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Blue Circle's PLC -2 Thingee conditioner versus Transparent Audio PLC 6 conditioner???:

Looking at two power line conditioners under $400 on sale.  The Blue Circle PL-2 Thingee conditioner and the Transparent Audio PL-2 # 6   conditioner.  The Blue Circle has received a few good reviews, especially Good Sound which was impressed by the: improved sound: that is:  blacker background for music, lower noise floor, better imaging and focus. I have  found little about the .Transparent Audio conditioner which has a more traditional appearance and layout.  I have concerns about the design of Blue Circle  unit which embeds the circuits and outlets in a 5 inch metal tube that is filled with silicon for improved  isolation against vibration.  

The review claimed that the unit gives off a pungent odor because of the silicon crystal insulation.  I am not sure that is not a health hazard along with the  potential  toxicity of the silicon.    Need some feed back about the effectiveness of both products, and the bizarre design and build of the Blue Circle unit.    Thank you

sunnyjim
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

I did buy the Blue Circle PLC  Thingee (I wish they would change the model name because it is really) stupid.  Fortunately, I have no complaints.  I does seem to eliminate RFI noise and broadcast interference, but I don't know  how one would measure that, except  that I live in new apartment complex in downtown Los Angeles which probably has appliance going on and off night and day. 

However, I did notice some compression of the sound and a less tighter bass.. I have been advised by several people that any PLC may remove RFI, but also compress the signal.

I would use it on the my LG TV and cable box if I could get it closer to them but why bother to see the Bachelor or The Voice with better definition and  color.  My only hope is the BC PLC  could make some cable shows and movies sharper and brighter which I am told is  strongly related to the  software used by the cable company to save money. 

  

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
@sunnyjim, did you buy the Thingee FX2 or the X0e model? I've owned both and noticed a lower noise floor, increased inner detail, and a more open sound. The X0e model increased the low-end detail.

The only time I noticed compressed dynamics was when my amp was plugged into the unit. For best results, only use the Thingee for low-current components.
For my amp, I use some of the BC power filters.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

LR57.  I bought the FX2 because it was less money.  I have a Rogue Sphinx  integrated amp which 100 RMS. I am not sure that would qualify as a low current component.  However, I am sure you are referring to CD players, tuners, DAC's  turntables, or speed boxes as low current devices. 


Thanks for the heads up about the BC power filters, I wish manufacturer would explain the application and use  of these devices to buyers before they ship.


Are the BC power filters, those devices that are shaped like a cherry bomb, or a small version of  FX2??   I will check their website 

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
@sunnyjim
Even though BC states that an amp can use the Thingee w/o any sonic degradation, I have found that is not the case. Many manufacturers say to plug the amp into their PC’s, but other members’ have found that passive PC’s affect the sonics of the amp.

I have my Thingee FX2 X0e plugged into the wall, then a Furman power strip is connected. Low-current components are plugged in; preamp, CDP, tuner, TT. (Although in many cases digital should have it’s own line).

My amp is plugged into the wall and I am using (2) BC 86 mk5 filters which plug into the same outlet. That way they clean the AC line and the amp does not run thru the filters. They really lowered the noise floor. They’re also known as Noisehounds.
BC also makes Sillycone Filters, which have higher filtering, but are more expensive.

You can contact Walt at TLP Audio if you have questions, but I like that my amp doesn’t plug into any conditioner or filter.
http://www.tlp-audio.com/powerConditioners.php
mesch
3,512 posts
 
I like the approach taken by lr57. I have my power amp, preamp, and digital components on separate lines (3 lines). I only use a  power conditioner for the digital components. I will check into the BC 86 mk5 filters. Thanks! 

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