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Thoughts on balanced power

I have decided that my next system upgrade will be focused on AC power. I currently use a Furman Elite 15 PFi for all components except my amp which is plugged direct to the wall. I am considering balanced power and therefore have been researching Equi-Tech, BPT (which unfortunately I believe is now out of business)  and Furman. I have pretty much settled on the Furman P-2400 it, due to the reputation of Furman in the industry and price. I would like to get feedback from anyone who has one of these units. I would also like to hear from anyone using balanced power and your impressions. In addition, I am wondering about plugging an amp into this unit as opposed to direct to the wall. I am running a Plinius SA-103 which is solid state in class A/B for casual listening and class A for serious listening. I bring this topic up because my search turned up a lot of older posts but not much recent. Thank you.  
128x128falconquest
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falconquest OP
1,108 posts
 
I would love to get some feedback from anyone who has experience with both Equi=tech and Furman balanced power units. Ha! I sent an email to a commercial sound reinforcement company that is listed as a Furman dealer a couple of hours from my home. They are listed as a dealer on the Furman website and specialize in audio for gymnasiums, churches and auditoriums. Without going into details the owner of the company basically told me to F'off. He has great disdain for "audiophiles". But offered to consult with me for $120.00 per hour. Geez, I hope he enjoys the sound in his gym! I just wanted to get some feedback on the Furman P-2400it. I received the Maestro outlet today and it is now installed. Now to get the panel wired....

coli
291 posts
 
The 240V balanced to 120V balanced equitech units (those that are 3kVA and above) are the best you can do without doing 240v balanced directly off the street transformer to your equiptment. The 120v unbalanced to 120V balanced is a compromise but still very good .

Equitech is not audiophile.

When it comes to balanced power, look at the weight of the transformer.
keithr
1,306 posts
 
I've had great experiences with Torus and they do a lot more new stuff than Equitech
falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,108 posts
 
Coli - I find your comments interesting. You say Equi=tech is not "audiophile" not sure what you meant by that comment and would appreciate a clarification. The Furman weighs 90 lbs. and the Equi=tech 2RQ weighs 72 lbs. The Furman is priced at $2400.00 while the 2RQ is at $4300.00. This is why I'm leaning toward the Furman. I don't see what more I am getting for $1900 dollars in the Equi=tech.
lp2cd
101 posts
 
A quick note. I personally doubt that, under ordinary conditions, one would be able to perceive any significant difference between the Furhman P-2400 IT and the comparable Equi=Tech Model 2RQ. Undoubtedly the Furhman is both less expensive and more available. Equi=Tech is almost exclusively pro gear, and Martin claims to be the guy that introduced the concept of using balanced AC in critical applications years ago, but at this point that might not make enough difference to be concerned with.

A couple of other notes: When searching for dealers on the Furman site, one might be better off using the "Home Theater" option. The dealers one finds might be a little more friendly and the gear will be the same. Also, do note that the plug on both of them (I believe) is a NEMA 5-20 and they are designed for 20 amp circuits. Make sure your receptacle can accept it.

Lastly, Equi=Tech claims the current ratings of their transformers is very conservative. I believe it. If your system will run well on one 15 amp circuit, and most will, a 15 amp rated Equi-Tech transformer will not throttle the current flow AFAICT. Likewise for their 20 amp equipment.
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