Do power conditioners really help?

I tried numerous power conditioners and did not have too much luck with them. The inserted the PS Audio PowerPlant in front of my CD Player and Preamp. I bought it used, thinking I'd be selling it in a few days, but it's amazing and will stay. More clarity and more defined bass were the major improvements. The other thing is that my power amp is on a dedicated circuit, which made for better dynamics.

Niels.

Some power conditioners work in some systems and some power conditioners don't work in other systems and some power conditioners don't work at all and some systems don't work at all.

Now that I've cleared that up...

If you have a high quality power conditioner and a good to excellent high-end system, the chances are very good that you will become quite excited at what a good high quality power conditioner can do for the sonic improvements of your already good to excellent high-end system.

I'm using Foundation Research LC-1 in-line power conditioner's for my source and my pre and an LC-2 in-line pc for my amp. The improvements are very good and I already have 3 dedicated lines for each component.

If your not going to spend at least $1000, I'd say put the $$$ in dedicated power lines (20 amp) and maybe pick up some after market power cords. If/when you decide to spend the money, I'd look at the folowing:
*Cinepro (expensive, but I am now a believer in balanced AC)
*Dezorel (new to the USA, but suppose to be good stuff)
*VanEvers (suppose to be good, and resonably priced)
*Tice Model IIIC (suppose to be good...I've heard good and bad things of Tice's older models)
*Eqi-Power (wrote the book on balanced AC, but EXPENSIVE)
*PS Audio Power Plants (suppose to do wonders in 90% of all gear, but very expensive if powering lots of gear)

Monster makes nice high end SURGE SUPRESSORS. I wouldn't say they are wonderful "line conditioners" but if you dont want to spend $1000, check em out...reviews at: www.audioreview.com

I have just decided to go with CinePro from Monster. Haven't gotten te unit yet, but would be happy to send my review...email me if you want to hear me rant some more.

They sucked the air right out of my audio system! I have tried the Grey stuff, various Monster products, as well as MIT. They all to some worsening degree, degraded my audio only set up. I have 3 dedicated lines and now only use the Sonoran Plateau power cords.I am not a videophile so my statements may not apply to video projectors or plasma tv.If you think you may want to use a conditioner make sure you try before you buy. Your best bet is to first put in one or more dedicated lines wired with high quality cable,receptacles and separate grouunds. Remember it all comes out of the wall first.

Maybe "Theaudiotweak" should try a Custom Power Cord Company
Top Gun Power block and their Model 11 power cords. I did.
I will never be sorry. I tried them all and felt the same as Theaudiotweak, i tried PS audio, monster, chang, audioprism and the CPCC top gun was the first that did not degrade the sound at all. It had the Lowest noise floor of them all and opened up the imaging. I only have 1 dedicated 20amp outlet. Call John at audio Connection in NJ 201-239-1799.