Has a Power Conditioner Improved Your Sound?


My system sounds great. When it is on and not playing music it is dead silent. I tried a PowerPlant Regenerator and it didn’t improve my sound. Actually it slightly constricted my soundstage. Like most audiophiles I’m always searching for that next improvement and wonder if a power conditioner might add something to my SQ So before I start auditioning any power conditioners on a 30 day trial I’d like to know if anyone has experienced a significant improvement to their system, what that improvement was and which power conditioners they used. Right now I’m considering the Isoteck brand. Possibly the Aquarius or Electra. I’d most likely keep the amp plugged into the wall and connect my Streamer and DAC to the conditioner.

jfrmusic

Plixir Power products are quite fantastic. There are the Linear DC Power Supplies and the AC power conditioners in the lineup. James Soh in Singapore has just revamped and improved almost all products that he produces. Plixir products are available in Canada and the US market from the Canadian Distributor.

Update

Sorry to say I returned the 707. After a week of concentrated listening I realized that what first appealed to me was actually an increase in midrange energy. It is a vivid presentation that in a way is more tube like. Everything is warmer, fuller and somewhat closer in perspective. This is a valid and euphonic sound. However in the end it's not a perspective that over time I found to my liking. It's most noticeable with Classical recordings. With the 707 I'm sitting in the first 5 rows. Without the 707 and plugged into the wall I'm siting in rows 10 to 15. I prefer that more set back perspective. You may like what the 707 does and it does do its job. The overall sound was slightly quieter but with the effect of a warmer midrange. Bass is slightly fuller and Strings more forward although still refined. So basically less air or atmosphere in the sound.

I'm not sure what I will do next. I've re-read a number of Power Conditioner reviews and it seems that the reviewers often mention that the lower treble can be more vivid or forward etc. So this may be a common trait of active conditioners. I haven't noticed this mentioned on the few passive conditioner reviews I've read. This included Shunyata and Furutech. In fact a review of one of the Shunyata PCs said the perspective was more distant. So maybe I will try one of those. But again I do not notice any apparent noise issues with my system but as I mentioned you don't notice it until it's removed.

Thank you for the update. Such is high end audio. It is really easy to like something at first only to realize something other aspect is amiss. I will admit that the 707 was a very budget oriented power conditioner. I looked at it and thought if the one I have in the bedroom with TV and good quality sound bar goes out I might get one,

 

I would look much farther up at Isotech or Shunyata. I’ve got a good quality 75 pound power conditioner I have had for over twenty years and each time I swap it out or compare it still is doing a great job.

@jfrmusic 

 

Interesting turn of events. I am sure you were able to discern these traits of the conditioner by carefully listening. 
 

Now, I am wondering if the 707 will be a good fit for my home theater. It’s going to be the power conditioner for the AV rack. These will be connected to it:

1. McIntosh 7 channel theater amp

2. McIntosh 4 channel theater amp

3. McIntosh 2 channel theater amp

4. Marantz AV10 AV PRE/pro

5. Oppo 205 Blu-ray 

6. Amazon TV

7. Apple TV

8. Luxul Media switch 

9. maybe: Kaleidoscape

@audioquest4life 

Tbe 707 will be fine for Home Theater. In fact its characteristics are more suitable to that application. A vivid, warmer up front presentation is excellent for movies. Remember it does provide surge protection, excessive voltage protection and lowers the noise floor.