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Power Conditioner: Isotek, Audioquest or other?

Hello,

I know a lot of you do not like or believe in power conditioners. But I want to protect my system and improve sound and video quality.

I am trying to decide between the ISOTEK evo3 Aquarious and the Audioquest Niagara 1200 for my main system. I have read good reviews about them both, asked a couple of shops and one recomended the Niagara and the other the Isotek. Both gave the same reason: "it souds better".

First system: Power amp, preamp/dac, tv, computer, computer motitor, ruter, nas. (Probably will plug the last 4 on a different power strip)

For my second system, I am thinking about the Audioquest Powerquest 3, but I can not find any reviews. So, can any one tell me about their experience with it? I am open to other sugestions also.

Second system: Power amp, preamp, network player/dac, tv, computer and network switch. (These will all be plugged in to the Powerquest for example). I also like the powerquest3 because of the on off switch. I do not use this system as much so I like to cut the power off completly.

If you need specifics on my systems, I will give no problem.
Right now I am using 2 Salicru safe7 surge protectors, they are cheapos and probably not the best in protection or for my system.


Thanks.


coto37
ggc
178 posts
 
Hi coto37,

Something else to consider for Superior Sound / Video Quality
For considerably less you will have a far superior set up. Fast, clean detail and deeper soundstage. If you read up on the components I think you will find that the level of dedication to the manufacturing of the products are considerable.    

Audience Response - Power Conditioner
https://audience-av.com/conditioners/ar2p/
One listed on Agon
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa0bhe-audience-adept-response-ar2p-t-ac-conditioners

Then Plug into Power Distributor
Oyaide MTB 6 - R1 - the best model they make.
http://www.oyaide.com/ENGLISH/AUDIO/products_category/pwer_distrbutor/index.html
Cable Co.
https://www.thecableco.com/mtb-6-power-conditioner.html

Also Listed on Used Market for 40% less.
What ever you decide Good Luck
mglik
888 posts
 
Hi cleeds,
Thanks for your response.
My whole point is that everything is relative.
One thing that is constant in any stereo system is the AC.
Regardless of the relative quality of any particular system.
And, for sure, Pandora is geared toward convenience not quality.
My point is that before my Shunyata Triton/Typhon power conditioning Pandora was truly unlistenable. And, amazingly, with the Shyunata system I am able to listen and enjoy Pandora’s MP3s as engaging high fidelity. I listen to it right now and it is hard to concentrate on this post being drawn away by the “crappy sound”!

gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
@OP,
The best way to minimize damage from surges is to put a whole house protector at the main box. They aren't expensive and the hook up (by and experienced electrician) shouldn't be much either. These surge protectors are sacrificial, but at least everything downstream is protected in the unlikely event of a power surge.

If lightning did strike your power conditioner as well as your equipment would probably get fried. But, you might get lucky.
In my opinion, the Niagra 1200 is the way to go. The Powerquest is a much older product and the changes/improvements Garth at AQ has made with power products is impressive- the Niagra 1200 being one of them.
Bob
erik_squires
15,811 posts
 
I use a belt/suspenders approach whenever possible.

Whole house protection at the panel and/or meter. These are usually not rated to save delicate electronics however. Read the rating/instructions carefully. This has to do with the time to respond and V at which they activate.

At the equipment end I use series mode surge suppression from Furman. Zero activation time, and a much lower clamping voltage.


coto37 OP
7 posts
 
Hi,

Bob, I thought the powerquest 3 was over a year old and used Garths design. I thought it was just a lower budget power conditioner. I was considering it for my second system, just wish I had more reviews to decide.

I know best protection is at the house mains fuse box, but I prefer not to mess with it because I am in a rental.

Also my question about the 6000V/3000A non sacrifitial surge protection question,was because compared with Isotek Aquarious it is less. The Isotek is over 67000A surge protection. So just wondering what would happen to the Niagara or PQ3 if it went over the value AQ gives. It will probably die, but will it protect sacrifing it self or everything connected will die too?

Thanks.
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