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Need Advice on Power Protection/Clean Power

Hello All,

Not sure if I am posting in the correct section but here goes.

I need advice/suggestions on adding on equipment to give my rig protection from power issues.

I have 2 goals (as most do):

- Protect audio/video equipment from power issues
- Improve the performance of my equipment, mainly audio, if at all possible

Currently I have 10+ pieces of equipment connected to a couple of Monster Power Strips.

The equipment that I wanted to mainly protect and improve performance upon is:

- Integrated Amp
- Audio/Video Receiver
- DAC
- Phono Pre-Amp
- TT
- TV
- Universal Blu-Ray Player (used strictly as a CD Transport, eventually will be replaced by a better transport)
- HTPC
- Subwoofer

Additional Equipment that I would like to protect but could potentially keep plugged into existing monster power strip:

- DVR
- Blu-ray player (separate from the above mentioned one), this one is used to watch movies


Equipment that I could keep plugged into existing:

- Chrome Cast Stick
- Remote Hub Base Unit
- Firestick
- Wireless Speaker Module

My research so far has led me to all kinds of brands and solutions.

My budget is probably around $1500 max (not including power cords or other inter-connects).

Here are some options that I have thought about:

- PS Audio Detect Power Conditioner and  Power Port Classic AC Upgrade Receptacle
- AudioQuest AC Receptacles (or PS Audio) and Niagara 1200
- AC Receptacle (PS Audio or Audioquest) and Decware ZLC

Two units that I am curious about and seem like it could work in conjunction with the above mentioned equipment:

- ADD-Powr units (one of their more entry level offerings)
- Shunyata Venom Defender

My system is very entry level and I am wondering if any of these products are even worth it?

I would definitely like to provide better protection but If I can actually improve the sound, then I would very much be interested in that.

I am just wondering if my system would really reveal any improvements.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks
128x128jay73
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,906 posts
 
@celtic66 , that's an impressive system you have there and for you to say how you feel about the ZLC mirrors what I've heard about the EquiCore, which seems to do the same thing with the ZLC coming in at a better price. A 3 month waiting period speaks volumes and piques my interest. 

Thanks for mentioning it as I read about it some months ago but forgot about it.

All the best,
Nonoise
jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
219 posts
 
@celtic66, looks like you have a really nice system going there.
I am curious about the Decware ZLC as I have read other reviews similar to yours but just wonder if it would be any benefit to entry level system.
Also, what does the Magic Brick do?
Thanks.


celtic66
1,674 posts
 
jay73  That's a great question and the answer is yes.  Because, it will in all likelihood not remain an entry level system.  The benefits will only progress as the system improves.  Besides, don't you want at least spike protection in case something nasty blasts through the electrical wiring?  Decware also has a very good return policy.

The Magic Brick DB5 is an old product from the 80s that is some sort of 8 lbs. of material wrapped in a wooden case designed to be placed on electronics.  

It's an enigma as some have tried to copy it after cutting one open and never, to my knowledge, reproduced the results which also vary by system.  Some experience less transformer hum when placed on top, others a lower system noise floor, some exclaim improvement in dynamics and yet others shrug and say no difference.  I get quieter system results.

I've placed them all over my system, just on the casework.  I've also an HRS plate on the casework of the Naim UnitiServe.  It all works to my ears and that is all that matters.
jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
219 posts
 
Hello,
Does anyone have any opinion on the High Fidelity Cables MC-0.5 Power Conditioner?
Or perhaps, anyone used this before?
Thanks
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,906 posts
 
After waiting quite a while I rolled the dice and got two. Then, I got another. They were all B-stock and were 35% off which made them quite the bargain.

After having them for some time now, I've put off getting something like a Audioquest Niagara 1200 conditioner, as the sound just gets better and better. 

I don't know how long they take to break in, but the improvements were heard pretty much straight away. Taking them out has an immediate effect. Doubling up on one outlet sounds strange at first (a little too much leading edge and diminished mids and base) but it all gels nicely in a few days. 

Now that summer is over and I don't run the wall AC, I've noticed some more improvements in the areas of detail, soundstage depth (see-through) and better, tighter base. 

There was a holiday sale of 40% off their products so a quick email or phone call may get you the same if you're interested.

All the best,
Nonoise
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