Power Conditioners: Myth, Magic, or Necessary

I was very happy with my audio system. Balanced, beautiful sound, the whole deal. Then I purchased an Audio Magic Stealth Power Purifier. Why? Because it was there, and I read a lot of good press. Now I am even happier. I'm always happy with my sound. I just want to be a little happier, if I can afford it. If you didn't hear a difference with your PCs, that doesn't mean what you think it means about PCs. Maybe they are not doing the job. You may hear the difference with another set. I cannot imagine that you will not hear a difference with the Stealth. The differences it makes in my system are dramatic.

There are a LOT of variables in such a situation:

1) Some equipment is less susceptible to changes in AC delivery due to design and parts used. For instance, a unit that has an iron core ( rather than toroidal ) transformer "should" offer "blacker backgrounds". A unit that has bypass caps on the main filter caps should offer less voltage ripple and a "blacker background". A unit that has snubber caps across the rectifiers should offer a "blacker background". A unit that uses "high grade" rectifiers should offer a "blacker background". All of these simple tricks add up to a more natural, cleaner and more dynamic presentation. The effects are "additive" as they can all work together to improve the system to an even greater extent than if you did just one or two of them individually. Each design change / modification would make the unit in question less sensitive to the AC coming into it. Obviously, there are different combo's of the above that will vary the level of AC isolation involved. Needless to say, all of the above "tweaks" add up to making a more expensive product.

2) Some designs have a poor design / parts layout / parts selection.. Due to internal impedances, improving the power delivery prior to the unit may not make any difference at all. This is kind of like trying to put racing fuel into a "beater" that has no compression and timing that is way out of whack. No benefit what so ever.

3) Some units have line filtration built into them from the factory. This can vary in degree and effectiveness, but it would tend to minimize or at least reduce the effectiveness of filters closer to the AC source. In some instances, putting two filters in series can create a different tuning / slope rate and make things worse or at least "very different". It is also possible to find a combo that works synergistically ( hmmm... i wonder how they came up with THAT name ) where the parts total is greater than any of the parts on an individual basis.

4) Most "high end" power cords are nothing but "snake oil" with phenomenally high profit margins. They do nothing in terms of added filtration. Their main "claim to fame" could be that of lowered series resistance and increased current capacity. While they can slightly alter the impedance of the circuit, most are not designed to do so to any great extent. This would require special geometries, additional electrical parts and / or a combo of the above.

5) Given point 4, other power cords of differing design may / may not make any difference within the confines of your system. Much of this would be both component based and AC system based. Nothing is set in stone as there are WAY too many variables involved from component to component and the AC service ( in terms of types and quantities of noise ) being delivered. Sean
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Enrewold: Ok, you must know,things are just so much better in Chatsworth.I see you have no affiliation with the travel bureau for your area.??

Any way seems you should have spent that 800 somewhere else.--You tried these cords elsewhere-- the cd player ? the pre? You might have better results using them there.--What speakers do you have? If the cords don't help;no matter where you use them--don't bother with conditioners.

Hi
Any power conditioner, cable or transformer (like torriadial transformers) that contain ferrite, sound grainy

Most of my customers have sold off their PC's and conditioners.

They can tighten up the sound a small amount but at what cost?

mike

Congratulations Ernewald! You live in a area where the electricity is as pure and clear as the skies. (no sarcasm intended) I agree with Tireguy, if there are no differences heard with upgraded PCs, why use them. I am also a fan of Cords and Conditioners. I will add one more unit to the mix, since I have not heard anyone mention. I currently use the Tice Solo Power Conditioner and the Tice Solo Enhancer.
The Tice Enhancer has no filters nor can it remove anomalies or spikes and surges from the power. What it improves, is the depth and dimension of your soundstage. You have heard of cryogenics I'm sure, where a material gets frozen. Tice uses the complete opposite technology. Tice uses High Current Electricity to treat thier component materials.

I have my DAC, DIP, Transport, and Power Conditioner plugged into the Enhancer. My Amps are plugged into the Power Conditioner. I have tried many combos and this worked the best on my system.

I mention this passive unit as a tweak instead of Power Conditioners that you may not have a need for.