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
leotis OP
183 posts
 
Again Audiogon forum comes through. Previously I had asked about turntables and ended up with GEM PolyTable, Hana cartridge and Sutherland phono stage. Products I had never heard of but which are clearly better than what I had originally planned on getting.
Likewise, I had never heard of balanced power or Equitech.
Hopefully I am equally pleased with the outcome this time.
Thanks to everyone for all the advice.
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
Congratulations on the 2RQ, that's a very nice unit. It is clear from all of the comments here that there are a lot of misconceptions about the power that drives our systems. No one is at fault, it just takes a lot of research to understand it. Please let us know your impressions of the Equi=Tech.
lak's avatar
lak
4,730 posts
 
Leotis,  congratulations on your purchase. Many years ago I purchased the Q2 balance power unit. I still have it and it still works great. One upgrade that comes to mind that you could do anytime is put the outlets of your choice into the unit. That will definitely improve the sound.
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
a conditioner MIGHT be useful if you have a lot of noise on the line - less likely with a dedicated line but still possible

noise can be injected from your own equipment, from bad grounding (unlikely if an electrician puts in a new line), and/or from other things in between you and the sub-station, esp. things between you and the last transformer (blame your neighbors)

I would never waste money on a power conditioner unless I had measured noise levels on the line first

noise will have worse effects if your components are poorly designed

I would not worry about line noise too much until I had addressed all the major problems with SQ in the system - e.g if you have built your own listening room and spent $20k or more on the system
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

Hi Leotis,

You made a very wise decision in choosing a balanced AC power transformer/conditioner.  Balanced power is a different approach and is an excellent choice for audio components. I’ve used one in my system for 8 years and consider it a necessity as it will remain a life long fixture in my system. I have found no negatives or compromises with it, all positive attributes across the board. I believe that you’ll be very pleased with your unit.

Charles

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