2. amps-preamps
  3. 169129-7415

Power conditioner some say yes and some say no.

Depending on who I ask a power transformer conditioner can have a good effect on the sound while others claim they inhibit the dynamics of an amp. I don’t have serious power problems as far as I know but I enjoy my sound most of the time. I currently use a Hydra 6 for my entire system except for my amp where I use a Hydra 2. Would it make sense to invest thousands on a power transformer conditioner or would my Hydras be enough by isolating the components from each other. I was waiting for a Keces IQRP 3600 to try but the dealer I was to get it from died from Covid-19 before arranging my Keces to be shipped. I am out $4000 and am not so fast to drop another $4000 on the Keces. Perhaps in the future if it makes sense. I find that not many use transformer conditioners due to the dynamics limitations of the amp. Any help would be appreciated.
mitchb
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
A new descent Furman can be had for 125-220$ with lights, and good over all over current protection. 
 We have horrible power here, as mentioned the wall voltage, goes up, down, 116 up to almost 123, the Furman shuts everything down in a millisecond when voltage gets above a specific voltage. 
 Can be a pain in the butt at times, but I feel safe knowing my audio is protected. 


curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,072 posts
 
I bought an Audience AR6 three houses ago and it helped a lot with noise.  Each time I’ve moved I have just plugged it back in.  Been here two years and never checked.  Maybe I’ll unplug it for a time and see if anything gets worse.

JD
wturkey's avatar
wturkey
850 posts
 
“As you found out, it is not prudent to prepay to an individual during a pandemic (of the unvaccinated.)”
 Caveat emptor. 

Post removed 
alan60's avatar
alan60
196 posts
 
I found power conditioners have a detrimental effect on power amps, whether they be low powered valve or big ol' current dumpers, they rob dynamics etc. On source components for me the jury is out.

In my experience you gain more advantages by having your hifi on a completely separate ring from your main fuse box and rewire the ring with good quality mains cable and wall sockets. The next thing you can do is star earth your equipment to an outside earth spike/rod, again use good quality earth cable.

All this would cost far less than $4000, spend the rest on a system component upgrade, whether it be source, amplifier or speakers.
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