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Line Conditioners

I am in the market for a new line conditioner. I have it narrowed down to:

CinePro20
PS Audio Power Director
API Ultra 115
Tice 3C
Vansevers Ref Model

I like what I read about balanced power, but I also like my feature of switched outlets, which no balanced L/C has. I can live without the remote turn on of my system for better sound, but does balanced power KILL products in performance like Tice, PSAudio or Vansevers?

As much as I value opinion, I am interested in fact. Please give some facts based on your experiences with the name brands listed above or other similar products.

The Power Director is intriguing due to its features, but I am putting the finishing touches on my system, and don't want to buy inferior sounding stuff.

My system consists of:
Anthem Amp2
Lexicon Pre
Marantz DVD
Anthem CD
Transparent ICs
Paradigm Ref speakers
Analisys Plus Speaker wire

2-channel is most important to me.

Thanks for your help!!!
mdomnick
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
As far as I know, the De Zorel line conditioners are the only ones that publish any specs. They will begin to be imported in USA within the next few weeks.

I might be sent a copy of their top of the line model for auditioning in my EMI-RFI infested apartment building. They are specifically designed for two channel audio.

www.dezorel.com

(Just in case--I am NOT the importer nor a dealer nor a shareholder or anything like that).
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I had a cinepro 20 and recently sold it. Need some cash for a DAC I wanted to buy. It made a huge difference in my sound quality. I was running BAT preamp, phono, various cd players, sat dish, marantz dvd etc. Even made my LCD project look much better. All the ones you list have good reputations...the cinepro worked great for me.
sutts
700 posts
 
Here's a vote for the Tice- but only the IIIc, because its the transformerless one. Quieter noise floor, vocals snapped into better focus; etc.- however everything went to the next level when I put an Ensemble Isolink power transformer on the HT processor- even more of the same benefits...

I have also used balanced power in the past- an Audio Power Ultra PLC- and can also vouch for benefits as well, however I think you really need to TRY each approach in YOUR system to see what works best.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Contact Knut Ryerson at Conrad Johnson. He is always helpful no matter how old your CJ equipment is. His address is custserv@conradjohnson.com
jameswei
883 posts
 
I have a Tice Signature PB 3C HP. My system sounds just fine. I like the 3C HP's build quality; it's very solidly constructed. I also like its two separate power feeds, so I can plug it into two different wall sockets. It has all the output sockets I need and can support my 500 wpc monoblocks plus all my source components without maxing out on current. I haven't had a lightning strike or catastrophic power spike, so I can't vouch for its protection effectiveness. I haven't been able to discern any benefit from the Tice Power Technology ("TPT") treatment. I haven't listened to any of the other power conditioners you listed. Best Regards.
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