Power line conditioners- to use or not to use? That is the question?

If your friend lives close by, ask him if he can bring it over and try it in your system. You'll know right away if it dampens dynamics, shrinks your soundstage or dulls your system. 

I've never cared much for surge protectors in general but my experience with them is limited and what I heard, I don't like. Simple conditioning can be done with a Blue Circle Thingee or something like it where all it does is attenuate noise. Even with that, I plug my amp directly into the wall, which uses a Porter Port outlet.

All the best,
Nonoise

I tried many....they all changed the sound but they all had warts I ultimately couldn't live with.

The answer is yes and no. 

Panamax and Furman two very commercial brands tend not to make an audible difference.

We have many different power conditioners in our shop including: Isotek, Audio Magic, Audience. and Running Springs the difference that a good power conditioner can make is huge.

AC power can have noise, RF and EMI which can thereby be amplified and added into a musical signal which create grunge.

The other issue is that the powerline may sag and a good power conditioner can bring stabiity. which increases your systems sound quality.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

Audience

PS Audio P5 or P10 or the massive upcoming P20 power regenerators.  My P5 sees 2.5% distortion from the electric utility and outputs .1%.  Clean power=cleaner sounding music.