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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
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
972 posts
 
I have the Furman ELITE-15 DMi. My power is really stable at house but I just wanted to have the peace of mind with protection in place. I been running this unit for years and its a solid piece of equipment. It’s only been tripped/shutdown twice. Once I came home and it was tripped so not sure what caused it. The other time I was having some work done on the house years ago and crew caused some kind of surge and it tripped. I have done multiple tests with my amp plugged into the wall and the Furman and I notice no degradation by going through the Elite - 15. I think you could purchase any modern Furman product used and if you are not satisfied , easily sell it for not much loss.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa2j3d-furman-elite-15-pfi-open-box-ac-conditioners
Several on EBAY as well
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 
When adding the AQ Niagara 1200 to my system there was an immediate difference in blacker background on all music and added depth & slam in the bass and sub-bass range.  I use AQ Monsoon power cable from the wall to the Niagara 1200 and AQ Tornado power cables for my main electronics.  That said, keep in mind that the Niagara requires you to also buy the AC power cable from wall to unit.  It does not come with a power cable so the user can choose the level of quality as well as length for their needs.  I also highly recommend that you replace your wall outlet with an AQ NRG Edison Duplex wall outlet.  The $2 outlets that homes are built with is a weak point for connecting/delivering all of the current from romex to the connected device.  
bjp9738's avatar
bjp9738
67 posts
 
Unless you have a 20 amp circuit, skip the Furman Elite 20 PFi, save yourself $600, and get the Elite 15 PFi.
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@OP,
You can orient the AQ 1200 in any way you need.
B
cjlundberg OP
17 posts
 
Can anyone tell me what the difference between the Furman Conditioner Power HT 15A Power Factor and the Conditioner Power HT 15A Dual Meter is?  All I can tell is there's a difference of about $150.  Their website isn’t a lot of help.
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