have any affiliation with PPT. I am only sharing something that I’ve found to be transforming in my system. Sorry for the lengthy introduction.
128x128mac48025
walterslw's avatar
walterslw
10 posts
 
I have recently become a believer in the goodness that comes from PPT products. I have used the TC paste on my entire system, including AC lines @ the breaker, and at the outlets of my 2x 20A lines, as well as tube pins, and internal power connectors within all of my components. Additionally, I have an Omega Mat at the breaker box, and 10 e-cards distributed between my DAC, Pre amp, and transformers on my tube power amp. I will be writing up a review shortly, but due to a recent power tube failure, I needed to re-tube my amp, and I wanted to ensure the new KT150s are fully broken in prior to doing so. But so far, the improvement is not subtle.... In fact, and as reported from others, my system sounds just as good at 5:00 pm ET as it does at 11:00 pm. Normally my system would sound like ass at 5:00 pm, not any more...

With the above in mind, my question revolves around the use of ’The Gate’

I am contemplating the purchase of either ’The Gate’ or a PS Audio P20 re-generator. I cannot afford to do both, but am wondering if there are any folks out there who have experience with both. What will provide the biggest bang for my dollar? I used to own a Power Plant Premiere (which admittedly was one of PS Audio’s worst re-generators from a reliability perspective). Mine died after 5 years of use (but since I bought used) I didn’t see the point of paying to get it repaired. Where I live, THD on the power line was never greater than about 3.6%. Question is, which helps produce better sound. A P20 regenerator that will lower output impedance and reduce or completely eliminate THD, or the Gate, that will significantly reduce noise, but likely not help the output impedance at the outlet, or reduce THD???? Anyone have both?

Thanks in advance.
Lou
mac48025's avatar
mac48025 OP
672 posts
 
Good question Lou and congrats on your PPT success. 

While I don’t have any experience with the newer PS Audio regenerators I prefer the sound of my system without any power conditioning since installing the Gate. I tried my old PS Audio P300 and a brand new Equitech Son of Q before and after installing the Gate and noticed an uptick in dynamics and overall fluidity with the Gate alone. Now I have two heavy power conditioners collecting dust!

My guess is that you’d be better served with adding the Gate. I’m sure the re-generator would bring about a nice sound improvement but I believe the Gate will bring about an even greater improvement......without any current limitations. Another advantage of the Gate is that all of your electronics in the house will benefit, my TV and computer screens have never looked better.
walterslw's avatar
walterslw
10 posts
 
Thanks Mac,   That is what I figured.   Hoping some others to chime in here as well ;-)


fleschler
2,008 posts
 
My experience with the Bryston BIT 20 isolation transformer (no Gate) is that it smeared the sound and was slow sounding until I replaced the stock power cord with a high end cord.  Bryston engineers informed me that their cord was specially designed for the unit-not!  Does anyone have experience with isolation transformers and the Gate as opposed to power conditioners?

oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
waltersl ...

My recommendation is to go with The Gate.

I've gotten reports from some Gate users that their sound has improved by removing their power conditioner after installing The Gate. My approach was a bit different.

Months prior to receiving and installing The Gate, I took my Sound Application power conditioner apart and used the TC paste to paste the entire interior of the power conditioner, including the inside of the lid. It took an entire tube of TC paste to accomplish the job. The result (after a few days of breaking in) was a very significantly improved overall SQ. 

After installing The Gate, I left the power conditioner in the system because I don't have enough outlets for the entire system. The power conditioner is plugged into a two-outlet wall receptacle. The turntable is plugged into the second outlet. The outlets have also been treated with TC. 

As good as the "modified" power conditioner was, The combination of the treated power conditioner and The Gate has provided clarity, musicality and a three-dimensional presentation that is absolutely stunning. 

Here's the power conditioner I use:

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/revequip/soundapplication_xe12s.htm

Hope this helps ...

Frank
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