AB testing of power regenerators?? Ever do it?

 I have two Triode Isolation Transformers.  I use one for my analog components, the other for my digital components.

IMy Trifield EMI Meter measured EMI over 700 mVp.p on every circuit in my house.    Measuring power out at each Triode Isolation Transformer showed a major reduction in EMI to about 10 mVp.p.  That was really impressive.

I  bought both  my Triodes used from an audiophile friend  for only  $150.00 apiece.  I did buy some expensive Shunyata power conditioner which  I soon returned because it didn’t come close to equalling what the Triodes measured.  

It seems I do have very dirty electricity.  My first attempt to address the problem was to install the recommended dedicated line.  But first we rigged up a test dedicated line.  There was no reduction in noise.  We measured the power where it enters the house and it was dirty to the same measurements we recorded inside the house on every circuit.  It seemed obvious the noise was originating outside my residence,  I don’t know where the noise is coming from.  I live in what looks like a rural town of only about 4000 houses I and the only businesses are a grocer, and a  hardware store nearby and a couple of miles down the road is a tiny business area consisting of a restaurant, a vet and not much more.  I’m a little suspicious it might be coming from my nearest neighbor, the local fire station, but that’s just a wild guess.

It seems I do have very dirty electricity.  My first attempt to address the problem was to install the recommended dedicated line.  But first we rigged up a test dedicated line.  There was no reduction in noise.  

@echolane 

Yes, this exactly.  I don't know why people are enamored with plugging their amps directly into the wall and into a dedicated line, as if that solves anything.

The only thing you get is a reduction in noise from other components on the same line, but not a complete elimination of both household and outside noises.

In addition, the dedicated line is only relatively more voltage stable.  Relatively meaning if you plug a vacuum into the same circuit you'll get a bigger sag than if you plug it somewhere else, but at the end of the day you are still subject to seasonal and hour to hour variations due to HVAC, ovens, hair dryers, etc., and of course surges.

For what it’s worth, there IS a middle ground between nothing and a power regenerator and that’s a voltage regulator.

The Furman conditioners such as this one with AR offers tight voltage output with high current, and don’t generate any Class D noise on the output. The SMP offers both noise filtering that starts around 3 kHz (really good) plus best in class surge protection.

If you are happy with 15 A instead this unit is almost half the price.

AR will keep your line from sagging under load as well as insulate your system from seasonal/daily variations in voltage while SMP/EVS will keep your system safe.

I live in an old part of the core of a large city, and my power often has 5 or 6% THD, and sometimes as high as 8%. Dirty power indeed!

I tried a PS Audio PP12 in my audio system and heard an instant benefit - darker backgrounds, improved dynamics, musicality, and clarity - a if a veil was lifted between the music and listener. My only complaint was transformer hum heard when you were close to the PS Audio PP12.

As part of a package purchase of Accuphase components last year, I acquired an Accuphase PS-530 power supply which seems to be similar in concept to the PS Audio power supplies except that it is more massive and built to a much higher standard with a large and totally silent toroidal transformer. It sounds even better than the PS Audio unit - more clarity, more musical, even blacker backgrounds - you hear the hall acoustics and ambiance more clearly.

Accuphase also makes a more massive PS-1250 power supply with impressive output - it can handle two A-300 monoblocks plugged into it. I wonder how this would compare to other units out there?

erik_squires
... the dedicated line is only relatively more voltage stable. Relatively meaning if you plug a vacuum into the same circuit you'll get a bigger sag than if you plug it somewhere else ...

A dedicated line is usually substantially more voltage stable. You're not going to plug a vacuum into it because it's a dedicated line. That's the whole point.