Paul McGowan — founder and Prez of PS Audio — has a gazillion helpful videos on the Ask Paul section of their website. A few of them answer your question. Not surprisingly, their view is: use a P-15 or P-20, but if you can’t, go directly to the wall. Older power conditioners or glorified surge protectors may help things sound "cleaner," but they also usually mute dynamics, imaging, air, depth, and decay because they ruin the low-impedance-output-to-high impedance-input relationship you want as the signal moves along it’s path. I’ve owned the BHK pre and monoblocks; fantastic gear. They definitely sound better plugged into a P-15, which I still use for my Audio Research gear, preferring it to the Denali 6000T. (And, BTW, the BHK pre sounds markedly better with the Tungsram input stage tubes that Upscale Audio promotes for that pre.) No affiliation between PS Audio and me, but I’m a huge fan of the P-15.
Monster Regret!!
Good morning to the community! Years ago, when I was much younger and a whole lot dumber, I bought into all the Monster cable hype. I even went as far as purchasing their Monster Power AVS 2000 voltage stabilizer and HTS 5000 reference power center. I’m currently saving my ducats for a PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 15 and intend to install a dedicated line shortly.
I am listening to Martin Logan 11As driven by PS Audio BHK 300 monoblocks. I have the amps connected via a normal 120v home outlet. My question, should I use the Monster Power stuff for my speakers, pre/pro, etc. or go to another outlet directly to the components?
Many thanks!
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Nothing wrong with monster. I’ll bet we all used some of their products at some point when we got started in this hobby. They were the pioneers. It’s what sounds good to you that counts. Me, I’ve been impressed with shunyata conditioners. Even my wife can tell the difference. Do whats best for you and have fun. It’s a great hobby. |
I was at dinner in Vegas with Noel Lee, Bob Crump and John Curl back in 2000, I recall he suggested I use an accelerometer to measure seismic vibes for my sub hertz platform, which is obviously a very good idea. I was just happy to be there, it was my first rodeo. 🤠 Noel Lee born 1948 (age 71) San Francisco, California Lee graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and subsequently did work in laser fusion for the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He quit his engineering job in 1974 to play drums for a country rockband. After the band separated, he founded Monster Cable Products in 1979, based on loudspeaker cables he invented and manufactured in his garage. |
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