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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
mdomnick OP
332 posts
 
Budrew,

I am currently using the Monster Power Center Ref 5000, which I upgraded from a lower model (I forget which). I can't really comment on the differences between the two, I didn't really do a side-by-side, however the lower model does get better reviews. The 5000 model definitly has some cool feature that I will miss when the Cinepro arrives, but I know performance will also be better. I recommend the 5000 if you can buy it used, but it is not worth the $600 retail tag. FYI: I will be posting my 5000 for sale today...I'll be asking $350 because I want it to sell fast (I've seen them used for $400). Its mint, and I have all original everything. Look for it on audioshopper.com.

Look at equi-power.com for great info why "the source" IS indeed the problem and how it got that way.
aroc
760 posts
 
The monster hts2000 can be found for as little as a $100+shipping new. You don't have to pay $200 for it. Goto http://shopping.yahoo.com and search for "hts2000" or "hts-2000". You should get a bunch of hits in the low 100s for the HTS2000.

FYI, I run a VansEvers model 85.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I'm using 3 Foundation Research in-line power conditioners built in Canada by Ed Wolkow. Two LC-1 models for the pre and the source. And one LC-2 model for the amp. They replace the power cord (hence the term in-line).

I've experienced a vast inprovement in soundstaging (more 3d), sibilants, and much lowered noise floor. When I finally installed the last FR LC unit, it was like an extra synergy took place. Not sure how to explain it, but I had been told that once all components have their own in-line conditioner, that something special occurs. It did.

-John
hager_charles
51 posts
 
None of the above. Go with the Richard Gray Power Company.... Many power conditioners actually filter out the unwanted energy, thereby reducing the amount of power that one can draw from a circuit.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
What is your rig, Charles? I would like to know more about the Richard Gray. However, their explanation on how it works is totally bogus, according to knowledable people...

This has been discussed in the Asylum if you're interested.
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