Power Conditioners.


How many $$$ is too much. I have both new and older McIntosh. I know there's a point of "dimishing return" but I need guidance and suggestions.

Thanks in advance!
bdahl8
Power conditioning is a bit of a mystery to me and I think system dependent. I tried the LessLoss DFPC (dynamic filtering power cable) and was was stunned at the improvement to my system. So much so that I purchased three, all on Audiogon. As it turned out for me, one was great two were okay and three was too much of a good thing. That led me to try an Audience AR6 PDC, which is not technically a power conditioner but is power "distributor" designed for Naim components, which I have. It was even better, so I sold the LessLoss cables bought something more generic. My only takeaway is that power conditioning and related devices can make a difference but are system dependent. BTW, install a dedicated line if you can, preferably with 10 AWG and a good audio outlet like the Hubbell Porter Port or others. Mine cost $250 and was a major improvement!
Do you need one? Is your environment noisy?

In my case, the improvement in sound was due to the better quality outlets on the conditioner gripping the plugs tighter.

I eventually got rid of mine and my system has never been happier :-)

What I did do is:
- Installed a dedicated line from the breaker
- installed quality outlets (Pass and Seymour)
- replaced all my power cables with Furutech shielded cables - where the shield is connected only at the mains plug end.
- added in a Power Distribution Centre - another name for "quality power bar" (no conditioning), like the PS Audio - Dectet and the unfiltered distributor boxes from Furutech.

Let me stress...
- this worked with MY SYSTEM in MY ENVIRONMENT
- no other devices on my dedicated line e.g. washing machine, dishwasher etc...
- you may actually need a power conditioner
- but sometimes they are not be required

BTW: The chaps at Nordost hate them - and they make a living at this stuff :-)
One's system is a series of proverbial 'links in a chain'.
I would venture to report that 10% of the overall system cost should be dedicated to line/power conditioning, especially if one resides in a major U.S city.
I just bought a Torus avr 20 and it is one of the biggest upgrades I have made. I had many conditioners{Tice,monster,Hydras,Furutech]etc. which in my opinion did nothing. I live in Fla. where my voltage fluctuated from 114 to 124. Torus solved the problem and now the sound is more robust with a huge soundstage. Every component plugged into it is upgraded. It is pricey at about $4500 but in my system it is money well spent.
Thanks everyone. Power is a major problem in FL.

I upgraded my power cables to Wireworld Aurora 5/2. Much improvement.
I had dedicated circuits but upgraded outlets to PS Audio Power Ports. WOW!!!!! Incredible difference.
Completed upgrade to PS Audio Dectec. More amazing!

My System will now knock your socks off.