Does power conditioning really matter?


I have a friend who is setting up a budget system with a nice hi def plasma (Pioneer PDP-5020FD) and an entry level receiver (either Denon AVR 1909 or Onkyo TX-SR606) who is wondering whether the Monster conditioner for $300 that the salesperson is pushing is really necessary over a plain surge suppressor. Will this make a difference in his system?
Ag insider logo xs@2xjlineer
I use a very basic Monster strip (about $200 retail a few years back) in my system. It made a noticeable difference when added, greater clarity and focus I would say. I've felt no urge to try anything else. It works just fine at least in my case.
I too use a very inexpensive Monster strip, which is an excellent surge protector and my gear sounds better with it than with the power conditioner I have tried.
I started with a MOnster AVS 2000 which I got for a "song" (since they are ridiculously overpriced) and it was adequate untilmy system got better. Though frequent experimentation and demos, I ended up with a BPT 3.5 Signature Plus about 4 years ago. Huge improvement over the Monster in every area - my system really "opened up" tremendously. I hadn't realized how much information and dynamics I was missing until I made the change.

I have also worked my way through lots of cabling over the years as my system has improved with interesting results. I began to realize, at least in my system, that the more resolving my system became, the more of a difference cabling made. I liken this to the prior example of video differences being more easily discernible on an 8' projection TV than a 30" TV. There certainly is no right or wrong here - its all about your particular perception. System synergy is also very important - a conditioner that sounds great in 1 system might not work for another at all.

Personally, I now have all SR Tesla cabling, and will be trying their new Powercell 10-SE next week. Notice I said trying, not necessarily buying. IMO it is critical to try something in your system before committing to purchase, for all the reasons stated - you might not even hear a difference and have just purchased a boat anchor!!

So, IMO, power conditioning definitely "matters". Each person's decision as to what works best for them can only be discovered by demoing in your own system. I think these forums are very helpful to get some jumping-off points for the audition process.
Ozzy, did you get one of those PowerCells? They did it right. The acrylic casing was very smart too. However, a little over the poster's budget. Tripp Lite hospital grade isolation transformer is very affordable and effective as well.