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.
128x128mitchb
wturkey's avatar
wturkey
797 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
185 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.
ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz
273 posts
 
I live in a 1901 colonial and am convinced that my electric sucks. I just purchased a isotek 6 port power conditioner from crutchfield that I'm gonna try out.

My biggest issue is faint audible speaker hum when connected to my power amp, but when I just recently tried to connect my subwoofer to speaker level connections off same said amp (as opposed to preout RCA) my amp hums something wicked.

I tried a line isolation plug for the power amp (kinda help diminish the speaker hum), but did nothing for the subwoofer.

I'm gonna try to run everything through my integrated amp, but I'm also gonna try the isotek.

I'll let you know what audible results I get, but if it doesn't do anything... back it goes.
jomonhifi's avatar
jomonhifi
152 posts
 
I was using a Audioquest Niagara 5000 for my entire system. My dealer recommended I plug my Diablo 300 straight into the wall. My jaw hit the ground. The amp came alive. I could hear the sonic improvement instantly. 
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