2. misc-audio
  3. 166984-1413

Seeking advice on power conditioners/regenerators

I am wondering whether a power conditioner or regenerator would make a difference in my system, and if so what would you recommend in the "value" price category.
I have no idea if my power is "clean" or "dirty".  What I can say is I live in SoCal, my provider is SDG&E.  I have rooftop solar, panels made by Sunpower (with micro-inverters).  I am connected to the grid.
The components I have "plugged-in" are as follows:
Turntable power supply:  Linn Lingo II
Phono preamp:  PS Audio Stellar Phono
Integrated Amp:  Primaluna Dialogue Premium Integrated
CD Player:  Arcam CD23
Streamer:  Metrum Ambre
DAC:  Metrum Onyx

Thanks for your advice and recomendations.
mabonn
stuartk
2,871 posts
 
Like anything else, you need to try one in your system. A friend who's also a dealer (audio, that is) once brought over one of the more expensive PSA regeneration units and it had no effect, whatsoever. I'd second the suggestion to try one from an online vendor that offers a free, in-home trial (free, except for return shipping), if you cannot borrow one. 
Keep in mind that Music Direct may penalize you in future if you buy something and return it. In my experience, Audio Advisor is more forgiving in this regard. 
larryi
4,033 posts
 
I doubt that there is any place with really clean power.  The power lines pick up all sorts of RFI and noise from neighbors sharing the same trunk feed.  A typical home has its own share of noise sources--electronic devices, wi-fi, LED lights, etc.  It does not hurt to do some form of power conditioning.  

I use Isotek Titan and EVO 3 Sigma conditioners.  These are quite expensive.  But, at a demonstration at a local dealership, I heard their $500 power bar with conditioning, and it delivered a substantial proportion of what their much more expensive conditioners deliver.  The power bar is quite a bargain.
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
The best way to determine if a PP will work for you is demo one from PS Audio. They have a 30 day trial. Return it if you don't hear a difference.

A dedicated line if you don't already have one, is relatively inexpensive. I'd look into that first. 

I have my entire setup on a PP(including a PL HP). Does what it's designed to do. A used P5/10 can be found for cheap. 
Post removed 
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,624 posts
 
05-26-2021 11:45amIf you are looking for the biggest difference maker in you situation you should try an EP-2050 too.
https://store.acousticfrontiers.com/products/environmental-potentials-ep-2050


https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/ps-audio-power-plant-vs-ep-2050

STEREOPHILE RECOMMENDED COMPONENT 2016 https://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-fall-2016-edition-powerline-accessories

Environmental Potentials EP-2050 Waveform Correction Absorber:
The EP-2450, a lightweight, full-size chassis, has eight unisolated AC outlets that can pass 20 amperes of HF-filtered, ground-filtered, surge-protected AC, and comes equipped with a filtered and surge-protected coaxial line. KR used the EP-2450 to rid his system of noise generated from digital amps. "Reduced amp noise to effective inaudibility!" The E-2050 provides protection from AC-borne noise by means of a tracking filter, and uses a metal-oxide varistor to clamp and absorb surges. KR: "Examination of my house's line voltage on an oscilloscope revealed a smoother, cleaner 60Hz signal than before." (Vol.28 No.9 WWW)


I don't have one but just sayin'.

No matter what a dedicated line is essential.  Then make sure to add a Brick Wall or ZeroSurge first for protection

I DO have that.  Plus whole house surge protection plus PS Audio AND AudioQuest gear.
More to discover