Power cords or power conditioner


I’m at a cross roads and I’m looking for some advice from those have have gone down this road. I recently added a 2 channel integrated amplifier to improve my 2 channel performance. I had been using my Datasat LS-10 for music and while it sounded really nice, it was missing the depth and clarity that I know my speakers are capable of. My speakers are KEF Reference 3s, rest of my 2 channel set is is as follows:

Luxman L 509x

Luxman D-03x

Roon Nucleus Plus

Lumin U2 Mini

Transparent Audio Super speaker cables

Nordorst Red Dawn XLR, Blue Heaven USB

Wire World Platinum USB

All power cables are DYI using Oyaide Tsunami V2 cable

So what I feel I am missing is that 3D holographic sound stage. It was there with the Luxman 509 when I demo’d it, but I am unable to get that experience at my house. I feel that majority of equipment is up to the task but I am curious if I should ad a top shelf power condtioner like a Shunyata Triton or Torus AVR20 into the system or replace my Intergrated’s power cord with a Shunyata Alpha NC? I’m getting tapped out, so for now it can only be one or the other.

Or should I skip the above and focus on room treatments?

wheelndeal1099

AZ Silver Ref II is a great cabie! I had these and the hologram speaker cables. As a matter of fact I had Matrix Ref II, Silver II, Absolute Copper (currently in my system). Had Lee’s Satori, Hologram and Satori shotgun speaker cables. You will like it. AZ needs a good break in of 200hrs minimum based on my experience.

Not to throw another dimension into the mix, but I recently sent my USB reclocker device (Innuos PhoenixUSB) from Innuos back to have the USB connector replaced due to a somewhat loose connection.  I bought the unit earlier this year as a store demo so I guess the loose connection is a result of that.  Hopefully they repair it under warranty.

I mention this because I’m absolutely floored by how much I miss not having the device in my system.  I don’t think I realized how much of a difference it made.  In particular higher frequency detail is clobbered, making snare drums and “air” seem rolled off and restrained.  I’m noticing less soundstage depth for sure.

It’s crazy to think that I have all this excellent gear but I can’t be happy with it without this one USB reclocker device, having become used to my system’s performance with the device in the chain.  Ultra premium streamers wouldn’t need benefit from such a device, but wow I sure miss not having it in my system!  I hope to get it back soon.

I recommend you either place the system in a better room or make the room you have acoustically neutral. You might have audio being canceled out due to reflections. I doubt the problem is with power.  I use a cheap power conditioner from Tripplight that serves me well.  You have excellent equipment. I'm Jealous. You can have the best in electronics sound crummy in a room that is not suited for it.

I recommend you either place the system in a better room or make the room you have acoustically neutral. 

@pcrhkr : great advice! Please post a picture of your system here under “Systems”. I am eager to learn from you. I am guessing you have your own dedicated audio room, with a lot of acoustic panels? I would love to see what you have accomplished with your room. Thank you