Power Conditioners Recommendations

Retailed at about $1300. 20 amp. 70+ lbs. Isolation transformer. No relation.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Powervar-ABC2000-11-Power-Conditioner_W0QQitemZ140294874138QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item140294874138&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

IMO, Shunyata Hydra is the way to go. I've had Monsters, PS Audio Ultimate Outlets, Quietline filters, and the Hydra is the only one that doen't limit dynamics and made a BIG improvement on everything, from large amps, to digital, to TV. Just amazing.

Used Hydra 2's for $250, new right now at Music Direct or Dedicated Audio for $320. But the Hydra 2 has only 2 outlets. In a pinch, though less satisfactory, you could use a high quality power bar attached to it. Other Hydras are more.

Ngjockey, there are others too and they work well. Some have power regulation and surge protection. Seems to me that they act as one big filter without killing speed and dynamics. I don't think I have seen anyone post on this before. I have seen pictures of big iso tranny's in a garage hooked up to dedicated lines. Looked bigger than 70 lbs. I won't be going there however.

Jp1208,

When you look at critical applications in laboratory, medical and industrial/commercial, there is virtually no question. They use transformers. For the latter, it is often step-down transformers that serve dual purpose and they're quite common.

Generally, I prefer core type transformers to toroidal because they are more effective filters but it's often a question of packaging. Occasionally, but not typically, they can have a mechanical hum which is one reason, along with aesthetics, they are installed remotely.

If you want regulation, look at Sola Hevi-duty, but they're not cheap.

I have a 120 lb, 5KVA, GE step-down in a closet, with a subpanel, that's fed 240V and creatively wired to supply balanced (60+/60-) AC to dual, bridged amps. It cost $100 off Ebay and $150 for shipping. A third, 1600W bass amp is direct to the wall. Also, a smaller (500VA) iso for the CDP. Dead quiet. The TVC passive line stage also provides some galvanic isolation.

Ngjockey, that is pretty impressive arsenal. You have taken this much further than most. Right now I am using a 1500w step-down with regulation to a dedicated circuit. Seems you have added your own regulation or the best possible regulation by feeding the 240 directly into the step-down.