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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
 
http://www.stereophile.com/content/use-balanced-ac-power-home-1
leotis OP
183 posts
 
Interesting brewhaha. Has since been resolved in favor of balanced power use for audio systems I believe. Including modification of the NEC. I do wonder if ungrounded components present a problem. I have a Pioneer Elite 79-DVi SACD player that doesn’t have a ground plug. Uses neutral for the ground. Made my Headtrip amp buzz like a mutha. As long as neutral is not grounded to the chassis shouldn’t be a problem I don’t think. UL approval requires neutral to be isolated from the chassis. I think if there were a widespread problem, it would be well known by now. Maybe someone who knows more than I do could chime in.
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
I'm not about to say I know more than you but wanted to add the comment that if you read the stereophile forum comments posted by randy-11 you will notice that the poster raging against balanced power is saying that it is against NEC to have a balanced "circuit" which I'm sure is true. A balanced power "conditioner" (device) is different than a home "circuit". I use a BPT 2.5 Signature and the instructions say to use it with three pronged plugs. It is certainly not intended to be used on a lamp or other two pronged device. Does anyone really believe there would be so many balanced power devices available on the market if they weren't UL approved? I get a kick out of electricians and their absolute disdain for audio enthusiasts (I'll avoid that term that carries so much baggage). 
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Re concerns about installing balanced circuits. It can be done within code but the outlets must be clearly labeled as non standard outlets. I had an Equitech wall mounted balanced transformer in my previous installation and while I thought it worked well the complexity of the system and problems in selling the house (I needed to rip it all out on selling as the buyer wouldn't touch something this outre) mean I'll never go that far again. My current solution is based on a Torus wall mount that has balanced input but standard outputs which I think gives you the best of both worlds 

perfectpathtech's avatar
perfectpathtech
236 posts
 
Lots of good advice. I am also a fan of balanced power.
Like others I have tried various conditioners over the years, same
conclusion as others to many trade offs. Last year I saw all the buzz
with HFC's MC-05 plug in conditioner, tried one, wound up buying 4 more, absolutely no trade offs crazy part is they are not even directly in the power chain, huge bang for the buck.  
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