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Power conditioners and amp dynamics???

I know the rule of thumb is to plug one's power amp into the wall outlet, preferably a dedicated line, but in my case, my electrical sytem is very prone to brown outs, black outs, and all manner of power interruptions and surges on a weekly basis (all the power lines in my neighborhood run underground, have insulation that is ancient, and my power is impacted every time it rains). Given this scenario, can you guys give me a short list of power conditioners that would protect my large (125W) solid state power amp from these problems and, to your ears, not restrict dynamics?
mp666
klama2006
10 posts
 
I'm also interested in reading opinions.

I'm personally running a Monster Cable HTS3500, with a set of Moretto KT-88 mono-blocks.

I have also read that power conditioners can degrade the overall sound, but this has not been my experience with my above mentioned configuration.

I do not hear any difference in dynamics, but can attest that my system is now dead quite with the system paused, I can literally stick my ear up to my tweeter and not hear any hiss.

I feel that in my modest system, the HTS3550 has provided an improvement.

I have also read that the HTS3500 is not a true power conditioner, but more or less a filter.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
I'd look for balanced power transforers/systems. They can yield up to 120dB common mode noise rejection while providing multi-kilovolt protection from lightening, surges, brown-outs, etc. Many have added filters to remove further noise without limiting dynamics.

Beware though, many cheap (and high priced) "conditioners do have a negative effect in certain systems. The best I've heard about are:

Exact Power

Equi=Tech - big players in the pro audio and TV industry.

Richard Grey Power - I personally had his Powerstation 400 and Pole Pig in my system and they wored wonders. I have a terrible 60/120Hz hum or buzz in my AC line and the RGPC units had my system sounding dead quiet. Of course, I have low power SET amps, so my current demands are nothing like yours.
starcon
98 posts
 
shunyata hydra 2's are specificially made for you situation. You do have to unplug and replug after a power failure/surge but there great. I use two of them on my Mac MC501's in Fl where our power truly sucks!
teajay
1,690 posts
 
Mp666, I run two sets of monoblocks( Pass Labs XA-100's and Threshold SA-1's) through a Running Springs Audio Jaco line conditioner with great benefits with no loss of microdynamics/slam/punch at all.

I posted a review on the Jaco here on the GON, which will provide the details that piece would offer you in your system.
tripper
223 posts
 
Audioprism makes or made line conditioners of great value and they do not restrict power.
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