Purchasing new: Furman Power Elite series with power factor technology. Used: the Reference series 15 would be an excellent choice. I own a big Mac and I notice no compression with the Ref 15: The Ref series has an isolation transformer for 2 outlets and 4 power factor outlets so it can deliver more amps on demand that the elite series so your krell amp won't be limited. The eliite 15 has been around for 12 years so you should be able to pick a used 1 up for your price range. You can consider the higher end Monster Power units like the HTPS 7000: Level 5 noise reduction and 4 high power outlets: New it listed for $1300. Used I am sure it would be $600 or less . The Niagara units and Furman pieces are designed by Garth Powell who is 1 of the leading design engineers for power products so Furman would my 1st choice.
Sub $1k Power Conditioners? Any Assistance Appreciated...
Hey guys,
I’m not new to the hobby but am getting back in after a decade or so hiatus. Two channel guy looking for a sub $1k power conditioner for my system. Have used multiple PS products in the past and loved them but their offerings today are too rich for my blood at the moment.
I’m seeing a lot of positive reviews on the AQ Niagara line and the 1200 falls into my fiduciary wheelhouse. It seems to me there’s much more movement these days towards plugging the amp directly into the wall vs any sort of power conditioner except the top of the line units, presumably to avoid limiting current. I’m using, at the moment, a Krell S-300i integrated and would prefer the peace of mind of surge protection.
I’ve always liked the component style aesthetic but, of course, performance and value first. Any recommendations aside from the Niagara or is that where I should be looking? I’m not at all adverse to buying used.
Thanks!
I’m not new to the hobby but am getting back in after a decade or so hiatus. Two channel guy looking for a sub $1k power conditioner for my system. Have used multiple PS products in the past and loved them but their offerings today are too rich for my blood at the moment.
I’m seeing a lot of positive reviews on the AQ Niagara line and the 1200 falls into my fiduciary wheelhouse. It seems to me there’s much more movement these days towards plugging the amp directly into the wall vs any sort of power conditioner except the top of the line units, presumably to avoid limiting current. I’m using, at the moment, a Krell S-300i integrated and would prefer the peace of mind of surge protection.
I’ve always liked the component style aesthetic but, of course, performance and value first. Any recommendations aside from the Niagara or is that where I should be looking? I’m not at all adverse to buying used.
Thanks!
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- 42 posts total
I’m liking my AQ 1200 as well. As someone stated before, it seems to give me a quieter, blacker background. It is rather large and heavy but it is hidden behind a couch. Also using the AQ thunder cable to my amp, as well as several AQ X3’s for sources. To run the 1200 from the wall I’m using an AQ Z3 cable. A cheaper option but seemingly very good is the Furman PST-8. I'm using that for my tape deck, dac, phono stage etc.... |
I have the Furman ELITE-15 DMi. My power is really stable at house but I just wanted to have the peace of mind with protection in place. I been running this unit for years and its a solid piece of equipment. It’s only been tripped/shutdown twice. Once I came home and it was tripped so not sure what caused it. The other time I was having some work done on the house years ago and crew caused some kind of surge and it tripped. I have done multiple tests with my amp plugged into the wall and the Furman and I notice no degradation by going through the Elite - 15. I think you could purchase any modern Furman product used and if you are not satisfied , easily sell it for not much loss. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa2j3d-furman-elite-15-pfi-open-box-ac-conditioners Several on EBAY as well |
When adding the AQ Niagara 1200 to my system there was an immediate difference in blacker background on all music and added depth & slam in the bass and sub-bass range. I use AQ Monsoon power cable from the wall to the Niagara 1200 and AQ Tornado power cables for my main electronics. That said, keep in mind that the Niagara requires you to also buy the AC power cable from wall to unit. It does not come with a power cable so the user can choose the level of quality as well as length for their needs. I also highly recommend that you replace your wall outlet with an AQ NRG Edison Duplex wall outlet. The $2 outlets that homes are built with is a weak point for connecting/delivering all of the current from romex to the connected device. |
- 42 posts total