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Sub $1k Power Conditioners? Any Assistance Appreciated...

Hey guys,

I’m not new to the hobby but am getting back in after a decade or so hiatus. Two channel guy looking for a sub $1k power conditioner for my system. Have used multiple PS products in the past and loved them but their offerings today are too rich for my blood at the moment.

I’m seeing a lot of positive reviews on the AQ Niagara line and the 1200 falls into my fiduciary wheelhouse. It seems to me there’s much more movement these days towards plugging the amp directly into the wall vs any sort of power conditioner except the top of the line units, presumably to avoid limiting current. I’m using, at the moment, a Krell S-300i integrated and would prefer the peace of mind of surge protection.

I’ve always liked the component style aesthetic but, of course, performance and value first. Any recommendations aside from the Niagara or is that where I should be looking? I’m not at all adverse to buying used.

Thanks!
cjlundberg
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
Hey OP:

The issue with a lot of inexpensive strips (including Furman) is they have 1 set of filters.  So:

Wall power = D------ < Filter > ----- (outputs)

The problem is that the output can be polluted by other noise generating devices.   That is, on the same strip you may have a linear amp, and a switching wall-wart type power supply.  That filter only cleans up power from the wall, not from other devices placed after it. 

More advanced power conditioners will offer multiple filter banks, to help reduce this problem.

Does this help??

Is it better .... honestly depends on a lot of things.  I mean, yes, you could test it and prove it's better, but would you hear it?? That's another story. :)
iron57
81 posts
 
@erik_squires 

Is a CD player in this example considered a noise generator? 
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
@iron57

Depends, but better quality units tend to have nice linear power supplies, so no.

Network devices and streamers (i.e. Amazon, Roku, etc.) yes.
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@OP,
I use the AQ 1200.
It definitely does a good job for me.
When it comes to surge protection, your best bet is to install a whole house surge protector at the mains-That is if you own your own home.
Bob
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
I have Furman Elite-20 PFi.  I bought it used for $650 many years ago.  It has good filtering and very tight non-sacrificial over/undervoltage protection.  PF in the name stands for power factor correction.  Typical gear draws current from mains in short spikes of high amplitude.  Furman has built-in huge inductor and capacitor that store energy and delivers it when needed (during spike).  It is filter for power outputs that can momentarily deliver 55amps and present itself to power outlet as resistive load.  Filters, without this energy storage, often strip dynamics from music.
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