2. digital
  3. 190336-188464

Power Regenerator or Conditioner for Digital Sources

Ok I'm having a difficult time deciding. I want to clean up the power going into my Aurender N20 and my MSB Discrete DAC. Those components seem to me to be the most sensitive to power issues. When I plug them into an inexpensive APC Power strip I get a slightly harsh upper frequency range. When I plug them into my Cullen Power Box that has no surge protection just straight from the wall power they sound much better especially the DAC which is the more sensitive of the two. However summer time power issues do have their effect

So I am considering either a quality power conditioner such as the Isotek Aquarius V5 or a PS Audio Stellar Power Plant 3 for just these two components. I need three receptacles as my DAC has two power supplies. My Amp will stay plugged into the wall where it sounds the best.

Anyone own either of these power units? Experiences with them?

Alternatively there is the Puritan 156 Conditioner at a lower price however recent reviews on Alpha-Audio where they did extensive power conditioner tests strongly favored the Isotek Aquarius V5.

 

 

 

jfrmusic
cbrez
72 posts
 

My power situation is - messy. I’ve been working over the last six months to organize and also to clean up noise. I purchased an iFi Powerstation (actually 2) and have been very impressed. Much greater front to back soundstage, more air around instruments - I was actually shocked at the difference. I’ve also added a few more of their AC Purifiers. And I did not hear any dynamic restriction at all. Everything is plugged into one of them, except for the amp which goes straight to the wall with another AC Purifier in the second outlet of the duplex.

i’ve been working on upgrading power cords since then, but of course that is another story. 
Of course different power issues will be very localized, but in my system, I was very happy with these units.

jfrmusic OP
314 posts
 

My initial power issues I believe happened when we had 10 days of 90s temperatures. Mostly from power demand not just in my house but in general   However so far since I’ve upgraded the power cables on my DAC and Streamer I’ve had no issues. I believe I have fairly clean power. I live in a 12 year old home in a development that has all underground utilities. My system is dead quiet. It’s on right now but you would not know it. No hum, buzz nothing total blackness. As I mentioned the Regenerator did nothing. Right now my system sounds wonderfully refined and musical. So after 5 months of buying , burning in and evaluating equipment I’m just going to listen to music. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 

Right now my system sounds wonderfully refined and musical. So after 5 months of buying , burning in and evaluating equipment I’m just going to listen to music


That’s a great place to be!!!

steakster
1,948 posts
 

No hum, buzz nothing total blackness.

All good. What about distortion? When a vocalist belts out a note in fortissimo, is there any harshness or edginess? Do the high notes on a piano ring unnaturally?  Does the brass section sound tinny or full-throated?

jfrmusic OP
314 posts
 

@steakster

Absolutely none of those issues you mentioned. Quite the contrary. Smooth, liquid and refined sound. Sounds like real music. Voices natural and in the room. Reverb trails are clearly heard   Strings very natural and smooth. Brass warm and natural. Soundstage depth the best I’ve ever had. Pianos especially on well recorded material sound in the room especially the upper octaves. I’ve really got no complaints so nothing I’m looking to fix. 

More to discover