Power Cable or Power Conditioner?

Hello: It is my belief that a direct connection (with a quality power cord) to an AC wall outlet is the best method --this is particularly true I feel for power amplifiers. The caveat here is that, ideally we would have 2 or 3 seperate AC lines (on the same electrical phase from the electrical box) in which we could connect our audio equipment. Naturally, some of us (including myself) reside in an apartment with limited AC outlets and questionable AC quality. Which brings me to my suggestion; simply try a power extender strip with detachable AC inlet--(Wireworld electrifier about $50 or PS Audio --$200). Purchase a decent power cord (XLO PL-1500, approx. $150, or Kimber PK-14 also about $150) to connect the outlet strip and then plug all of your components into the power bar-extender starting with the highest power cosumption component first (amplifier), then preamplifier etc. If at all possible, try connecting any digital component into a seperate AC outlet. CD player's/DAC's really do put a lot of noise back into the AC line.

From my experience, power conditioners/surge protectors tend to "soften" the sound too much --impairing transparency, focus, clarity and dynamics.

peter jasz.

I would recommend picking up a high quality used power conditioner first. You can find a used AudioPrism Power Foundation II or III in your price range used and start from there. Its like buying good cords for all your components at once. Then you can upgrade your cords when you can afford too. I bet you won't go back to stock again! :)

I don't know where you live but in most places the power company doesn't consider voltage fluctuations of twenty volts to be excessive. Your equiment will work under these conditions but it will be handicapped by what's coming in the wall.
I know it's not what you want to hear but I think you will be much better off to bite the bullet and go for the ps audio P300. Regardless of what comes in the house the ps audio will constantly supply you with the power you need. I don't know enough about the Monster power conditioners. I looked at them once at a stereo shop but wasn't impressed by them or the salesman. I'm not sure the perform the same function.
Actually I built another power cord yesterday. I only needed a four footer and I calculated the cost to be about $46. I've seen and heard a lot of power cords and I know you would have to spend over $200 to better these cords.

In your price range, the Tice Solo AV is a great product. I would start there and then try some cords as your budget permits, as the cost of three decent cords will add up fast.

I second the above. Get an A/V Solo and as soon as you can get the power amp out of there. I bought a Tice PC3 power cord for my power amp and the difference is HUGE!

The A/V Solo is really good but it's definitely entry level. I use two isolation transformers in series for my digital. One is plugged to the Solo's digital outlet and harbors my CDP and another transformer which in turn isolates my DAC. It works wonders.