2. cables
  3. 128460-63615

Do I need a power conditioner?

I’m in the process of dropping a dedicated 20 amp circuit or 2 into the music room.
So if I have a dedicated circuit for the amp, and a dedicated circuit for everything else,
is a conditioner useful?
I have several fairly decent systems going that I tweek and retweek.
Just got around to upgrading cables. Avoided conditioners because, in general, they dampen the presentation.
Was using a PS Audio PPP for low power components. But fell for the Shunyata spiel.
Plugged in a Hydra 4 with a Python Helix and was very happy with how it cleaned up the Zu Druids.
Seems high sensitivity speakers maybe reveal the grunge also.
Moved it to my system with the Martin Logans and the presentation seemed a bit lean and just a bit lifeless, using just copperhead cable to Hydra. (using all Pangea to get from the Hydra to other components.)
Then I put a Black Mamba from Classe amp straight to the wall and Wow! Single most significant tweek ever for me.
So I’m thinking, maybe I don’t need the Denali I ordered if I just use a couple dedicated circuits and some Shunyata power cords everywhere.
Opinions?
Thanks. :)
leotis
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
a conditioner is useful if and only if you have noise on the lines sufficient to distort the music you are playing

very very few actually measure the noise before wasting money on a conditioner

a conditioner is not really useful for protection - unplug everything when a storm approaches (or have a low deductible on your insurance)
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
My bet is that you will hear a marked improvement with the Denali. I find that the quality of the power cord that feeds the power conditioner is of utmost importance.

Dave
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,467 posts
 
My system never benefited, only was hindered by conditioners.
gpgr4blu
1,082 posts
 
I always plug my amp into the wall. Everything else into my Triton 3 with Typhon supplement. That works best for me.
leotis OP
182 posts
 
I guess I was wondering of the dedicated circuit would obviate the need for a conditioner. I'm convinced Shunyata is superior to most because it's not supposed to restrict current or dynamics. But the 1st gen Hydra I just git does seem to take away a little bit of liveliness, some of which is noise and some of which is detail IMO.
Guess I won't be cancelling the Denali anyway. Music Direct has 60 day return if I decide it's not cost effective. I find Shunyata's demonstrations on their YouTube channel fairly persuasive.
More to discover