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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
sutts
699 posts
 
Psychic- I ALSO use the Tice Solo A/V, but only plug my TV into it- I then plug the Solo into a Tice Powerblock IIIC Signature (as well as all other gear). I agree- the Solo on its own may be limited, but in the chain with the other one, it's a different story...
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
My A/V Solo is going to end up front with the video gear (DVD, VCR, Proton 600T Preamp/Video Tuner, 27" Sony WEGA). I definitely plan to plug it into something to take care of primary filtration. Whether it turns out to be a Richard Gray, a balanced power transformer, a voltage regulator, De Zorel, etc. is for me to find out...I'll take my time to figure out what will work best.

It seems the Tice doesn't like to see heavy loads...

I will try the Power Var isolation transformer in conjunction with the Vans Evers Reference 12's. If they work signifiantly better than the Tice I will purchase a second Power Var (one for digital, one for analog). I would then upgrade the built-in filtration units, perhaps with those published by Jon Risch in his website. That would free the Solo for up front video & amplification work and to move my Proton amp close to the speakers. I currently have 28 ft runs of CAT5 and silver plated copper, not exactly a desirable situation, but cheap through The Home Depot. Filtration for the power amp would be the following upgrade.

Just one day at a time...
islandflyfisher
94 posts
 
Psychicanimal:

My 2-channel system consists of:

Cal Audio Alpha/Delta DAC Transport
Jeff Rowland Coherence One
Parasound 2200
Thiel 22's
Rel Stadium III
Richard Gray S400
Straightwire Maestro II Interconnects
Straingtwire Maestro II Speaker Cables

My power is probably a bit cleaner than yours. I live in a somewhat rural area and have dedicated 20 amp circuits for my amp, sub, and sources.
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