oleschool: "jmho this 2k plus range is where the real changes in conditiong etc are taking place upwards to 4k for regenerative power .."
Yahtzee!
I started my AC enhancement trials after the installation of dedicated 30 amp power lines with a Furman IT-Reference 20i ($3500), their TOTL conditioner then and now. Very well-built unit, but impact on sound was minimal, er, I mean "modest". I compared it to my ancient Chang Lightspeed CLS-6600ISO conditioner and the Chang was better, but still "modest". Sold the Furman and moved to a SR Powercell 10 Mk II and the improvement was like in the Wizard of Oz when it changes from B&W to color. Sold that one off in a period of financial hardship and went back to the Chang. The magic was gone but I adjusted over time (ie didn’t listen much and got hooked on vintage systems for a while). Years passed. Recently bought a pre-owned Powercell 10 UEF/FEQ ($2500-$3K for a pristine used unit including a TOTL SR power cord and FEQ unit) and the improvement in sound is transformational.
I would like to know if any of the owners of budget passive power conditioners have tried a reputable-brand, equivalent-cost power cord on their digital source instead of their current/previous power conditioner? If so, what power cord and what were your impressions of the relative effect of each on the sound of your system?
Best to all,
Dave