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Richard Gray's 400 Pro = Emperor's New Clothes??

Category: Accessories

I just purchased (for $800) a Richard Gray's Power Company 400 Pro. I was not in the market for an AC filter, but when I purchased a new system the dealer gave me a hard, hard sell, promising wonders. This is a reputable dealer, so I trusted him, and he gave me a week to try it out. After using the device for a week, and after ensuring the new system (all Rotel with a Rega TT) was broken in, I followed the manufacturer's instructions to demonstrate the effectiveness of the device (ie. plug the decide into a jack on the circuit and all other components into a power strip) then pulled the plug on the 400. Nothing. Despite trying a variety of source material, I could not hear ANY difference with the 400 in or out. I do not have a tin ear and have been able to discern differences with various interconnects, etc., but this device registered no change whatsoever. I'm returning it to the dealer today. Anyone else have a similar experience? Views?
robreuland
dlwask
270 posts
 
I used to run a RGPC 400 mkII on several of my components. I now have them...gasp...plugged straight into the wall sockets. They are on a 20A dedicated circuit though. Sounds great, perhaps even better than before.

I compared the 400 to a Shunyata Hydra 2. The sound with the Hydra 2 in place was MUCH more favorable. AC line conditioners/filters are very system (actually household wireing is more accurate) dependent.

Thats my $0.02.
elb's avatar
elb
100 posts
 
I like mine.
spraglow
32 posts
 
I used to own RGPC 400 MkII and it resulted in a better focus but slightly leaner sound. It did great things to video/tv but I sold it having hard time to justify its sonic.

Later I got the original RGPC400 and it had zero effect/benefit like it wasn't there at all.

I agree, Shunyata might be better.
newmanoc
295 posts
 
I agree with Dlwask. It all depends on the quality of power coming into your house and the quality of internal circuits. I could not hear any difference when I tried the 400 Pro in my system, but I have dedicated lines and plug staight into the wall. Others do find a difference and I don't doubt them or their ears. But I suspect many of these would find far less, if any, difference if they had dedicated lines. It is definitely the first place to start with power issues, and actually usually costs about half what a RG 400 Pro does.
robreuland OP
11 posts
 
Newman -- By "dedicated line," do you mean a single circuit? My system is on a single circuit with a 15A breaker shared by no other outlets in the house. Perhaps that's why my AC seems clean.
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