where to invest???

I have had poor results with "audiophile approved" power conditioners that one plugs into the wall and then their component into the conditioner. There was always a change, however, there was always a change for the worse. There may have been a wider soundstage, but decreased dynamics as an example. I am therefore going straight into the wall. The use of better power cords however, made a huge difference. ALL power cords sound different in my system...even different on different components from the same manufacturer. My suggestion is that you search for the cord that works in your system on the component that is specifically used. As an example, I am using Accrolink with Oyeida plugs on my Ayre C5xe, and Accrolink with Furutech F1 plugs on my Ayre V1xe amp. If I switch the cords, there is a definite loss of detail, and soundstage. The Environmental Protection gizmo provided a slight increase in clarity and soundstage with its protection, yet has no ill effects that I can hear.

blindjim, why do you suggest a twin outlet unit? my entire system has over 8 components to plug in? are you suggesting i plug the belkin into the hydra or ps audio unit?
more thanks to everyone!

See PS Audio's Premiere power regenerator and save yourself all the electrian/contractor hassles. See the abundant reviews for this unit that takes your wall outlet power and reprocess the output as "perfect" electrical power at rock steady voltage with no discernable distortion. On sale for $1700 if you look hard enough. It's better than any filtering, or house electrical upgrades.

No. i was just thinking entry level... small.. not pricey... to find out if you felt it was a qualified improvement and if so, another step or two up the food chain would then be a more likely move... Rather than going all in on a $500 - $1000, "something or other" you've not tried yet.

There is also the prospect of buying accordingly to the component (s) on hand. Many have difficulty with adding a $1000 power cord to a $500 amp... or even a $1000 amp. I had a lot of trouble justifying such expenses a while back and still do sometimes.

In fact I've got a $1500 power cable on a $1300 power cond. A $900+ pc on a $1200 HT receiver... from time to time... and so forth. Why? 'Cause I can and it sounds better. Dig?

Sure, as I said, all will be different but the flavor of many product lines is visible in much of their products, from the least expensive on up to the more or most, expensive.

While on that PLC/PLF note... I prefer a separation of filters/conditioners... One type for sources and low current components, and another for amps and preamps... when ever possible. but that's just me. it may wind up being I use two identical conds, but with different supply cords, as the only difference. Well... it works for me.

Many folks do have success with the 'one size fits all' approach. Prefering to use one unit for every component plugged into it.

The poster who prefers not to use the conditioners is not alone. The better the power supply itself feeding the home, and as well, on the power train, amps, or preamps, the lesser the effect the majority of power filters will have upon it/them.. usually. Some so called non current limiting units do in fact limit current, BTW. Current limiting cmoes off as restricted dynamic thrust. The overall effect however may wind up being simply a trade off, and the result can be one of improved sound, regardless.

I agree too, that power cable upgrades are a just about necessity and a slam dunk easy enough place to begin. All alone, you should realize noticeable gains then and there.

Natuarlly results can and do vary... and again, why I said "wade in, rather than dive in head over heels" right off spending money unecessarily.

Everything matters. Systems are a mix, a concoction, or stew if you will, add different things to the same stock and you'll wind up with something different each time.

BTW... This is my exp... not simply my advice. I began with a set of power cords, then others, then PS Audio plc, then a Hydra.. then isolation, rack, and somewhere just lost my mind and went a whole different route when things were the best I'd ever had! So just have fun and good luck.

Clear as muc now?