Jaytor, I can't answer all your questions, but I will let you know that I recently purchased a Balanced Power Technology BPT-2 (2000 watt) conditioner from member dealer Underwoodwally and it has made an amazing improvement in my system. I am not using high powered amps, just an ARC CA50 45 watt integrated, but I plug that plus my REL sub and all my front end equipment (4 source components plus a small tubed headphone amp) into it and the sound is just great. The ARC is a tube integrated and needs lots of headroom, but the BPT-2 provides it and more. The whole thing with some internal upgrades cost me $980 brand new. It has 8 outlets. There are other models, both smaller and larger, at comparable pricing. I would recommend you call Walter (Underwoodwally) and discuss your requirements and see what he has. There is also a website for BPT, but I don't remember the exact name.
Power Conditioner - balanced power hookup?
Hi folks -
I'm setting up a new home theater and would like to consider using a power conditioner (or more than one). I've read some of the past threads on this subject, but I'm still a little confused. Specifically, how useful is using balanced power, and how do you deal with high powered amps.
My system will have the following components:
Several source components including Proceed DVD player, sat/hd receiver, tivo, etc.
Anthem AVM20 processor
Krell FPB300 for main L/R
Krell KAV-250a bridged for center channel
Anthem MCA5 for surround channels
Hsu Research 500W sub amp
Rane PE-17 sub equalizer
Marantz VP-12S2 DLP projector
Pioneer PDP-505JD plasma display
All equipment other than the Krell FPB300, Marantz projector and Pioneer Plasma are contained in an equipment rack. The Krell is located about 15ft away close to the speakers.
I have several dedicated 20Amp lines wired to outlets near the equipment rack and another near the Krell.
Does it make sense to use a power conditioner (or more than one) on all this equipment, or should I focus on just the source components (and perhaps the video displays)? If just the source components, can I still use a conditioner with balanced power? Does this impose any specific grounding requirements (either for AC or for interconnects)? If all components, I assume I need multiple conditioners since all this gear will draw more juice than one 20A circuit can provide. If this is the case, can balanced power conditioners still be used? Are they desirable for high power amps? How is grounding handled between multiple balanced power conditioners?
I know I'm asking a lot of questions and thank you in advance for your advice. Specific recommendations on power conditioner equipment (and reasons why) would be greatly appreciated.
I would like to get away with $1K for power conditioning equipment, but would consider $2-3K if justified. I'm happy to buy used.
Thanks,
Jay
I'm setting up a new home theater and would like to consider using a power conditioner (or more than one). I've read some of the past threads on this subject, but I'm still a little confused. Specifically, how useful is using balanced power, and how do you deal with high powered amps.
My system will have the following components:
Several source components including Proceed DVD player, sat/hd receiver, tivo, etc.
Anthem AVM20 processor
Krell FPB300 for main L/R
Krell KAV-250a bridged for center channel
Anthem MCA5 for surround channels
Hsu Research 500W sub amp
Rane PE-17 sub equalizer
Marantz VP-12S2 DLP projector
Pioneer PDP-505JD plasma display
All equipment other than the Krell FPB300, Marantz projector and Pioneer Plasma are contained in an equipment rack. The Krell is located about 15ft away close to the speakers.
I have several dedicated 20Amp lines wired to outlets near the equipment rack and another near the Krell.
Does it make sense to use a power conditioner (or more than one) on all this equipment, or should I focus on just the source components (and perhaps the video displays)? If just the source components, can I still use a conditioner with balanced power? Does this impose any specific grounding requirements (either for AC or for interconnects)? If all components, I assume I need multiple conditioners since all this gear will draw more juice than one 20A circuit can provide. If this is the case, can balanced power conditioners still be used? Are they desirable for high power amps? How is grounding handled between multiple balanced power conditioners?
I know I'm asking a lot of questions and thank you in advance for your advice. Specific recommendations on power conditioner equipment (and reasons why) would be greatly appreciated.
I would like to get away with $1K for power conditioning equipment, but would consider $2-3K if justified. I'm happy to buy used.
Thanks,
Jay
6 responses Add your response