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

I use isolation transformers from Plitron. They sell directly to the public. The hospital grade units require their own electrical boxes, and may require a specialist electrical inspection, depending on your jurisdiction. Plitron also sells stand-alone boxes, which I have not tried.

I protect everything with Plitron units (3 of them). I found that special cords or other power accessories were less important than the Plitron.

A word of caution though - when they are doing their job, they tend to growl, so it’s better to site them away from the listening room. And pay attention to grounding. I suggest having a pro install them.

There are good ones out there. The PI Audio UberBuss is great and perhaps even better, and more neutral, the Zenwave Audio version of the SurgeX.

I no longer use them though, as my power at my new(ish) place is much better. I find these conditioning devices only necessary if you need them, if that makes sense. For example, at my previous place, I could not get along without the conditioning, and the difference was really, night and day.

I have DC on my line plus about 8% distortion. I’ve tried multiple conditioners and DC blockers. All reduced dynamics in my system except for the following:

Emotiva CMX-2 DC Blocker and Line Filter

All of my sources and preamps are down stream of this unit. Amp is plugged into the wall. Tried PS Audio Humbuster, Furman, DYI and others. Also tried a PS Audio Premier regenerator upstream from my sources and preamp. I was neutral on this unit in the end as it did reduce the distortion but did not remove the DC. Also seemed expensive and did not notice a difference in sound. 

Consider a power conditioner like any other component. 

Paul 8060 I would not buy that combo the NAD M32 is too forward with the Focals you need a warmer amp.

As per the power conditioner argument we had taken systems which were good and made them great by adding good power conditioning.

A good power conditioner can add warmth to a system, can remove glare, tighten up the bass, and increase the sound stage width and depth.

The wrong power conditioner can remove detail and stunt bass and dynamics.

The cleaner the power the better your gear will sound. 

Good power conditioners are not cheap, and really run from $2k to $10k most of the sub $2k units don't make much of a real difference.

Dave owner
Audio Doctor NJ